URGENT UPDATE: Mid-major college basketball coaches are urgently adapting to a shifting landscape as players increasingly transfer to high-major programs. At the Peach Jam basketball camp in North Augusta, South Carolina, Tulane coach Ron Hunter revealed a revealing exchange with an SEC peer, highlighting the growing trend of mid-major schools becoming launchpads for aspiring elite athletes.
Hunter described how his successful development of players, including former Duke star Sion James, led to an unexpected compliment from a high-major coach: “Ron, you’re doing a hell of a job… getting kids ready for our level.” This interaction underscores the challenges and opportunities facing mid-major coaches today.
The trend is stark: last season, three of the AP All-Americans, including Mark Sears (Alabama) and Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida), started their careers at mid-major institutions. With nearly 60% of players on high-major first- and second-team selections having transferred from mid-major schools, the landscape is changing rapidly.
Developing Insight: More mid-major coaches are recognizing the importance of embracing their role in this new ecosystem. Andy Kennedy, head coach at UAB, reported a staggering 15 players left his team after a successful season, opting for opportunities at major programs. Rather than lamenting these departures, Kennedy is proactively marketing UAB as a stepping stone to success, utilizing a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the financial benefits of transferring.
“Adapt or die, bro,” Kennedy told ESPN, emphasizing that innovation is crucial for survival in today’s competitive college basketball environment. He acknowledges the financial limitations of non-Power 5 schools but insists on making the most of the resources available.
The introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals in 2021 has further transformed the landscape, providing financial incentives that mid-major programs struggle to match. Reports indicate that top players at high-major programs can earn upwards of $2.9 million annually, creating a stark contrast for mid-major athletes.
As mid-major coaches like Sundance Wicks of Wyoming propose a collaborative approach akin to a minor league system, they seek to turn player transfers from a risk into an opportunity for mutual benefit. Wicks suggests forming partnerships between mid-major and high-major schools to facilitate player growth while maintaining competitive integrity.
Despite recognizing the potential benefits, not all coaches are comfortable with this shift. Drew Valentine, coach at Loyola Chicago, expressed frustration over high-major coaches courting his players before the transfer portal officially opens, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced in this evolving environment.
“I respect the drive of mid-major prospects who hope to play at a higher level,” Valentine said, “but if a player approaches me about using Loyola as a stepping stone, I’ll advise them to look elsewhere.”
As the NCAA transfer portal continues to change the game, many mid-major programs are finding ways to pitch their unique values. Coaches highlight opportunities for leadership and personal growth, as well as the chance to graduate from prestigious institutions with strong alumni networks.
In a time of uncertainty, mid-major coaches are called to innovate and adapt. With the financial dynamics of college athletics shifting, the future of these programs hangs in the balance. As Ron Hunter summed up, “I had nothing to say to him. I didn’t know whether to say thank you or to get pissed at him. But he was right.”
With the NCAA landscape evolving, the question remains: How will mid-major programs navigate this new reality while continuing to attract top talent? The conversation around this urgent issue is just beginning, and the implications for players and coaches alike could reshape college basketball for years to come.