Transfer Portal: When Does The Basketball Window Shut?

when does the basketball transfer portal close

The college basketball transfer portal is a window of opportunity for players to transfer to another program. The transfer portal opened on March 24 and closed on April 22 at 9 p.m. Pacific Time. Players such as Gonzaga's Dusty Stromer and Michael Ajayi, who entered the portal during this window, have already committed to new programs.

Characteristics Values
Date the transfer portal opened in 2025 March 24
Date the transfer portal closed in 2025 April 22

shunwild

The NCAA transfer portal opened on March 24

The opening of the transfer portal has seen a significant number of players change teams, with notable moves across college basketball. For example, Howard G Blake Harper, the 2024-25 Mid-Eastern Conference Player of the Year with three more years of eligibility remaining, has entered the portal. Additionally, the son of former NBA star Peja Stojakovic has committed to Illinois after a breakout season at Cal, where he averaged 17.9 points and 4.7 rebounds.

Another notable transfer is that of Baker-Mazara, who will spend his final season of college eligibility at USC. Baker-Mazara was a key player for Auburn, starting 34 games and averaging 12.3 points per game. His transfer means that Auburn's entire starting five from its Final Four team has moved on.

The transfer portal has also impacted specific teams significantly. For instance, Gonzaga has lost several players to the portal, including Dusty Stromer, who has committed to the Grand Canyon Lopes, and Michael Ajayi, who will play for the Butler Bulldogs. These transfers present opportunities for other players to step up and fill key roles for the Bulldogs.

The NCAA transfer portal opening on March 24 has certainly shaken up the college basketball landscape, with numerous players exploring new opportunities. As the transfer cycle continues, we can expect more players to enter the portal and make commitments, shaping the rosters of teams across college basketball.

shunwild

Gonzaga transfer Dusty Stromer commits to Grand Canyon Lopes

The transfer portal for college basketball players opened on March 24, and Gonzaga transfer Dusty Stromer was one of the first players to enter. Stromer, a 6-foot-6 sophomore guard, has committed to play for the Grand Canyon Lopes (also known as the Antelopes) for the upcoming season. Stromer announced his commitment on Instagram, posting a picture of himself in a Grand Canyon jersey with the caption, "Let’s workkkkk😈."

Stromer is a highly-touted recruit who chose Gonzaga over other top programs in 2023. He was ranked as the No. 47 recruit in his class by 247Sports Composite and was ESPN's No. 34 recruit in the nation. During his two years at Gonzaga, Stromer appeared in 69 out of 70 games, making 15 starts. His playing time and productivity dipped in his sophomore season, where he averaged 4.3 points and 2.1 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game.

The Grand Canyon Lopes are coming off their third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. They won the WAC Tournament last season but were knocked out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Maryland. Stromer will be joining a talented team that went 26-8 overall and 13-3 in Western Athletic Conference play last season.

Stromer was one of three Gonzaga Bulldogs to enter the transfer portal this offseason, along with Jun Seok Yeo and Michael Ajayi. He is the first of the three to commit to a new school.

shunwild

Gonzaga walk-on Graydon Lemke enters the transfer portal

The transfer portal in college basketball is a relatively new concept, allowing players to move between programmes. The 2025 transfer portal opened on March 24 and will close on April 22. In the short time since it opened, over 1,700 players have entered.

Gonzaga walk-on forward, Graydon Lemke, has become one of those players. The 6-foot-10, 190-pound freshman from Las Vegas joined Gonzaga ahead of the 2024-25 season but didn't make an appearance for the team, redshirting instead. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.

Lemke announced his decision on social media, saying:

> "My time at Gonzaga has been an incredible chapter of my life — one filled with growth, unforgettable experiences and lifelong relationships. I'm beyond grateful to the coaching staff, my teammates, the training staff and everyone involved with the program. Being a Zag meant everything to me. During my time here, I took full advantage of every opportunity to develop both on and off the court."

Lemke is the fourth player from Gonzaga's 2024-25 roster to enter the transfer portal, joining forwards Michael Ajayi and Jun Seok Yeo, and guard Dusty Stromer.

shunwild

Junior forward Jun Seok Yeo opts to transfer

The college basketball transfer portal opened on March 24 and closed on April 22 at 9 pm Pacific Time. In the 2025-26 offseason, Gonzaga lost its second player, as junior forward Jun Seok Yeo opted to transfer. Yeo's role at Gonzaga had diminished over the past year. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged just over four minutes per game in 14 appearances and scored 1.6 points per game. This was a decrease from the previous season (2023-24), when he played in 25 games, averaging nearly seven minutes and scoring 2.3 points per game.

Yeo's decision to transfer may have been influenced by the desire to secure more playing time and contribute more significantly to his team's performance. It is important for athletes to continuously evaluate their opportunities and make decisions that align with their goals and aspirations. Transferring to a different program can offer a fresh start and the chance to maximize their potential.

The transfer portal allows college basketball players the flexibility to explore new academic and athletic opportunities. In the case of Yeo, entering the transfer portal provides him with the chance to find a program that better suits his skills and goals. It is a tool that empowers student-athletes to take control of their athletic careers and make informed decisions about their future.

The transfer portal has become an integral part of college basketball, with many players entering and committing to new programs each year. It is a dynamic process that allows for roster changes and the development of new team strategies. For coaches, the transfer portal presents both challenges and opportunities, as they work to fill roster spots and create competitive teams.

As the transfer portal continues to shape the landscape of college basketball, it is important for players like Yeo to carefully consider their options and make well-informed decisions. The ability to transfer provides student-athletes with increased mobility and the chance to pursue their athletic and academic ambitions at different institutions.

shunwild

The transfer portal closed on April 22

The transfer portal for the 2025-26 basketball season officially closed on Tuesday, April 22, at 9 pm Pacific Time. Gonzaga's Ben Gregg entered the portal about an hour before the deadline, becoming the fourth Zag to do so this offseason.

The transfer window was open for approximately one month, having opened on Monday, March 24. During this time, more than 1,700 players entered the portal, with many already committing to new programs. Even after the transfer portal closed, some players continued to trickle in as late as June.

The closing of the transfer portal marks the end of a busy period of player movement, with many athletes taking advantage of the opportunity to explore new academic and athletic opportunities. The portal has become an integral part of the basketball landscape, allowing players to pursue new challenges and find the best fit for their careers.

The deadline of April 22 served as a critical date for both players and teams, providing a clear endpoint to the transfer cycle and allowing all parties to plan for the upcoming season. With the portal now closed, the focus shifts to the upcoming season and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for players, coaches, and fans alike.

Frequently asked questions

The transfer portal closed on Tuesday, April 22, at 9 p.m. Pacific Time.

The transfer portal opened on Monday, March 24.

While the official transfer portal closed on April 22, players can still enter the portal as late as June.

The transfer portal allows college basketball players to transfer to a new program.

The transfer cycle refers to the period when the transfer portal is open, allowing players to enter and commit to new programs.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment