The basketball portal window is closed, so teams across the country should have an idea of who all is available in the transfer market. There is, however, a monkey wrench that has the potential to cause all kinds of turmoil. That is a new rule that creates a “5 to play 5” eligibility rule. Essentially, it tries to simplify the eligibility rules. Instead of having to make decisions around redshirting, or dealing with injury or hardship waivers, it just says an athlete has five years of eligibility, which lasts for five years.
The big issue is that if it gets passed next month (when it is scheduled for a vote), it is unclear how that could impact players who have just completed their fourth year, and could be grandfathered in. For example, WVU’s Honor Huff has exhausted his four years of eligibility, but it was spread over five years, so he would not gain an extra year. But Brenan Lorient and Jaspar Floyd used up their eligibility in four years, so they could potentially gain an extra year. (Floyd is actually one of several players in that situation who entered the transfer portal in case that happens). So coaches and schools may suddenly have a large number of experienced players suddenly eligible for one more year. Would there be a temporary roster limit adjustment? That question means that some teams may want to keep a spot or two open.
Regardless, both WVU basketball teams appear to be doing a solid job of rebuilding. The men’s team has added four transfers, and two high school recruits to the three high school recruits already announced. The latest transfer is Martin Somerville, a guard from Florida State.
He will probably come off the bench, but it looks like he would be expected to provide some quality minutes. The high school recruits are Keonte Greybear from Texas, who is rated at 3 or 4 stars, depending on the recruiting service. He picked WVU over several Big 12 schools, and Texas A&M. He is another quality guard who could provide good minutes. The second recruit is yet another player from Bella Vista High School (the same as Miles Sadler). He is Amadou Seini, originally from Cameroon. He is 7-1 (yes, seven feet, one inch tall). At the FIBA U19 World Cup tournament, he set a tourney record by averaging 15.4 rebounds per game. He also can serve as a rim protector who can either block shots, or alter them.
The women’s team is adding a lot of quality as well, and they appear to be good fits. He has a pair of players from George Mason (ZaZa Walton and Kennedy Harris). Both average double figure points, and both had about 2 steals per game. He has added a pair of players from Pitt, including a former 5-star recruit (Nylah Wilson). He has added some much needed height with 6-3 Khyala Ngodu from UCF, and 6-2 Skylar Forbes from Marquette, who is the highest rated transfer for Mark Kellogg.
