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.
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