No. 2 Alabama will take on UNC Asheville at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on November 4, 2024. The game is scheduled for 9 PM EDT, and fans can catch it via FuboTV or DirecTV Stream’s free trial.
In collegiate basketball, roster changes have become commonplace, with players frequently transferring for better opportunities, including lucrative name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. KJ Adams Jr of Kansas has observed significant turnover in his team, playing alongside 32 different teammates during his tenure. The landscape has shifted, with nearly 700 players transferring five years ago, compared to this last offseason, where the numbers tripled due to additional eligibility granted during the pandemic.
Coaches are adapting to this reality, as seen with John Calipari’s recent recruitment strategies at Arkansas after 13 players left the program. Building a short-term roster is easier than cultivating a long-term program, highlighted by the struggles experienced by coaches like Tony Bennett of Virginia, who retired seeking a return to traditional recruiting methods.
While some teams maintain most of their players and use the portal to enhance their roster, the current trend illustrates a shifting norm. Baylor’s coach, Scott Drew, acknowledges the fluidity of teams with constant transitions year-to-year, all while awaiting future NCAA regulations.