The college basketball offseason is heating up as players face critical decisions regarding their futures. The transfer portal opened following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, with significant names like Kansas’ Flory Bidunga at the forefront of potential transfers. With the NBA Draft class expected to be weaker next year, many players, particularly those on the cusp of the first round, may opt to return for another college season to boost their draft stock. Key stay-or-go decisions will shape several top programs’ strategies moving forward.

By the Numbers
  • Flory Bidunga is ranked No. 29 in CBS Sports' NBA Draft rankings, making him a key player in the transfer portal.
  • Peat shot 53.6% on 2-pointers but only attempted 20 three-pointers in the season.
State of Play
  • The transfer portal opened on April 7 and closes on April 21, with the NBA Draft early entry deadline on April 26.
  • North Carolina’s new coach, Michael Malone, needs to prioritize retaining key players like Veesaar, who shot 42.6% from beyond the arc.
What's Next

As teams assess their rosters, expect intensified recruitment efforts for star players to return and potential pickups from the transfer portal, impacting next season's competitiveness. Programs like Duke and UNC are likely to prioritize retaining crucial players while integrating new talent.

Bottom Line

Key decisions by emerging stars will define college basketball's offseason, with teams needing to balance recruitment and retention strategies to maximize their potential for the upcoming season.