Used to be, a transfer from one Mountain West school to another required a basketball player to sit out the requisite season by NCAA rules … and an additional one by conference rules.The NCAA changed its rules two years ago, allowing a free one-time transfer across Division I for football and basketball players without a redshirt season. Then the Mountain West altered its rules to reflect that.That permitted freedom of movement. The next step was finding players willing to move.
There are plenty to choose from. Every program in the 11-school league except SDSU, Boise State and San Jose State has had at least one starter enter the portal since it opened March 13 and approaching 20 total. “Some have already committed,” said Dutcher, whose staff was at a disadvantage during its deep NCAA Tournament run, still preparing for games while their counterparts were solely focused on recruiting. “We thought we might get a visit, and then they made one visit and committed. It moves, so we have to move at that pace.”
“You know their games better than anyone else,” Dutcher said. “You play against them, you scout them, you really know deep down what their strengths and weaknesses are. It’s an advantage for them, too, because they know what they’re getting into. They know the environment is, they’ve played against you, they know how you play.It could make for some awkward moments next season. Not all conference coaches approve of the rule change.
The bright, well-spoken Allick has one year of eligibility left and hinted this decision would be more about Xs and Os than dollar signs.