Transferring to a D2 college basketball team can be an excellent opportunity for players looking for more playing time, a better fit, or a second chance at continuing their basketball careers. Whether you’re coming from JUCO, NAIA, D3, or another D2 program, understanding how to navigate the transfer process is essential.
If you’re searching for ways to find a D2 college basketball team to transfer to, College Basketball Openings can help you connect with coaches actively recruiting transfer players.
This guide will walk you through the process of transferring to a D2 basketball program and maximizing your chances of securing a roster spot.
🔒 No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Trusted by athletes, parents and coaches every month.
.
🏀 How College Basketball Openings Helps You Find a D2 College Basketball Team to Transfer To
✅ Instant Access to Transfer Openings – See which D2 programs need transfers.
✅ Position-Specific Listings – Find teams actively recruiting players at your position.
✅ Updated Transfer Opportunities – Stay informed about new transfer needs.
✅ Direct Coach Contact – Connect with D2 coaches looking for transfers.
💡 Tip: Instead of blindly entering the transfer portal, use College Basketball Openings to find schools actively searching for transfers like you.
🔍 1. Understand the D2 Transfer Rules
📌 The NCAA has specific rules for transferring between schools.
✅ NCAA Transfer Portal: If you are transferring from another NCAA school, you must enter the NCAA Transfer Portal to be recruited by other programs.
✅ JUCO to D2 Transfers: JUCO players can transfer immediately if they complete their associate degree.
✅ Grad Transfers: Players who graduate can transfer without restrictions and play immediately.
✅ D2 to D2 Transfers: You may have to sit out one year unless you receive a transfer waiver.
💡 Tip: Check with your current school’s compliance office before entering the portal to avoid eligibility issues.
📩 2. Use College Basketball Openings to Find Transfer-Friendly D2 Programs
📌 Not all D2 schools recruit heavily from the transfer portal—target the right ones.
✅ Find programs actively searching for transfers through College Basketball Openings.
✅ Look for roster needs (e.g., teams that lost players to graduation or transfers).
✅ Contact coaches directly—many D2 teams don’t publicly advertise their transfer needs.
✅ Be open to different conferences—a great opportunity might be outside your current region.
💡 Tip: Act quickly! The best D2 transfer spots fill up fast.
🎥 3. Have a Strong Transfer Highlight Tape
📌 Your film is your most important recruiting tool.
✅ Keep it short (3-5 minutes) and showcase your best plays first.
✅ Highlight your strengths – Scoring, defense, passing, and basketball IQ.
✅ Use real game footage – Avoid slow-motion effects or unnecessary music.
✅ Upload your video to YouTube or Hudl and include the link in your outreach emails.
💡 Tip: A well-edited highlight tape can make a coach interested in you immediately.
🔥 4. Reach Out to D2 Coaches and Programs
📌 Most transfers don’t get picked up because they don’t market themselves effectively.
✅ Use College Basketball Openings to find D2 teams looking for transfers.
✅ Send personalized emails – Mention why you’re a great fit for their program.
✅ Include your highlight tape, stats, GPA, and contact info.
✅ Follow up within 7-10 days if you don’t get a response.
💡 Tip: Coaches prefer transfers who fill a specific need, so emphasize how you can contribute immediately.
📚 5. Maintain NCAA Academic Eligibility
📌 You must meet NCAA academic requirements to transfer and play immediately.
✅ Minimum 2.2 GPA for eligibility in most D2 schools.
✅ Must be in good academic standing at your current school.
✅ JUCO transfers must have their associate degree to qualify for immediate D2 eligibility.
✅ Grad transfers must complete their undergraduate degree before transferring.
💡 Tip: If you are a JUCO or NAIA transfer, higher grades can make you a more attractive recruit.
📅 6. Stay Ready for Last-Minute D2 Transfer Openings
📌 Unexpected D2 roster openings happen every year.
✅ Players transfer out, creating new opportunities for incoming transfers.
✅ Some D2 programs fill transfer spots late in the process.
✅ College Basketball Openings provides real-time updates on D2 teams looking for transfers.
💡 Tip: Even if it’s late in the recruiting cycle, you may still find a D2 team looking for transfers.
🚀 Take Control of Your D2 Transfer Today
Finding a D2 college basketball team to transfer to doesn’t have to be difficult. With College Basketball Openings, you can connect with recruiting coaches, track open roster spots, and increase your chances of landing a spot at the D2 level.
✅ Next Step: Use College Basketball Openings to start contacting D2 basketball programs looking for transfers today!
💡 Take charge of your recruitment journey and find your next opportunity at a D2 college basketball program!
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT COLLEGE BASKETBALL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION
Understanding the Transfer Portal Key: Player Ratings Explained
The transfer portal key provides a concise explanation of various indicators related to player evaluations. Here’s a breakdown of what each element highlights:
- High School Rating (HS): This metric reflects the player’s performance and potential as evaluated during high school. It’s a comprehensive score that scouts and analysts use as a baseline.
- Transfer Rating (T): This score assesses the player’s current status and potential as they look to transition to a new team. It may differ from the high school rating based on the player’s growth and achievements since leaving high school.
- Trend Indicator (↑): This arrow symbolizes whether a player’s rating has improved since their high school days. An upward trend can indicate enhanced skills, growth, or standout performances.
- Transfer Journey (From → To): Illustrates the player’s movement from one institution to another. This gives insight into their career trajectory and strategic choices.
- Enrollment Status: Specifies whether the player has secured a spot at the receiving institution, confirming their transfer is officially recognized.
The key serves as a quick-reference guide to understand player capabilities and their development over time, providing invaluable context for recruiters, fans, and analysts alike.
What are the different status options for players in the transfer portal?
When navigating the transfer portal, players can find themselves categorized under various status options. Here’s a breakdown of the different statuses you might encounter:
- All: This status includes every player currently in the portal, regardless of their specific situation.
- Committed: Players labeled as committed have pledged to join a new team but have not yet enrolled.
- Enrolled: These individuals have officially started at their new institution and are no longer just prospective team members.
- Available: Players in this category are actively seeking new opportunities and have not committed to another team yet.
- Withdrawn: This status is given to those who have decided to remove themselves from the portal and potentially return to their original team or other pursuits.
Understanding these categories can help clarify a player’s journey through the transfer process.
When does the transfer portal open and close for the year 2025?
The transfer portal for the year 2025 is scheduled to open on March 17th. If you’re planning to make a move, you have until April 30th to complete the process.
This timeframe is your window of opportunity, so make sure to have everything in place well before the deadline. Whether you’re a student-athlete or involved in coordinating transfers, knowing these dates is crucial for a smooth transition.
How are updates to the transfer portal presented?
When updates are made to the transfer portal, they are organized by date, starting with the most recent. Each update is presented under a header that specifies the date of that entry. Here’s a breakdown of how these updates are typically structured:
Date Headers: Each section begins with a bold or prominent header indicating the date of the updates. This allows readers to quickly scan for changes on specific days.
Player Listings: Under each date, players are listed individually. The listing includes key details about each player, such as:
- Name: The player’s full name is displayed prominently.
- Position & Height/Weight: Abbreviations are often used to denote the player’s position, height, and weight (e.g., HSPF 6-7/225 for a high school power forward who is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds).
- Status: This indicates whether the player is committed, entered, withdrawn, etc.
- Crystal Ball Percentage: When available, a percentage may indicate the likelihood of the player’s next move or destination.
- Date of Commitment or Change: The specific date the player made their commitment or status change is noted next to their information.
Special Changes: Sometimes a player might appear multiple times in different statuses if their situation has changed within a single day. This is carefully noted to ensure clarity.
This format ensures that updates are clear, comprehensive, and easy to follow, making it simple for readers to track progress and changes over time.
How frequently is the player data and information updated in the Division II NCAA Men’s Basketball transfer portal?
Player data and information in the Division 2 NCAA Men’s Basketball transfer portal are refreshed on a daily basis. This ensures that all updates regarding transfers are current and accessible every day. Users can rely on this consistent schedule for the latest player movements and information, providing a trustworthy resource for those tracking collegiate basketball transfers.
What is the Division 2 NCAA Men’s Basketball Transfer Portal Dashboard
The Division 2 NCAA Men’s Basketball transfer portal dashboard is a comprehensive resource designed to keep you informed about the movement of players. It provides updated details every day, ensuring you have the latest insights at your fingertips.
What You’ll Find:
- Player Profiles: Discover in-depth information about each player entering or exiting the portal. This includes statistics, playing history, and personal details that could influence their transfer decisions.
- Transfer Activity: Stay on top of recent transfers with real-time updates about which players have declared their intentions to move and to which schools they are considering transitioning.
- Trends and Analysis: Gain a strategic advantage by accessing analyses on player movement patterns, helping you understand overarching transfer trends within Division 2 NCAA Men’s Basketball.
- Search and Filtering Tools: Easily locate specific players or teams using powerful search functionalities that allow for refined filtering based on your interests and needs.
This dashboard is your hub for everything related to player transfers in Division 2 NCAA Men’s Basketball, providing essential data to keep you informed and engaged with the sport.
Notable Recent Transfer Portal Commitments and Entries Class 2025
The transfer portal action is heating up, with several high-profile names making moves and top programs securing commitments as we head deeper into the offseason. If you’re tracking potential landing spots or simply want to see where some of the most sought-after talents are headed, here are a few transfer headlines you should know:
- Yaxel Lendeborg — Widely recognized as the nation’s No. 1 transfer target, Lendeborg is off the board, committing to the Michigan Wolverines.
- Jaland Lowe — The former Pittsburgh point guard has pledged his next chapter to Kentucky, reinforcing their backcourt.
- Dishon Jackson — After a season with Iowa State, Jackson will head east, committing to Pittsburgh to shore up their interior presence.
- Xavier Booker — The highly touted forward from Michigan State has announced his commitment to UCLA, adding even more firepower to the Bruins’ front line.
- Henri Veesaar — Arizona transfer and versatile big man, Veesaar, will be suiting up next season for North Carolina.
- Ja’Kobi Gillespie — Maryland’s dynamic guard is taking his game to the SEC, joining Tennessee out of the portal.
- AJ Staton-McCray — The Miami guard recently entered the portal, opening the door for a big pick-up for programs in need of scoring and experience.
- Mo Dioubate — Alabama’s athletic forward is hitting the open market, giving teams size and hustle at the forward spot.
- Taylor Bol Bowen — The former Florida State forward is now headed to Alabama, as Nate Oats continues to add length and versatility.
- Tavion Banks — After a standout stint with Drake, Banks has committed to Iowa, strengthening their forward rotation.
Several other talented players—including Marcus Allen (Missouri), Pharrel Payne (Texas A&M transfer to Maryland), and Naithan George (Georgia Tech to Syracuse)—have also entered the portal or found their new homes.
Stay tuned: With so many last-minute shifts, checking in daily for the latest commitment and portal news can give you an edge, whether you’re a recruit tracking open roster spots or a fan waiting to see how your favorite team reloads for next season.
How many players have entered, committed, or withdrawn from the college basketball transfer portal?
When tracking activity within the transfer portal, you’ll come across three primary figures:
- Players Entered: This reflects the total number of athletes who have entered the transfer portal for the current cycle. For example, you might see 851 players listed as having declared their intention to explore new opportunities.
- Players Committed: Out of those who entered, around 21% have made commitments to join a new school. “Committed” means they’ve announced plans to sign with a specific program, though their enrollment may still be pending.
- Players Withdrawn: Roughly 40% have opted to withdraw from the portal. This typically means players have either decided to stay put, return to their previous team, or pursue a different path altogether.
These numbers provide a snapshot of the dynamic landscape in college basketball, helping coaches, fans, and analysts stay informed about who’s moving, who’s landing new homes, and who’s taking a step back from the transfer process.
Ranking Highlights: Top College Basketball Transfer Portal Players for 2025
Curious about who’s leading the pack in the 2025 men’s college basketball transfer portal? Here’s a snapshot of the highest-ranked and most sought-after players making waves this transfer cycle, based on their current performance, potential upside, and transfer status:
Standout Names at the Top of the Portal
- Yaxel Lendeborg (PF, Pennsauken/Yuma, AZ)
Widely recognized as one of the premier prospects, Lendeborg boasts an elite transfer rating and recently committed to the Michigan Wolverines. His blend of size, skill, and court awareness makes him a game-changer. - Ja’Kobi Gillespie (PG, Greeneville, TN)
A dynamic playmaker with a proven track record, Gillespie ranks near the top and will suit up for Tennessee next season. His NIL value and stats turn heads. - Xavier Booker (PF, Indianapolis, IN)
Having shown substantial growth since high school, Booker’s commitment to UCLA solidifies his spot among the nation’s best transfer options at the forward position. - Henri Veesaar (PF, Tallinn, Estonia)
The versatile forward from Arizona is off to North Carolina, bringing his international experience and strong post presence to the Tar Heels. - Mookie Cook (SF, Jefferson, OR)
As a high-rated small forward, Cook has drawn attention for his athleticism and ability to contribute on both ends.
Other Notables Rounding Out the List
- Ernest Udeh Jr. (C, Orlando, FL)
A dominant big man, Udeh is valued for his rim protection and rebounding ability and is now committed to a new program seeking frontcourt depth. - Tre White (SF, Los Angeles, CA)
White is known for his scoring punch and recently found his next home after a standout campaign at Prolific Prep. - Jaland Lowe (PG, Missouri City, TX)
Former Pittsburgh guard, Lowe, is now Kentucky’s latest addition—expect playmaking fireworks. - Taylor Bol Bowen (SF, Jericho, VT)
After time at Florida State, Bowen is Alabama-bound, adding length and versatility to Nate Oats’ roster. - Jaiden Brownell, Eddie Lampkin, Ugnius Jarusevicius, and more
Numerous other high-potential transfers—from established veterans to promising underclassmen—are also populating the rankings, with many already committed and others still weighing offers.
Quick Notes on Status
Most top prospects have already committed to their new homes, while a handful remain open for recruitment, marked as “Entered” in the portal. Updates are rolling in daily, so keep an eye on the evolving list if you’re tracking programs or players on the move.
Stay informed and proactive—the transfer portal is a dynamic landscape, and today’s ranking leaders could be tomorrow’s program cornerstones!
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Values in the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal isn’t just about fresh faces and new jerseys—it’s also a landscape shaped by players’ growing marketability. The NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era means players can now earn substantial compensation based on their star power. Here’s a snapshot of NIL values tied to some of the most notable portal entrants and commits this cycle:
- Yaxel Lendeborg, power forward and one of the highest-ranked names on the market, commands an estimated NIL value of $2.3 million. His commitment to Michigan is as lucrative as it is headline-grabbing.
- Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a dynamic guard from Maryland headed to Tennessee, has an NIL value hovering around $1.6 million—a testament to his national profile and on-court skill set.
- Other top-tier players, like Ernest Udeh Jr. and Xavier Booker, may not have public NIL figures listed but are considered valuable targets due to their reputations and transferable marketing appeal.
Generally, most athletes in the portal see a wide range in NIL values—from five-figure deals for developing role players to six- or seven-figure projections for blue chips and proven scorers. These numbers reflect more than stats; social media impact, previous accolades, and the marketing opportunity at prospective schools all play a role.
In short, NIL value is now a major factor guiding both player decisions and program strategies, and we’re likely to see these figures continue to rise as the college basketball landscape evolves.
Current Top-Ranked Players in the Transfer Portal
Curious about who’s making headlines in the latest edition of the college basketball transfer portal? With big names and fresh talent on the move, it’s a dynamic mix—here’s a quick snapshot of the highest-ranked players currently generating buzz, each bringing unique skills and the potential to reshape a roster overnight.
Standout Transfers and Their Destinations
- Macaleab Rich (PF, East St. Louis) – This skilled forward has quickly climbed the ranks and secured a commitment for next season, further establishing his status as a sought-after prospect.
- Bradley Ezewiro (PF, Oak Hill Academy) – An imposing presence in the paint, Ezewiro is set to make his mark with a new program this fall.
- Desmond Claude (PG, Putnam Science Academy) – Known for his floor leadership and elite playmaking, Claude’s commitment is a headline in itself.
- Shahid Muhammad (C, Academy of the New Church Boys School) – Towers above the competition and won’t go unnoticed in his new uniform.
- George Kimble III (SG, Berkeley Prep) – A versatile scoring guard, Kimble brings both shooting and defensive prowess to his next destination.
- Tafara Gapare (PF, South Kent School) – This junior’s all-court game has him slotted high on coaches’ wish lists.
- Khristian Lander (PG, Francis Joseph Reitz) – With new portal entries popping up daily, Lander’s decision is one to watch closely.
- Ryan Cornish (SG, Sidwell Friends) – Cornish’s recent commitment adds more firepower to an already stacked backcourt.
- Kezza Giffa (SG, Metropolitans 92) – Hailing from Paris, Giffa’s international experience and skillset offer instant intrigue.
More Notables
- Trey Parker (PG, Overtime Elite) – Brings flash and dynamism as a freshman looking to break through.
- Chris Johnson (PG, Montverde Academy) – Another ball-handling standout, Johnson is set to orchestrate a new offense.
- Cade Tyson (SF, Carmel Christian) – Tyson’s athleticism and versatility make him a game-changer on both ends of the court.
- Ven-Allen Lubin (SF, Orlando Christian Prep) – Lubin continues his college journey with a new opportunity up ahead.
Entered, Committed, Withdrawn
A handful of these players are still weighing options, while others have already found new homes or withdrawn from the portal. You’ll see a mix of:
- Power forwards with size and mobility
- Guards who pile up assists and points
- Wings who can stretch the floor or contribute defensively
Teams across conferences—whether ACC, Big Ten, SEC, or Pac-12—are all in on the action, trying to land one of these high-impact talents.
With the portal still open and roster spots in flux, these top athletes are making headlines, leaving fans and coaches alike eager to see where rosters finally land for the upcoming season.
Which years are available for transfer portal rankings?
Transfer portal rankings data spans multiple recent classes, ensuring a comprehensive historical view as well as coverage of the latest recruiting action. Currently, you can review transfer rankings for the following years:
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
Whether you’re analyzing trends or comparing movement across seasons, these available years provide a robust dataset for tracking the evolution of college basketball’s transfer landscape.
Which College Basketball Programs Are Leading the 2025 Transfer Portal Rankings?
As the dust settles on another whirlwind offseason, a handful of powerhouse programs have asserted themselves at the top of the transfer portal leaderboard. These teams have fortified their rosters with standout talent, positioning themselves for deep tournament runs and national relevance.
Currently, the programs making the biggest waves in the 2025 portal landscape include:
- St. John’s Red Storm — With an impressive haul of transfers, St. John’s stands out as the early front-runner, boasting a class filled with immediate-impact players.
- Michigan Wolverines — Fueled by headline-grabbing additions (including top targets like Yaxel Lendeborg), Michigan remains firmly in the mix, promising a fresh era under new leadership.
- Louisville Cardinals — A strong showing on the recruiting trail has revitalized the Cardinals, who have addressed key needs across their lineup.
- Kansas State Wildcats — Consistency in adding top-tier talent keeps Kansas State among the year’s transfer portal elite.
- Kentucky Wildcats — No stranger to high-profile moves, Kentucky’s latest group features versatile athletes ready to step into the national spotlight.
- Florida Gators, USC Trojans, Iowa Hawkeyes, Auburn Tigers, and Indiana Hoosiers round out the top ten, each assembling impressive transfer classes to bolster their competitive edge this season.
With the transfer cycle still ongoing, these rankings are bound to fluctuate. But for now, these programs have clearly set the pace—creating plenty of intrigue as they reshape their rosters for a new year of college basketball action.
How Transfer Portal Player Rankings and Team Scores Work
When evaluating basketball transfers, both individual player rankings and team transfer scores play a crucial role in highlighting talent and recruiting success.
Player Rankings:
Each player in the transfer portal receives a ranking that is determined by a combination of factors—previous performance (including college and high school achievements), impact at their current institution, projected fit at a new school, and trajectory shown through their college career. Scouts and recruiting analysts assess these elements to provide a holistic rating, ensuring the ranking reflects both potential and proven ability.
Team Transfer Scores:
Team scores are calculated by aggregating the ratings of all players who have joined a particular program through the transfer portal. The higher the quality (and quantity) of transfers a team lands, the higher their score. These scores offer a snapshot of which programs have most effectively leveraged the portal during the recruiting season—often resulting in leaderboards that update as new commitments roll in.
Viewing and Comparing Rankings:
Lists of top-ranked teams usually feature programs that have landed the most impactful transfers, sometimes with a numerical score listed next to the school name for quick comparison. Fans and coaching staffs often use these lists, published by major recruiting services and sports media outlets like ESPN and Rivals, to gauge which programs are making significant moves in the offseason.
This system brings transparency to the transfer market, helping players and teams alike understand the landscape as they make decisions for the upcoming season.
Which Conferences and Teams Are Tracked?
When exploring transfer opportunities, you want to see the full landscape—not just a handful of schools. That’s why College Basketball Openings covers a comprehensive range of NCAA Division I conferences. You’ll find transfer needs from:
- Power conferences like the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC
- Competitive mid-majors including the Atlantic 10, Mountain West, American, and West Coast
- Smaller conferences such as the Ivy League, Patriot League, Horizon, MAAC, MEAC, and more
- Every major U.S. Region—from the Big Sky in the West to the Colonial in the East, plus Southern, Summit, Sun Belt, and beyond
Within each conference, you’ll see openings for schools both big and small. Whether your sights are set on storied programs like Duke, North Carolina, or Michigan, or you’re interested in a strong mid-major searching for its next star, our listings let you filter by both conference and individual school.
So, no matter where you want to play—or at what level—this resource ensures you’re seeing every transfer-friendly opportunity available.
Transfer Portal Data by Year
For those interested in reviewing historical transfer portal data, you can browse records dating back more than two decades. Available years include: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2002, 1999, and 1997. This extensive archive lets prospective athletes, coaches, and fans track recruitment trends and notable transfers over the years.