04-18-2023, 09:42 AM
How TVD Might Be Dealing with the Transfer Problem
I have zero inside information. However, the realities of the transfer portal dictate a lot about how a coach can and should deal with the problems that arise.
Last year, more than 1300 players are said to have passed through the portal, although some might have ended up staying where they started. This year, as of two weeks after the NCAA final, 300 WBB players had already entered the portal. This number is likely to have increased substantially.
Lacking inside info, this comment is really based on what I would do if I were the coach.
A coach that tells a player not to consider the options that the portal presents is heading into a gale-force wind. The players know and talk to other players from a variety of other schools. So, telling a player to ignore the portal and stick her head into the sand is a great way to lose the player’s trust. This is particularly true at Stanford where one expects intelligent and well-informed players.
If a player expresses interest in the portal, the coach should not turn hostile. Far better to talk it through with the player and, if the player feels strongly, tell the player to go ahead and explore what’s out there. During these conversations, I would certainly remind the player of the opportunities that the Stanford program offers. So, for two of the Stanford players, Emma-Nnopu and Nivar, there is still a possibility that they will decide to stay at Stanford.
When a player enters the portal, they lose a guaranteed scholarship with their team. The coach, however, is likely to try to preserve the scholarship for the player if the player decides to stay, especially if the coach knows, respects, and values the player.
So, is there a possibility that Emm- Nnopu and Nivar will decide to stay at Stanford? Yes, but quite possibly the players don’t know, and may not know for some time, what their options might be. The process could take some time.
As to Betts, she has apparently decided to transfer to UCLA. I would guess that the possibility of a starting position and greater NIL benefits were factors. The uncertainty that Betts potential transfer created is now over. Stanford coaches now have to deal with the players remaining on the team. Every loss creates an opportunity. One possible benefit is that it decreases the incentive of a talented player like Iriafen to herself consider transferring. And it makes Stanford a more attractive option for talented high school posts who might consider Stanford.
The NIL stuff is a dumpster fire, out of control and in need of nationwide controls. There is nothing Stanford can do about the overall chaos that NIL has generated. In the short term, a coach in TVD’s position should look to put all her players in touch with marketing people who could help the player explore NIL options.
I have zero inside information. However, the realities of the transfer portal dictate a lot about how a coach can and should deal with the problems that arise.
Last year, more than 1300 players are said to have passed through the portal, although some might have ended up staying where they started. This year, as of two weeks after the NCAA final, 300 WBB players had already entered the portal. This number is likely to have increased substantially.
Lacking inside info, this comment is really based on what I would do if I were the coach.
A coach that tells a player not to consider the options that the portal presents is heading into a gale-force wind. The players know and talk to other players from a variety of other schools. So, telling a player to ignore the portal and stick her head into the sand is a great way to lose the player’s trust. This is particularly true at Stanford where one expects intelligent and well-informed players.
If a player expresses interest in the portal, the coach should not turn hostile. Far better to talk it through with the player and, if the player feels strongly, tell the player to go ahead and explore what’s out there. During these conversations, I would certainly remind the player of the opportunities that the Stanford program offers. So, for two of the Stanford players, Emma-Nnopu and Nivar, there is still a possibility that they will decide to stay at Stanford.
When a player enters the portal, they lose a guaranteed scholarship with their team. The coach, however, is likely to try to preserve the scholarship for the player if the player decides to stay, especially if the coach knows, respects, and values the player.
So, is there a possibility that Emm- Nnopu and Nivar will decide to stay at Stanford? Yes, but quite possibly the players don’t know, and may not know for some time, what their options might be. The process could take some time.
As to Betts, she has apparently decided to transfer to UCLA. I would guess that the possibility of a starting position and greater NIL benefits were factors. The uncertainty that Betts potential transfer created is now over. Stanford coaches now have to deal with the players remaining on the team. Every loss creates an opportunity. One possible benefit is that it decreases the incentive of a talented player like Iriafen to herself consider transferring. And it makes Stanford a more attractive option for talented high school posts who might consider Stanford.
The NIL stuff is a dumpster fire, out of control and in need of nationwide controls. There is nothing Stanford can do about the overall chaos that NIL has generated. In the short term, a coach in TVD’s position should look to put all her players in touch with marketing people who could help the player explore NIL options.