The college basketball world is always buzzing with activity, and the transfer portal has become a major component of that. Each year, many talented players decide to change schools for a variety of reasons, and the transfer portal allows them to do so without sitting out a year.
As we look ahead to the 2023 season, two big-time recruits have decided to enter the transfer portal: Arthur Kaluma and Julian Phillips.
Kaluma, a 6’8″ forward, was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and committed to UNLV. In his freshman season, he showed flashes of his potential, averaging 5.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. However, he decided to enter the transfer portal after the season ended.
Since then, Kaluma has received interest from top programs such as Duke and Kentucky, but he ultimately decided to commit to Creighton. The Bluejays will be getting an explosive athlete who can play multiple positions and has a high ceiling.
Meanwhile, Phillips was also a highly sought-after recruit out of high school. The 6’7″ small forward originally committed to Florida State, but after one season, he decided to enter the transfer portal. Phillips is an excellent scorer with a smooth shooting stroke, and he also has a good feel for the game.
His decision to transfer caught the attention of many top programs, but he ultimately decided to commit to Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are getting a talented wing who can create his own shot and give them a boost on the offensive end.
As we look ahead to the 2023 season, both Kaluma and Phillips are poised to make an impact at their new schools. Creighton and Texas Tech will both be looking to compete for conference titles and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, and these two transfers could play a big role in their success.
Overall, the transfer portal has become an important tool in college basketball, allowing players to find the best fit for their skills and giving programs the opportunity to add talent mid-season. With the additions of Arthur Kaluma and Julian Phillips, the 2023 season is shaping up to be a competitive one.