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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The number of incoming freshmen in Division I men's basketball has dropped amid the free-agency rush through the transfer portal. Data from the NCAA shows that the number of freshmen fell by 18% from the 2019-20 season before the pandemic to the 2021-22 season. That was the first season after a rule change allowing undergraduate athletes to transfer once without sitting out. The decline was more acute at 24% for the Power Five leagues. Pittsburgh's Jeff Capel says the portal gives "more options" for coaches. Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said transfers typically offer advantages such as experience and toughness.
