We all knew COVID was gonna be a game changer, and we’re still experiencing the ripple effects. One of those new norms is that players transferring in and out of college basketball programs is an ever-evolving labyrinth that coaches and fans will have to continue to navigate for the foreseeable future.
Hence, we give you the inaugural Transfer of the Year award.
First, the nominees.
James Okonkwo stayed buried deep on the bench all season, played very limited minutes, and recently entered the transfer portal.
Paxson Wojcik entering any game caused fans’ faces to cringe and teeth to grind, but he did manage a few moments of collective exhalation.
From the ashes of last season’s Louisville season rose the phoenix that is Jae’Lyn Withers. One of the biggest contributors from the refurbished and oft-utilized Tar Heel bench, Withers provided a spark and was more than just a guy. With the second-most bench minutes played behind Seth Trimble, he made multiple key and timely plays that led to or solidified UNC victories. Unfortunately he also made as many poor decisions and inconvenient turnovers that made fans groan (still too soon to mention that ill-advised three point attempt at the end of the Alabama game?). Every time you started to fall for Jae’Lyn, you became Nic Cage in Moonstruck.
