As the landscape of college basketball continues to shift with the transfer portal and the ever-evolving recruiting environment, coaches are facing new challenges when it comes to teaching the intricacies of the game to their players. Balancing the development of incoming freshmen alongside transfers has become a crucial part of a coach’s job. While both groups come with potential and talent, they require different approaches when it comes to learning the Xs and Os of college basketball.
Many coaches have highlighted that the main difference between teaching freshmen and transfers is the adjustment to the speed and physicality of the game. Freshmen, even those who excelled in high school, often need time to get used to the demands of the college level. They are transitioning from a less structured game to the more strategic, fast-paced environment of college basketball. For these players, coaches focus heavily on teaching fundamentals, building a solid understanding of the playbook, and helping them acclimate to the increased tempo and physical play.
“Freshmen need to learn how to adjust their game to the speed of college basketball,” one coach shared. “We spend a lot of time drilling the basics, making sure they understand our system and how it’s different from what they’re used to. It’s all about helping them see the game differently—spacing, timing, when to make certain decisions.”
On the other hand, transfers usually arrive with some level of college experience, often making them more prepared for the physical challenges of the game. However, they face a different set of hurdles as they adapt to a new system and the expectations of a new coaching staff. Transfers need to unlearn some of the habits and styles they developed at their previous school, while quickly absorbing the unique terminology and schemes of their new team. For these players, the focus is more on integrating into the team’s strategy and learning how to play within their new role.
“For transfers, it’s not about teaching them the basics—they already know how to play at this level,” said another coach. “It’s more about adjusting them to our play style, the new terminology, and helping them find their place within the team. They come in with different habits, so sometimes it’s like reprogramming them to fit what we do here.”
The transfer portal has fundamentally altered the composition of many rosters, with players frequently changing programs in search of better opportunities or a fresh start. Coaches now need to adapt quickly to integrating new players into their lineups, often within the same season. This dynamic can create a challenge in building team chemistry and ensuring that all players, whether freshmen or transfers, are on the same page when it comes to executing plays and defensive schemes.
Many coaches have also emphasized the importance of communication and mentorship during this adjustment period. They often rely on veteran players to help bridge the gap between new arrivals and the returning roster. The leadership provided by upperclassmen can ease the learning curve for freshmen and transfers alike, helping to reinforce the coach’s messages on the court and in the locker room.
One coach explained, “Having a strong core of veteran players can make a world of difference. They can show the new guys, whether they’re freshmen or transfers, what’s expected here. They help set the tone for what we’re trying to accomplish, both in practice and during games.”
Despite the challenges, there are clear benefits to having a mix of young talent and seasoned transfers. Freshmen bring energy, eagerness, and the potential to grow over multiple years, while transfers can add immediate impact, maturity, and a sense of urgency. Coaches who can effectively manage these groups often find themselves with a deeper, more versatile roster.
Ultimately, the art of balancing teaching strategies for both freshmen and transfers has become a critical aspect of success in today’s college basketball landscape. As coaches adapt their methods to suit the needs of each group, they are continuously refining their approach to ensure that every player—regardless of their path to the program—can contribute to the team’s goals. This delicate balance is essential for building a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level, and it is a challenge that every college basketball coach must navigate as the sport continues to evolve.