Connecticut and Purdue needed the right fit. Alabama needed more players. North Carolina State had big gaps to fill in the backcourt.
They all utilized the transfer portal effectively, and that's a key reason they’ve reached the Final Four. They have a chance to win a trophy.
The words from UConn coach Dan Hurley indicate the importance of having lively players and avoiding passive personalities in the team to succeed in important moments.
UConn focuses on recruiting energetic players who can handle pressure situations in March.
UConn's 6-foot-4 guard Cam Spencer exemplifies this approach.
Spencer, who played at Loyola Maryland and Rutgers, has become a key part of the team, joining the starting lineup alongside All-American Tristen Newton and big man Donovan Clingan.
Spencer is the second-highest scorer on the team, averaging 14.4 points per game and demonstrating strong shooting percentages.
UConn teammate Alex Karaban praises Spencer's positive impact on the team's offense.
Alabama coach Nate Oats brought in four transfers to fill the gaps left by key departures, and their contribution has been essential in the program's journey to the Final Four.
One of the transfers, Aaron Estrada, adapted well to the team's needs and is a regular starter and the second-highest scorer for Alabama.
Estrada emphasizes his willingness to contribute in different aspects of the game to help the team achieve victory.
Purdue obtained experienced help by adding a high-scoring player in Lance Jones and saw significant contributions from him, including a crucial 3-point shot in the Elite Eight matchup against Tennessee.
Considering Purdue had only made 2 of 13 shots from 3-point range, it was quite daring to attempt more.
Jones said, “Coach (Matt Painter) advises us to always be prepared to shoot when we have the opportunity and we are open. I have worked hard on my shot and I am very confident in it. My teammates also have a lot of faith in me.”
For the second year in a row, N.C. State has strengthened its team by using the transfer portal, reaching unexpected heights this time.
Guard DJ Horne, in his fifth year, played for both Illinois State and Arizona State for two years. He is the team’s top scorer with 16.8 points per game, following the departure of last year’s Jarkel Joiner-Terquavion Smith backcourt duo. Transfer Michael O’Connell from Stanford has been crucial as a reliable playmaker with only 17 turnovers during the team’s current nine-game winning streak, and as a shooter, exemplified by his banked-in 3-pointer to force overtime against Virginia during N.C. State’s surprising Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title run.
Adding last year’s portal acquisition of big man DJ Burns Jr., who has become a standout with his agile moves and strong personality, N.C. State's performance is reminiscent of their Final Four trip in 1983 under coach Jim Valvano.
Coach Kevin Keatts expressed, “I’m pleased he’s here. I’m pleased he’s part of my team. I don't know how anyone would defend him. I'm excited, and I hope nobody figures that out.”