The NCAA transfer portal has changed college basketball, allowing players to find new programs that better suit their skills and aspirations.
Recently, over 500 players have entered their names in the 2025 men’s basketball transfer portal. Several of these athletes have ties to Greater Cincinnati. This article delves into the journeys and prospects of these local talents as they navigate the transfer portal.
The Rising Trend of Transfers
Each year, the NCAA transfer portal sees a growing number of players looking for new homes. This trend is driven by various factors, including the potential for better financial opportunities under the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) guidelines, as well as the desire for a better fit for their talents.
The transfer portal has become a dynamic element of college basketball, reshaping team rosters and creating new narratives every season.
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Key Players from Greater Cincinnati Entering the Portal
Several players with connections to the Greater Cincinnati area have entered the 2025 transfer portal, each with unique backgrounds and accomplishments. Here are some notable entrants:
- Dudukovich: A former standout at Lakota West, Dudukovich played in 16 games this season, starting two. He averaged 3.1 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Dudukovich is Lakota West’s all-time leading scorer with 1,620 points and has the most games played in Firebird history (92).
- Dynes: Standing at 7-foot-3, Dynes was third in the nation in blocked shots this year (3.03 per game). He also averaged 6.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Dynes is a two-time Horizon League all-defensive team member and was named the 2023 Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division I Player of the Year.
- Fletcher: Having previously played at Kentucky and Florida State, Fletcher averaged 1.4 points and 0.8 rebounds in 11 games this season. His best performance came against Morgan State, where he scored 8 points and pulled down six rebounds.
- Green: Green averaged 5 points and 0.9 rebounds in nine games this season before sitting out due to an undisclosed health-related matter. He was named to the All-Big East freshman team in the 2023-2024 season.
- Israel: After appearing in 23 games as a freshman, Israel made just 15 appearances during the 2024-2025 season, averaging 0.9 points per game. He was a standout at Lloyd Memorial, leading the Juggernauts to a 34th District title in 2023.
- Itejere: Itejere will be heading to his third college program, having played at Marquette as a freshman. This season, he averaged 20 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, earning a spot on the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference third team.
- McMillan IV: McMillan IV scored 2,658 points in four years at Woodward, the seventh-highest total in OHSAA history. As a senior, he was named the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year and the OPSMA Division II co-Player of the Year.
- Pettus: Known as “Rockstar Randy,” Pettus averaged 6.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 44 games. He scored a career-high 20 points in a win versus Bellarmine.
- Semona: Semona started 16 of 32 games for the Skyhawks this season, averaging 13.2 points and 4.1 rebounds. He was named to the Northeast Conference second team.
- Swain: Swain, a Columbus native, averaged 11 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game as a sophomore. His production increased significantly in the second half of the season, leading the Musketeers to a third-place finish in the Big East and an NCAA Tournament berth.
Impact on Greater Cincinnati Basketball
The movement of these players through the transfer portal will have a significant impact on the Greater Cincinnati basketball scene. As these athletes find new programs, they bring with them a wealth of experience and talent that can elevate the performance of their new teams.
Their departures also create opportunities for other players to step up and fill the voids left behind.
The Future of College Basketball Transfers
The NCAA transfer portal is likely to continue growing in prominence. More players seek new opportunities each year. This trend reflects changes in college athletics. Athletes are increasingly empowered to make decisions that best suit their personal and professional goals.
The transfer portal has become a crucial tool for players. It helps them navigate their careers and find the best possible fit for their talents.
For more detailed information on the players from Greater Cincinnati entering the transfer portal, visit the full article on Cincinnati.com.
As the 2025 transfer portal season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see where these players land and how their careers progress. The dynamic nature of the transfer portal ensures that college basketball will remain an ever-evolving landscape. It’s full of new opportunities and challenges for players and teams alike.
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