The Transfer Portal Could Create a Golden Era for Programs Like San Diego State

For years, college basketball recruiting followed a predictable script. Five-star prospects signed with blue bloods. Four-star recruits chased Power Conference offers. Programs like San Diego State built winning teams by identifying overlooked talent, developing it over multiple seasons, and relying on culture rather than recruiting rankings. The transfer portal has changed nearly every part of roster building, but one unintended consequence may actually benefit schools like SDSU. As Power Conference programs continue prioritizing older, experienced players, the value of development has never been higher—and that could make the Group of Six the perfect landing spot for the next wave of four-star talent.

The modern four-star recruit enters a much different landscape than players did even five years ago. Coaches are expected to win immediately, leaving little patience for freshmen who need time to grow. Rather than investing two or three seasons into developing an 18-year-old, many high-major programs now fill roster spots with transfers who have already proven they can produce at the college level. The result is that highly regarded freshmen often find themselves competing against players who are 22 or 23 years old with dozens of college games already under their belts. For many, the path they envisioned on signing day quickly disappears, and the transfer portal becomes less of an option and more of a necessity.

That’s where San Diego State has quietly built one of the strongest cases in the country.

For nearly three decades, the Aztecs have developed a reputation that extends far beyond the Mountain West. Kawhi Leonard arrived as a talented but raw prospect before becoming an NBA superstar. Malachi Flynn revived his career after transferring from Washington State and developed into a consensus All-American. Matt Bradley rediscovered his game after leaving Cal, while Jaedon LeDee transformed himself into one of the nation’s best forwards following previous stops at Ohio State and TCU. The names are different, but the formula has remained remarkably consistent: identify talent, develop players, and put them in a position to succeed.

That reputation appears to be changing the type of recruiting battles San Diego State is entering. The Aztecs have increasingly found themselves pursuing four-star prospects who, not long ago, might have viewed a Group of Six program as a backup plan rather than a legitimate destination. While not every recruitment ends with a commitment, simply being in those conversations reflects how the program is viewed nationally. San Diego State’s recent pursuit of four-star center Moustapha Diop, who reopened his recruitment after previously committing to Georgia Tech, is another example of the caliber of player the Aztecs are now targeting. Whether SDSU ultimately lands Diop is almost beside the point. The bigger story is that players of this caliber are giving the program serious consideration.

This isn’t just a San Diego State phenomenon. Gonzaga has turned player development into a national brand. Saint Mary’s consistently transforms overlooked recruits into all-conference players. Memphis, VCU, Dayton, Boise State and others have proven they can develop talent while competing for NCAA Tournament bids. As Power Conference schools continue chasing experienced transfers, programs with established cultures, coaching stability and proven development pipelines may become increasingly attractive to talented players searching for opportunity instead of simply chasing the biggest conference logo.

Of course, the transfer portal works both ways. The same system that creates opportunities to land talented players also makes it harder to keep them, as breakout seasons often lead to bigger NIL offers and Power Conference interest. But even with that challenge, the portal may have created a recruiting advantage that schools like San Diego State didn’t have a decade ago. Instead of trying to out-recruit the nation’s biggest brands for every five-star prospect, the Aztecs can continue selling something they’ve consistently delivered: meaningful minutes, elite coaching, winning basketball and a proven path to professional opportunities.

Maybe the next great four-star recruit chooses a blue blood and never looks back.

But maybe more of them decide that development matters more than prestige.

If that trend continues, the transfer portal won’t simply reshape college basketball—it may redefine where elite high school talent chooses to build its future. And if that happens, don’t be surprised if programs like San Diego State become the new home for four-star recruits looking for more than just a famous logo.