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Sunday, May 3, 2026

Basketball - More Options May Not Always Mean Better Ones

Change is hard. Most of us stick with the "status quo." Rolf Dobelli in "The Art of Thinking Clearly," argues that relates to "loss aversion." If we change from the standard option and it turns out poorly, then we face regret.

"This is how we've always done it."

"The devil you know...

"Why rock the boat?"

This shows up in a lot of ways, but less so in basketball. When it's not working, coaches and players ask "what's the next option?"

Consider the transfer portal, which effectively created:

  • Free agency
  • Shorter development windows
  • Roster volatility as the norm
One coach says it simplified his life. He just asks a guy he wants, "What's your number?" 

The reality is stark. Current Situation (2026): Roster turnover is equally aggressive this week. Programs like Texas (women's team) are already reporting losses of over 60% of their scoring and minutes.

According to Grok, ss of ~7:45 PM ET Tuesday (April 7, 2026), trackers show ~1,600+ Division I men's basketball players have entered the transfer portal since it opened at midnight ET. Others have reported that over half of men's D1 players are in the portal with the numbers rising.

Chuck Daly was right that players have three concerns:
  • Minutes - playing time
  • Role - including shots
  • Recognition: $
For college athletes in a time of uncertainty, they're taking the risk for the reward now, before the rules change or before rules exist. "The grass is always greener..."

Lagniappe. Challenges are around every corner. Not everyone wants you to succeed...some openly want you to fail. What unseen (to you) obstacles exit? Arrogance. Complacency. Entitlement. 
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