Charlie Moore’s journey through college basketball was just right during his DePaul seasons. He returned to Chicago to be with his family.
His father’s disability in mobility due to a 2015 stroke, and his mother having to work, Moore was more important than ever for his parents. Curtis Moore was able to attend all his son’s home games using his wheelchair.
“It worked. Moore said that it brought a new energy and spirit to the household, my mom, and my dad during those two years I was there. He started in California and moved to Kansas, DePaul, and is now at Miami. I feel that things are improving now. “I think my dad is getting better.”
Thanks to the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility for the 2020-21 pandemic season, and the relaxed transfer rules that allow for one-time moves for immediate eligibility rather than an automatic sit out year, school-switching is now more common than ever.
A Associated Press review of the rosters of the six major conferences (the Atlantic Coast Conference Conference, Big East and Big Ten, Big 12 Pac-12, Pac-12, and Southeastern Conference), plus four programs from midmajor leagues ranked in the AP TOP 25 poll (Gonzaga and Houston) revealed that 29% of those 80 players have changed four-year schools at some point. This does not include junior college transfers.
At 41%, the Big 12 holds the largest share. Only two programs have no incoming transfers: Stanford and Colorado. Only five teams of high-majors didn’t add any transfer to this season: Colorado, Connecticut Purdue Villanova, Stanford, Purdue and Purdue. The latter boasting a transfer-free team for 12 years in a row.
Although there is talk of disruptions in team chemistry and lack of resilience when it comes the hyperactive portal, each switch has a personal story and is often more complicated than just hopping around for more TV time or winnings.
Moore was a catalyst for Hurricanes, who have been at the top of ACC all season.
“The school, my coaches, my team, and everyone around it have been warm and welcoming, helping others to achieve their goals. There are no egos. Moore spoke this week to the AP in a video interview. It’s been a great end to my college career.”
Payton Willis is back in Minnesota after two seasons. He is one of 10 Minnesota players who have transferred at minimum once. This is the highest number among high-major programs.
The sixth-year guard felt as if he had never left.
Willis began his career at Vanderbilt where he was soon fired by Kevin Stallings, the coach. He transferred to Minnesota after two years of mostly playing on the bench.
“I was aware of the value and prestige that a Vanderbilt Degree is. It was a place where I felt at home. Willis stated that it was finished when it was over,” earlier in the season. He declined to give more details.
Willis showed glimpses of success during the 2019-20 season. However, he was often lost in Big Ten shuffle. So he transferred to the College of Charleston. His one-season experience with COVID-19 was a very limited one.
Willis stated that he walked only two to three blocks, or was on the beach. Because we didn’t offer in-person classes, I didn’t see much. I was at home or at work.
Willis was ready for an overseas career and received a call from Ben Johnson, the new Gophers coach. Johnson had previously recruited Willis as an assistant. He was interested in playing point guard so he returned to Minnesota to start a master’s degree program in youth leadership development.
Rare three-time transfers are Moore and Willis. Jalen Coleman Lands is also joining them after he arrived in Kansas from Iowa State, DePaul, and Illinois. After arriving from Mississippi State, Jalen Johnson, Texas A&M’s forward, tore his ACL during preseason practice. He had previously played at Saint Louis-Lafayette and Saint Louis.
Moore felt that he had another challenge to manage after the firing of Dave Leitao, coach. Moore was able to take the confidence and peace gained through his father’s improvement and chose Miami with support from Bill Courtney, an assistant coach (they briefly overlapped at DePaul).
Moore’s Miami coach Jim Larranaga recently said that Moore was “a good player.”
Moore was Illinois’s Mr. Basketball in 2016. He played at Morgan Park High School, Chicago. At first, he committed to Memphis. However, coach Josh Pastner moved to Georgia Tech. Moore was a Cal student for one year before Cuonzo Martin left for Missouri.
Although he moved closer to Kansas, he felt uneasy after a sit out year and a stint in a reserve position. He was also concerned about his father’s health.
Moore stated, “I just wanted things to be better.”
Moore, who stands at 5’11”, is now playing in his fourth major conference. His half court shot banked in at buzzer to beat Virginia Tech just a few weeks later.
Despite the fact that the Gophers have been struggling in Big Ten play this season, Willis is the Big Ten Player of Week. Willis scored a career-high 32 point and tied the program record by scoring eight 3-pointers in a win against Rutgers Jan. 22.
Willis advised those who are interested in the transfer portal to be patient and cautious as the extra pandemic-year effect is expected to linger for at least three more seasons.
“Every time I did it I looked in the mirror and said, ‘Was that on me? Do you think this is the best route? Is it better to stick it out and face the challenges? Willis asked. It’s hard. There are so many voices telling children what they should and shouldn’t do. It is difficult for children to discern who and what to listen to at the end.
