Alright, gather around—grab your metaphorical popcorn, because the college basketball transfer portal has some interesting characters entering the scene this time around. We’re talking about Jaeden Zackery here, a dude who’s practically a veteran at this point. He’s played 136 games over four years—did a tour between Boston College and Clemson. Normally, you’d think this would be his curtain call, but nope. IN enters the transfer portal card!
Now, why would a guy who’s out of NCAA eligibility dive into the portal, you ask? The Scooby-Doo mystery of the college basketball world is linked to a bigger game at play—some legal drama looming in the background with this House vs. NCAA antitrust deal. Some magic ruling could drop that changes NCAA eligibility’s rulebook, and savvy athletes like Zackery don’t want to be last to the party if that happens. They want to keep their options open like a late-night diner menu.
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And Zackery’s not riding solo. Ian Schieffelin from Clemson, a few dudes from Syracuse, and three players from NC State all decided why not, and slammed their names last minute into the portal before it closed up like it’s the NCAA’s idea of last call. Even Pittsburgh’s Ishmael Legget joined the fun after 150 games and two decades of wearing out jerseys at Rhode Island and Pitt.
Here’s the kicker, it’s not just about having somewhere to be—it’s leverage. You’re reminding your current school you might just take your talents elsewhere, making sure all cards are on the table if eligibility rules bend in your favor.
Some whispers are in the air about the NCAA maybe switching to a flat five years of eligibility. It’s sort of like those societal ideas you hear about on the weekend talk shows—wild, maybe possible, but no one’s holding their breath yet.
Then there’s Eddie Lampkin. He’s been on a tour that’s taken him through TCU, Colorado, and Syracuse. Five schools, no less. His bid for extra eligibility has its own twist—a Covid year dance and a medical redshirt claim from his initial season that might just give him another shot at playing. But this case isn’t slam-dunk simple since he did hit the court late that season, which complicates the redshirt claim.
Honestly, whether anything changes or not, what’s crucial here is smartly preserving your chances. If a rule change does swoop in, Schieffelin and the gang will have roster options—and honestly, no real downside to putting their names in the mix.
So yeah, between Duncan-like legal maneuvering and hoping eligibility rules are as flexible as a gymnast, these hoopers are playing the long game. And in this game, the ball is definitely in their court.
And speaking of courts, be sure to check out what Mike Waters has on his mind if you’re curious about everything Syracuse-related and beyond. Plus, throw a follow his way if you’re all about those basketball hot takes. Catch y’all on the court or, you know, scrolling for the next best NIL scoop.
