After the basketball season concludes, all college players effectively become free agents, driven by a surge of NIL funds channeled into transfer portals and athletics. For athletes aiming to earn money, entering the portal is often the most lucrative path, allowing them to seek out the highest bidder or the best opportunity. The absence of loyalty from coaches has been clear over the years, as many have left for lucrative job offers. Now, players are following suit.
The 2025 Men’s College basketball transfer portal has been thriving even prior to the conclusion of the NCAA tournament. Notable players like Yaxel Lendeborg (from UAB to Michigan), Bennett Stirtz (from Iowa to Drake), and Donovan Dent (from New Mexico to UCLA) have already made their moves. Another significant player joined the transfer portal mere hours before the national championship clash between Houston and Florida, marking a surprising addition.
Robert Wright II was Baylor’s standout freshman guard this season. The 6’1″ guard started in 21 of 35 games for the Bears and played a vital role in their NCAA tournament journey. Wright impressed during his thrilling debut in March, scoring 19 points in a win over Mississippi State. His following game against Duke was tougher, ending with 11 points, but he was viewed as a promising asset for Baylor’s future.
On Monday, Wright entered the transfer portal, reports Sports Insider. ESPN’s Myron Medcalf reported that Baylor believed Wright would return, having turned down other guards in the portal under the impression he would remain a Bear.
Baylor Guard Robert Wright is an honorable mention on the All-Big 12 this season, a member of the league’s All-Freshman team, and will enter the transfer portal, sources informed ESPN. Wright averaged 11.5 points per game and 4.2 assists per game this season. The team was under the impression that Wright would…
– Myron Medcalf (@medcalfbyespn) April 7, 2025
Wright is now regarded as one of the top guards in the portal, alongside Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee. He has proven himself in major conferences, though he may be a bit undersized for the NBA, and still has three years of eligibility.
Wright was already battle-tested before joining Baylor, having spent his junior year at Florida’s prestigious Montverde Academy. The Montverde roster featured NBA talents like Cooper Flagg and first-round picks Derrick Queen and Asa Newell. Wright was a facilitator as a guard, adept at creating opportunities for his teammates and hitting open jump shots.
Wright is a dynamic ball handler, capable of making shots for himself and others. He achieved a solid 27% assist rate in his freshman year, though he struggled with ball control under pressure (17% turnover rate). He shot 35% from beyond the arc on 86 attempts and converted 80% of his free throws. He excelled at creating rim opportunities off the bounce; however, only 20% of his attempts at the rim came from assists. He has had difficulties finishing around the rim, converting only 54% of layup attempts and hasn’t logged a dunk.
While Wright isn’t an immediate game changer, he is a reliable lead guard with room for improvement. Quality guard play is crucial in March Madness, and he has demonstrated his capability in NCAA tournament situations. He is expected to emerge as one of the top college guards moving forward, and Baylor anticipated he would become a cornerstone of their program. Following their national championship in 2021, Baylor is still thriving under coach Scott Drew, making this a significant setback.
Baylor is disappointed by his departure, but it’s important to note that this situation can work both ways. College programs often seek to recruit players already on their rosters. Players currently wield similar power. The transfer portal will remain open until April 22nd, leaving rosters uncertain until then.
