Between the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness deals, the NCAA is in uncharted waters. Most fans would agree that player empowerment and freedom are a good thing, although the execution has been questionable, at best.
By allowing players to make money, top international prospects are drawn to the NCAA for the first time, keeping competition levels high, and fringe-draft prospects aren’t necessarily ready to make the transfer, staying in college longer.
However, some rules allow for the NCAA to be seen as a second option. Three-year G League veteran London Johnson committed to play for Louisville, stirring the ire of some NCAA blue bloods.
Johnson averaged 3.3 points last season for the Maine Celtics, part of the Boston Celtics’ G League program. It’s worth noting that he never signed an NBA contract, although he was getting paid a salary to play.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 30: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts against the Auburn Tigers during the first half in the South Regional Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NCAA Figures Hate Transfer Rules
Just five years ago, college coaches had much easier jobs. Off the court, they had to recruit top high school talent. The transfer portal was a threat, although players had to sit out a year after joining a new school. For the most part, their work was done in-state.
Now, coaches need to recruit high school, international, and pro prospects, all while courting NIL sponsorships and keeping their current players too happy to explore other options. College coaches are spread thin, and Johnson’s signing with the Louisville Cardinals was the last straw.
“I’m going to get myself in trouble, but I listen to people talk about how kids have changed. Kids aren’t the problem. We’re the problem,” declared MSU coach Tom Izzo. “This was sprung on us again yesterday, where a guy can be in the G League for two or three years and then all of a sudden he’s eligible. Most of my people knew nothing about it. I am not really excited about the NCAA or whoever’s making these decisions without talking to us, just letting it go because they’re afraid they’re going to get sued.”
Izzo claims that this opens up avenues for freshmen to be betrayed. Top recruits can be replaced by players with G League experience at the drop of a hat, tarnishing any remaining purity the NCAA and amateur sports had left.
“I love my job,” Izzo added. “I don’t respect my profession.”
Tom Izzo Isn’t Alone With NCAA Ire
Izzo is an old-school coach, one of the last protectors of a bygone era where it was common for players to spend all four years with the same school. He has some allies, powerful ones at that.
UConn head coach Dan Hurley agreed with the Spartan, posting the target and goat emojis in direct response to Izzo’s comments. Hurley and Izzo combine for ten Final Four appearances and three national titles. They are not figures the NCAA wants to make enemies of.
As college sports change, Izzo is in a unique position to recruit. He intends to use every advantage he has, even if he thinks it’s scummy.
“I am going to call Magic [Johnson] tonight,” he warned. “I’m going to call Jaren Jackson, Miles [Bridges], Gary [Harris], Max [Christie].”
Few programs can boast as much NBA talent as Michigan State. Izzo is in a prime position to make some waves.
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