In an Era of Transfers, These College Basketball Players Show Loyalty to Their Teams
In an Era of Transfers, These College Basketball Players Show Loyalty to Their Teams
In college basketball, the landscape has shifted in recent years to one where player transfers have become increasingly common. It’s not uncommon for a player to spend just one or two years at a school before transferring to another program in pursuit of more playing time or a better opportunity. However, there are still a select group of players who choose to honor their commitment to their team and show loyalty even in the face of adversity.
Here are a few examples of college basketball players who have demonstrated loyalty to their teams in an era where transfers have become the norm:
1. Cassius Winston – Michigan State
Cassius Winston, a standout point guard for Michigan State, could have easily transferred to another program after his freshman season when he was not receiving significant playing time. However, Winston chose to stay at Michigan State and work hard to earn a starting role. His loyalty paid off as he became a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and led the Spartans to multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs.
Winston’s decision to stay at Michigan State not only benefited him personally, but it also demonstrated his loyalty to his teammates and coaches. By staying with the Spartans, he was able to build strong relationships with his fellow players and contribute to the team’s success in a meaningful way.
2. Luke Garza – Iowa
Luke Garza, a dominant center for Iowa, is another player who has shown loyalty to his team despite facing challenges in his college career. Garza was not highly recruited out of high school and could have easily transferred to a more prestigious program after his freshman season. However, he chose to stay at Iowa and work on his game, ultimately becoming one of the best players in the country.
Garza’s loyalty to Iowa has been rewarded with individual accolades, including being named the National Player of the Year in 2020. His decision to stay with the Hawkeyes has not only benefited him personally but has also helped to elevate Iowa’s program and put them on the national stage.
3. Jalen Brunson – Villanova
Jalen Brunson, a former standout guard for Villanova, is a prime example of a player who showed loyalty to his team and reaped the rewards of his decision. Brunson could have easily transferred to a higher-profile program after Villanova’s early NCAA Tournament exits in his first two seasons. However, he chose to stay at Villanova and continue to work on his game.
Brunson’s loyalty to Villanova paid off as he helped lead the Wildcats to two national championships in his junior and senior seasons. His decision to stay at Villanova not only benefited him personally but also solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in program history.
4. Myles Powell – Seton Hall
Myles Powell, a dynamic guard for Seton Hall, is another player who demonstrated loyalty to his team despite facing adversity in his college career. Powell could have easily transferred to a more prestigious program after his freshman season when Seton Hall struggled to make the NCAA Tournament. However, he chose to stay with the Pirates and work on his game.
Powell’s loyalty to Seton Hall paid off as he became one of the most prolific scorers in program history and led the Pirates to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. His decision to stay with Seton Hall not only benefited him personally but also helped to elevate the program and attract top recruits in the future.
In conclusion, while transfers have become increasingly common in college basketball, there are still players who choose to honor their commitment to their teams and show loyalty even in the face of adversity. These players, such as Cassius Winston, Luke Garza, Jalen Brunson, and Myles Powell, serve as prime examples of the value of loyalty in college basketball and demonstrate that success can be achieved by staying true to one’s team. Their decisions to remain with their programs have not only benefited them personally but have also helped to elevate their respective teams and leave a lasting legacy in the college basketball world.
