Pac-12 stock report: Major change likely for intra-conference transfer policy for football and basketball players

San Jose Mercury News (CA)

Apr. 7—News and commentary from around the Pac-12 ...

Rising: Pac-12 transfer policy

The conference is on the verge of a major policy shift regarding internal player movement.

According to multiple sources, the Pac-12 is expected to eliminate the redshirt year for undergraduates who transfer within the conference, thus granting them immediate eligibility.

But there's a catch, and it's a four-letter word.

The Pac-12 will only move forward if the NCAA provides cover.

That process could begin next week.

After several delays due to COVID, the Division I Council is expected to approve immediate eligibility for transfers when the group meets April 15, according to reports.

If the Board of Governors follows the Council's lead and signs off on the change, the legislation would take effect for 2021-22: Players who transfer in the current academic year would be eligible at their new school in the fall.

The longstanding rule that requires undergraduates to establish a year of residency at their new school would be removed, but only the first time a player transfers.

If the NCAA approves the change, the Pac-12 is expected to follow by removing the mandatory redshirt for undergraduates who transfer within the conference, multiple sources said.

Currently, intra-conference transfers do not lose a year of eligibility, but they need a waiver to avoid the redshirt rule — a waiver that must be approved by the original school. If the new policy is adopted, that step would be eliminated.

(The policy likely would only apply to first-time transfers, mirroring the NCAA's approach.)

When asked about a change to the redshirt rule, the conference office said the matter "would be discussed" at the next governance meeting, in May.

The ACC has already eliminated the redshirt rule for undergraduate transfers within the conference, announcing its policy change in March.

If the Pac-12 moves as expected, a slew of undergraduates would be eligible for the 2021 football season.

The list includes quarterback Ethan Garbers, who transferred from Washington to UCLA in December, and defensive end Jason Harris, who moved from Colorado to Arizona in January.

The new policy likely would apply to basketball players, as well.

Falling: Cal basketball

The Hotline will publish projections for the 2021-22 conference race later this month, once we gain clarity on the rosters.

Spoiler alert: The Bears will be picked last.

That was our lean immediately after the season, but it's obvious now that star guard Matt Bradley has entered the transfer portal.

Bradley was the only high-level talent on the roster, the only player who averaged more than 10 points per game — the player who made everyone better.

There's always a chance Bradley reverses course and returns for 2021-22, but we're assuming he's gone for good, desiring a change of scenery and chance for success.

In his three seasons, the Bears are 13-43 in conference play.

Third-year coach Mark Fox needs help, immediately, but Cal lacks flexibility with the transfer portal because of the academic piece.

The outlook is gloomy in Berkeley.

Rising: Los Angeles schools

A quick check of the ledger reveals the following:

— An encouraging season for UCLA football.

— A division title for USC football.

— An Elite Eight appearance for USC basketball.

— A Final Four for UCLA basketball.

Given the state of play in the conference's No. 1 media market as recently as 2019, the multi-sport, multi-school uptick is significant.

Given the state of the pandemic in Los Angeles and the restrictions imposed by the county and state, the 2020-21 success is downright remarkable.

The Hotline has spent more time than we care to admit reading, studying and tracking COVID protocol issues at the state and local levels since September.

(The 40-page decrees from the California Department of Public Health are nothing less than skull-crushing.)

Frankly, we find it remarkable that the Trojans and Bruins were able to navigate the inferno that was L.A. County as well as they did.

Falling: Arizona State basketball

Just eight months ago, the Sun Devils were flush with momentum.

Star guard Remy Martin announced he would withdraw from the NBA Draft and rejoin a roster as well-stocked as any in the conference.

ASU subsequently made its first appearance in the AP preseason poll in more than a decade and was the highest-ranked Pac-12 team at the start of the season.

Then everything went all wrong, the season was a complete flop — partly, but not entirely, because of COVID — and the Sun Devils were left to start anew.

That fresh start probably won't include Martin, Alonzo Verge or either of the prized freshmen:

Marcus Bagley and Josh Christopher have entered the NBA Draft.

In other words, the Sun Devils might have missed their chance.

The rotation is in flux, the momentum is fading, and the window for a championship is closing fast as UCLA rapidly corrects course.

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