Roster building in college basketball is less about finding the next teenage phenom and more about constructing a team that can withstand the pressure of March. The recent NCAA championship game between Michigan and UConn served as a masterclass in this philosophy. While the NBA draft is increasingly dominated by freshmen, the national title was decided by teams built on a foundation of age, size, and hard-earned experience.

Michigan's victory was a testament to this approach. Their entire starting lineup was assembled through the transfer portal, but these weren't raw prospects. They were seasoned veterans who brought maturity and a business-like focus to Ann Arbor. When the game demanded clutch free throws, stifling defense, and composure under fire, the Wolverines' experienced roster delivered.

This presents a clear blueprint for programs like BYU as they navigate the transfer portal. For head coach Kevin Young, the mission is clear: to compete at the highest level, the Cougars must prioritize adding proven players with physical presence and college game mileage. It's about finding athletes who have already weathered storms elsewhere and are ready to build a contender on solid rock, not shifting sand. The art of the roster is knowing that potential is exciting, but proven performance wins championships.