The transfer portal may be closed to new entrants, but the action for Rhode Island's Division I basketball teams is far from over. From homecoming heroes to coast-to-coast moves, here's the latest on the local college hoops scene.

In a heartwarming return, Narragansett native Mia Fiore has committed to the University of Rhode Island women's basketball team. After two seasons at Merrimack, where she averaged 13.8 points per game before an injury-shortened campaign, Fiore is coming back to play just a short drive from home. Her addition brings both local pride and scoring punch to the Rams' backcourt.

Meanwhile, a big man from Providence is packing his bags for the West Coast. The talented forward is looking to make a name for himself in the paint after switching conferences and coasts, hoping to establish a new home with more minutes and a fresh start.

Bryant University is seeing a trio of players head south to Southeastern Louisiana, where they'll join a revamped roster in the Southland Conference. It's a significant move for the Bulldogs, who are losing some key contributors but will look to reload through the portal themselves.

Providence Friars fans have reason to smile, too. The team landed its first commitment in over two weeks, picking up UNLV forward Jacob Bannarbie. The slower recent pace of recruiting suggests the Friars may already have their core pieces in place for the 2026-27 season, but don't expect them to stop looking entirely.

The portal is officially closed to new entries on both the men's and women's sides, unless a coaching change or NCAA waiver opens the door. Coaches now have two 15-day windows after the national championship games to reshape their rosters, a change from the chaotic in-season re-recruiting of years past.

Players want to find their futures before summer workouts begin, but it's a two-way street. The right fit—chemistry, role, and NIL agreements—takes time. Expect the Rams, Friars, and Bulldogs to stay active, while Brown operates under different academic rules and may move more slowly.

We'll keep you posted weekly as the summer transfer saga unfolds. For now, the local hoops landscape is shifting, and the best moves are yet to come.