The college basketball transfer portal officially closed on April 21, and South Dakota State was at the center of the action. The Jackrabbits made headlines in the final hours, with two starters entering the portal at the last second. As the dust settles, here's a look at who came, who left, and what it means for the team heading into next season.
Perhaps the biggest blow came when center Oscar Wilkinson—a De Smet alum—entered the portal just before the deadline. Within a week, he committed to Nebraska, a move that head coach Bryan Petersen called "far from ideal" given the timing. Wilkinson's departure is significant: he averaged 13.9 points per game on 58.9% shooting, along with 6.4 rebounds per night. Nebraska, meanwhile, is coming off a historic 28-7 season that included their first NCAA Tournament win and a Sweet 16 appearance. In today's college basketball landscape, quality big men are at a premium, so it's no surprise Wilkinson found a high-profile home.
Wilkinson's exit is part of a larger exodus for the Jackrabbits, who lose four of five starters from a 14-18 team. Fellow starter Matthew Mors graduated, leaving only Joe Sayler as a returning starter. Another key departure is Kalen Garry, also a De Smet alum, who surprised many by entering the portal at the final hour. His next destination remains unannounced, but his absence leaves a noticeable gap in the lineup.
Beyond the starters, the Jackrabbits also saw bench pieces move on. Guard William Alvarez, a lefty wing who averaged 15.0 minutes and 4.5 points per game on 46.2% shooting, is heading home to Houston. He'll suit up for Houston Christian, a team that went 12-20 last season and finished seventh in the Southland Conference.
Guard Luke Haertle is also returning home, heading back to Winona State—his third stop in the transfer portal after stints at Wisconsin and Winona State. This past season, the 6-foot-3 guard came off the bench in 30 games, averaging 3.8 points on 37.0% shooting and 15.1 minutes per night. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 43:33 shows he can handle the ball, but his 23.1% three-point shooting is an area for improvement.
With the portal now closed, South Dakota State faces a major rebuilding job. Losing four starters is tough for any program, especially one coming off a losing season. But with Joe Sayler returning and the opportunity to develop new talent, the Jackrabbits have a chance to reshape their identity. For fans tracking the team's moves, it's a reminder that in modern college basketball, roster turnover is part of the game—and the right fit can make all the difference.