It’s nearly May now.
The transfer portal is closed. The coaching carousel has stopped spinning. Rosters are mostly set, staffs are in place, and for the first time in weeks, things are actually quiet across college basketball.
This is when it gets interesting.
Because now there’s no more movement to hide behind. No more “let’s see how it plays out in the portal.” What these programs are right now is pretty close to what they’re going to be heading into next season.
Some of these hires look like clean fits. Others feel like they’re going to need time. And a few already come with real pressure attached.
Here’s a straightforward look at five hires that make sense and five that still raise questions.
5 hires that look like they’ll work
Luke Murray: Boston College Eagles
Boston College needed something different. This feels like it. Murray comes from a winning system under Dan Hurley and brings a modern offensive approach. It’s a risk with a first-time head coach, but it’s the kind of risk that actually gives the program a chance to change.
Jerrod Calhoun: Cincinnati Bearcats
This just feels steady. Calhoun has won at multiple stops and understands what Cincinnati is supposed to look like. That matters for a program that’s been trying to get back to its identity.
Randy Bennett: Arizona State Sun Devils
You’re not guessing here. Bennett has done it for a long time. Arizona State is betting on structure, discipline, and consistency. That’s usually a good place to start in a tough league.
Bryan Hodgson: Providence Friars
Hodgson has built momentum quickly in his career, and he understands how to put a roster together in this era. Providence didn’t play it safe, but they didn’t overthink it either.
Will Wade: LSU Tigers
There’s history here, and not all of it is clean. But strictly from a basketball standpoint, Wade has proven he can win. LSU is betting that still holds true.
5 hires that still feel uncertain
Michael Malone: North Carolina Tar Heels
This one is hard to read. Malone has had success in the NBA, but college is a completely different job. Recruiting, NIL, roster turnover. It’s not a simple transition, especially at a place with expectations like North Carolina.
Justin Gainey: NC State Wolfpack
There’s upside here, no doubt. But this is still a first-time head coach stepping into a high-pressure situation. That usually takes time, and not every program is patient.
Gerry McNamara: Syracuse Orange
The connection to Syracuse is strong, and fans will appreciate that. But the résumé is still developing. This feels like a bet on familiarity more than anything else.
Scott Cross: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Cross has been consistent, but Georgia Tech has tried similar hires before without breaking through. Until it changes, it’s fair to wonder if this will look any different.
Ronald Nored : Butler Bulldogs
There’s real potential here, especially with his background and ties to Butler. But the Big East is not forgiving. For a first-time head coach, that’s a tough place to figure things out.
What it all comes down to
At this point, everything is in place. The portal is closed. The hires are made. The noise has settled.
Now it’s about whether these decisions actually translate when games start again.
Some of these will look obvious in a year. Some won’t. That’s always how this part of the sport works.
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