Cam Spencer, Elite Guard from Rutgers, Chooses UConn: A Triumph for the Huskies Basketball
As reported by Jeff Goodman of Stadium, it has been confirmed that Cam Spencer, the talented guard from Rutgers, has made a commitment to join the UConn Huskies. Being one of the top players available in the NCAA transfer portal, the defending national champions are bolstering their roster in preparation for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.
In his announcement, Goodman shared the news: “SCOOP: Sources have informed @Stadium that Rutgers transfer Cam Spencer has chosen UConn. This is a significant acquisition for Dan Hurley and the defending champions. They have just secured one of the nation’s premier shooters. Spencer averaged 13.2 points per game and had a remarkable 43 percent shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.”
In late May, Goodman had previously reported that Spencer had planned to visit four different schools. UConn emerged as one of those destinations, while Miami, Oklahoma, and UCLA ultimately missed this high-profile transfer opportunity.
Inside the NCAA Transfer Portal: Understanding the Basics and Process
The NCAA Transfer Portal, which encompasses all NCAA sports across Division I, II, and III levels, is a private database containing the names of student-athletes who intend to transfer. It is not accessible to the general public.
The process of entering the portal is facilitated by the compliance office of the athlete’s current school. Once a player provides written notification of their desire to transfer, the office adds their name to the database, initiating the transfer process. The compliance office has 48 hours to comply with the player’s request, which cannot be refused.
Once a player’s name appears in the portal, other schools can contact them. However, players can change their minds and withdraw from the portal anytime. It’s important to note that once players enter the portal, their current scholarship is no longer guaranteed. In other words, if a player enters the portal but decides to stay at their current school, the school is no longer obliged to provide a scholarship.
The database functions like a typical database, allowing sorting based on various criteria such as sport and name. Each player’s individual entry includes basic details such as contact information, scholarship status, and whether the player is transferring as a graduate student.
Players can request a “do not contact” tag on their profile, indicating that they do not wish to be contacted by schools unless they initiate communication.
The transfer portal has been operational since October 15, 2018, and each new calendar cycle within the portal begins in August. For example, the 2021-2022 cycle commenced on August 1. In the 2020-2021 cycle, a total of 2,626 FBS football players (including walk-ons) entered the transfer portal. This followed 1,681 entries in the 2019-2020 cycle and 1,709 entries in the abbreviated 2018-2019 cycle. In comparison, 1,833 Division I basketball players entered the portal during the 2020-2021 cycle, with previous totals of 1,020 in 2019-2020 and 1,063 in 2018-2019.
The transfer Portal had Cam Spencer, a highly impactful player, fills a significant need for the UConn basketball team in the 2023-2024 season. Coach Dan Hurley secured Spencer’s commitment on Tuesday. Standing at 6-foot-4, Spencer played for Rutgers last season and recently took an official visit to UConn on Monday.
Spencer is known for his exceptional perimeter shooting, boasting a 43.4 percent conversion rate from beyond the arc. He tied for the team lead, scoring 13.2 points per game for the Scarlet Knights. His addition will help fill the void left by the departures of Jordan Hawkins and Joey Calcaterra, who combined for 159 three-pointers during the previous season as part of the national championship-winning team.
As a graduate transfer with one-year remaining eligibility, Spencer brings more than shooting prowess to the team. Last season, he averaged 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and two steals per game, starting in 36 games. He also showcased impressive shooting percentages, with 89.4 percent from the foul line and 44.4 percent from the field.
From Davidsonville, Md., Spencer’s experience will provide a valuable veteran presence on a relatively young UConn team. Eight of the team’s scholarship players are either freshmen (five), sophomores (two), or redshirt sophomores (one). Spencer has also demonstrated his ability to deliver in crucial moments, sinking a game-winning three-pointer against Purdue, the top-ranked team at the time, and contributing a go-ahead three-pointer in a road victory against Northwestern, where he finished with 23 points.
Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell, a former UConn player, commended Spencer’s work ethic and versatility, stating, “The former Scarlet Knight is a worker, he’s in the gym. He does a lot of things for us.” Prior to his time at Rutgers, Spencer spent three seasons at Loyola University in Maryland, earning All-Patriot League first-team honors as a junior with averages of 18.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
Spencer entered the transfer portal in mid-May and ultimately chose to play for UConn after considering a visit to Miami. His commitment leaves the Huskies with one remaining scholarship. However, Coach Hurley stated on Monday that he would likely leave that spot open.
