As the landscape of college basketball continues to evolve, the Junior College (JUCO) space has emerged as a formidable avenue for transfers, high school recruits, international prospects, and coaches. With the growing influence of the transfer portal, more players than ever are finding opportunities to reset their recruitment, develop their game, and ultimately return to four-year programs. JUCO basketball has become more competitive, filled with qualified players and offers a higher level of exposure than ever before. From high school recruits to transfers, JUCO is providing a fresh start and second chance at success.

4 Playing Time recently sat with Coach Hunter Jenkins—head coach at Frank Phillips College, who led his team at Clarendon College to a Region 5 Championship in 2024—and Mady Traore, a standout player at Frank Phillips College who, after transferring from Maryland, committed to the University of Washington. Together, they’re reshaping the narrative around JUCO basketball, showing just how valuable it is for transfers, international prospects, and high school players, and highlighting the growing talent pool that makes JUCO a key piece of the basketball recruiting puzzle.

The Transfer Portal: A Catalyst for the JUCO Resurgence

In today’s college basketball world, the transfer portal has fundamentally changed how players move between programs. Coaches and players alike are finding that JUCO is no longer a fallback option, but rather an essential part of the recruiting process—especially for those who may have been overlooked or miscast at the four-year level. Coach Hunter Jenkins, head coach at Frank Phillips College, has seen firsthand how the JUCO system offers players the opportunity to reset their careers. With a proven track record of success in developing players, over 35 who moved on to Division I programs, he believes that JUCO provides valuable opportunities for players who might not have found success at their previous schools.

“I think everybody comes to JUCO for their own different reason,” Coach Jenkins explains. “Some might come for academic reasons, but a lot of players come because the Division I, Division II, or Division III program they were at just wasn’t the right fit. Maybe they didn’t get the playing time they expected, or their role wasn’t what they thought it would be. JUCO gives them a chance to get back to the four-year level or find a better fit.” With JUCO, players have the ability to get more playing time, which is crucial for their development. For players like Mady Traore, who transferred from Division I, this platform has allowed them to expand their role and prove their worth. “Coach Jenkins lets me play the way I want to play. I can showcase my skills, and he allows me to play through mistakes. He’s not going to take me out if I mess up, he’s just going to let me play with those mistakes,” says Mady.

This kind of environment fosters confidence and growth, giving players the chance to develop their games in a way that may not have been possible in a more rigid Division I setting. For Mady, who was limited at Maryland and New Mexico State, JUCO has been the
place where he could really expand his game, leading to impressive performances and earning the attention of recruiters once again. After a standout start to his season at Frank Phillips College, Mady has committed to the University of Washington, a Division I program, proving the immense value JUCO can provide in launching players back to the next level.

JUCO: A Launchpad for High School Players, International Prospects, and
Transfers

While JUCO has long been seen as a second chance for players who didn’t immediately succeed at the four-year level or went there for academic reasons, it is now emerging as a viable and often superior option for many athletes, including high school and international
recruits. The transfer portal has shifted the recruiting landscape, creating more opportunities for athletes to be seen and play at the next level. For players looking for more exposure and playing time, JUCO offers an ideal environment to showcase their talent. Coach Jenkins believes that JUCO serves as an ideal platform for high school and international players who may need extra time to develop: “JUCO is a place where players can come and get that exposure they didn’t get in high school or internationally. You can’t just step into Division I basketball and be expected to make an immediate impact. JUCO gives you the chance to mature, develop your game, and ultimately get to the next level.” Mady Traore echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the playing time JUCO provides. “To me, JUCO is not a second chance, it’s a new life,” says Mady. “Now I have new tape, and coaches can see what I can actually do. They can see my abilities on the court, and that opens up new doors.”

Stay tuned for part two, coming soon, where we dive deeper into the future of JUCO basketball and its growing influence.

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