The transfer portal, appropriately referred to as “the portal” by many, the relatively new and unknown phenomenon has permanently changed the way that college basketball teams are assembled.

“The transfer portal has changed college basketball,” Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga said.

In a back-and-forth dual between Virginia Tech and NC State, Sam Latona stepped up to the mat with the Hokies needing him to win to beat the Wolfpack. It was 2021, and the redshirt freshman craved the pressure that came with the situation.

“I literally remember him saying, ‘Man, I hope [the match] comes down to me,’” former Virginia Tech wrestler Korbin Myers said.

Facing returning ACC champion Jakob Camacho in Cassell Coliseum, Latona displayed veteran poise and kept the bout within reach thr