The reality of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, and the transfer portal are rearing its head again as Green Bay and Wisconsin are seeing players depart looking for green pastures.
The biggest blow so far came on Monday when the Phoenix's Noah Reynolds officially put his name into the transfer portal. Reynolds was named to the Horizon League's All-Conference First Team and recognized as its newcomer of the league. Reynolds said in his statement that the door to return to Green Bay is still open but that he would explore all options, including the NBA. He joins former teammates Elijah Jones, Clarence Cummings, and Rich Bhyre in the portal.
For the Badgers, Luke Haertle, Ross Candelino, and Connor Essegian entered the portal after a disappointing exit from the NCAA Tournament. When asked by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, star guard AJ Storr said he was still focused on the loss rather than deciding if he was coming back for a second season or between the portal and the NBA Draft.
UW-Milwaukee had traffic going both ways over the weekend as they signed former Queens University guard AJ McKee while Zach Howell entered the transfer portal after an injury-riddled year.
Marquette is still involved in the NCAA Tournament, and no one has entered the transfer portal yet.
