Jason Burgos
A fantastic option for Kansas and Arkansas to replace their top players just entered the college basketball transfer portal. However, he may not stay available for long.
Both the Jayhawks and the Razorbacks were among the top 25 teams in the nation throughout the 2025-26 season. While they have several good players on their rosters, neither team is as formidable without top stars Darryn Peterson and Darius Acuff, Jr.
The pair of guards were among the best players in the country this year, which is why — to the chagrin of Kansas and Arkansas fans — they could both be selected in the first 10 picks of June’s NBA Draft. Replacing their numbers next season will be very tough. However, a fantastic option just entered the transfer portal.
This week, Siena star Gavin Doty revealed to the Times Union that he plans to enter the portal. The sophomore took another key development step forward in his game this past season. Leading the program in points (18.0), and was second in rebounds (6.9), assists (2.2), and steals (1.3). Under the guidance of either Bill Self or John Calipari, he could become a national star next season.
Gavin Doty could follow his Siena coach to Syracuse
Both Kansas and Arkansas have the financial resources to lure Doty to their schools next season. Especially with Peterson and Acuff, Jr. coming off the name, image, and likeness books. Furthermore, playing for the legendary coaches would be attractive to any player in the nation. Either could develop Doty into a strong NBA prospect.
However, as enticing as a jump to Kansas or Arkansas would be for the Siena product, there is a very good chance Doty heads to Syracuse this spring. That might surprise many college basketball fans, but he has a good reason to go to the Orange. His coach for the last two seasons, Gerry McNamara, is taking the same job at Syracuse after being a star for the program in the early 2000s.
Players have loyalty to coaches they believe have made them better, and there is no denying that McNamara is doing strong work with Doty. While opportunities at Kansas and Arkansas may have more upside, the sophomore will have assurances of being the focal point at Syracuse immediately next year. Plus, the move would keep him in upstate New York.
