Red-shirting and transfers

I read an article several years ago that discussed successful mid-major programs. It noted that one of the few advantages these teams had is that they generally were more mature and experienced, since their players tended to stick around longer than the money conference schools. And it also commented that these programs augmented that advantage by aggressively red-shirting, on the principle that a fifth-year senior is much better than a true freshman; and that a fifth-year senior from a smaller school just might have developed to the point that he would be at least as good as the freshman from a higher-level school.

But the revolving door that is college basketball these days has largely blunted that one advantage of mid-majors. It is so easy for players to transfer that they won't stick around if they are not playing a bunch right off the bat. So, once again, the Powers That Be of the NCAA have kicked the little guys in the shins. It is all about the individual these days, and not about the team.