Ways to avoid sitting out when transferring for basketball

I'm thinking of transferring to another college to play basketball. I've heard that players sometimes have to sit out a season. What can I do to avoid this situation?

To avoid having to sit out a season when transferring for basketball, there are a few options you may consider:

1. One-Time Transfer Exception: As of the 2021-22 academic year, the NCAA approved a one-time transfer exception for all athletes. This allows athletes to transfer once from one four-year college to another and compete immediately when certain academic benchmarks are met.

2. Obtain a Graduate Waiver: If you've completed your undergraduate degree with eligibility remaining, NCAA allows you to transfer to a graduate program at a different institution and compete immediately.

3. Demonstrate Severe Personal Hardship: The NCAA may grant a transfer waiver exempting the sitting-out period in cases where a student-athlete can demonstrate severe personal hardships that necessitate their immediate athletic competition at a different institution. This could include reasons related to family care, email, or health issues. However, this process can be complex and unpredictable.

Regardless of the route you choose, make sure to coordinate your transfer with coaches and athletic compliance offices at both your current and prospective institutions. They can provide guidance on meeting eligibility rules and completing necessary paperwork. Remember, the ultimate decision to grant an immediate eligibility waiver lies with the NCAA, and while the process can be tenuous, many athletes have navigated it successfully in the past.