The transfer portal giveth, and the transfer portal taketh. In today’s landscape, with new NIL regulations, the transfer portal is taking over college sports.
On Monday, the transfer portal opened, and within just one day, more than 1,600 players opted to enter.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mizzou forward Aidan Shaw became the first Tiger to announce his plans to enter the portal.
— Aidan Shaw (@TheAidanShaw) March 25, 2025
Shaw spent three seasons in Columbia, all under Dennis Gates' regime, meaning he will have one year of eligibility remaining wherever he may land.
Coming out of Blue Valley High in Overland Park, Kansas, Shaw was regarded as a 4-star recruit. However, he was unable to fully seize his potential at Mizzou.
After his most productive season in 2023-24, Shaw experienced a significant decrease in playing time and production this past season.
In 2024-25, Shaw averaged just 9.1 minutes, 2.6 points, and 1.8 rebounds per game—career lows for his tenure with the Tigers.
During Shaw's recruitment, he originally committed to Mizzou while Cuonzo Martin was the head coach but decommitted when it was announced Martin would not be returning.
When Gates took over, he made it a mission to re-recruit Shaw back to Mizzou, and that mission was later accomplished. Shaw showed unwavering commitment, but unfortunately, he never fully materialized as an all-around threat.
This never hampered the bond between coach and player, however. While Gates understands the decision, he was definitely saddened to lose someone with whom he had built such a strong connection over the years.
Always a Tiger! Love you @TheAidanShaw https://t.co/yoMfXNvMap
— Dennis Gates (@coachdgates) March 25, 2025
Shaw possesses freakish athleticism, and with a better fit, he could certainly make an impact wherever he goes. His highlight reel of electrifying dunks speaks for itself, but the big question remains elsewhere in his game.