FreeGame May 2026

May 31, 2026

FreeGame Mgmt -- Looking Back at May

As the basketball calendar transitioned from transfer portal season into recruiting season, May offered an opportunity to focus on both the present and the future. We spent time helping current athletes navigate important decisions while also evaluating prospective talent, strengthening relationships throughout the basketball ecosystem, and continuing to build the foundation needed to support a growing agency. It was another busy month with no shortage of activity.

On the Road

One of many trips during the month of May took me to Austin, Texas to visit Evan Haywood as he prepares for the next chapter of his career at Pepperdine. One of the most rewarding parts of this profession is getting a front row seat to the work athletes put in before the rewards ever show up. The results people see on game day are usually built through thousands of unseen reps long before the season begins. Evan's commitment to development along with the work he put in with Zach and the TPA team is going to pay dividends.

Another weekend during the month was spent in Ohio for the Under Armour Association live period session. Events like these provide an important opportunity to evaluate talent, build relationships, and help families better understand the realities of today's recruiting environment.

It was great to spend time with FreeGame client Philipe Ndong throughout the weekend. Philipe continues to establish himself as one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2027 class, and we're excited to help him and his family navigate this important stretch in his recruiting journey over the next few months.

While there are still plenty of colleges actively recruiting high school players, recruiting looks much different than it did just a few years ago. Between the transfer portal, programs prioritizing older and more experienced players, and the potential impact of the upcoming 5 year eligibility rule, the number of available opportunities for high school prospects is becoming increasingly limited. As a result, information, relationships, and timing matter more than ever.

Building the Foundation

As FreeGame continues to grow, one of my biggest areas of focus has been helping build the infrastructure behind the basketball division. Great representation cannot depend on one person remembering everything. It requires systems, organization, accountability, and a willingness to adapt.

Some of that includes refining processes, improving communication systems, integrating technology, building strategic partnerships, and constantly creating resources that help us better serve athletes and families.

It may not be as visible as a commitment announcement or an ESPN highlight, but it's the foundation that allows us to scale while continuing to provide the level of service our athletes deserve.

A Few FreeGame Highlights

• Welcomed new athletes and families to the FreeGame community

• Continued to build our recruiting pipeline across the 2027 and 2028 classes

• Launched the 2026 FreeGame Summer Internship Program

• JP Ndong committed to UMBC

• Gabby White is transferring to North Carolina

• Donovan Smith helped Converge reach the PBA playoffs in the Philippines

• Caden Wilkins is transferring to the University of St. Thomas

• Dwayne Pierce is transferring to Grambling State

• Josh Manchester will join 3 other FreeGame clients at Wisconsin

Looking Ahead

The landscape is changing faster than ever (which probably explains why I seem to mention it in every update). Several significant legal cases remain ongoing, new rules will continue to emerge, and universities, athletes, conferences, and stakeholders across the industry will have to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

Thank you to everyone who continues to trust FreeGame with that responsibility.

The best is still ahead.

Kevin Tarca

Director of Basketball Strategy

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If you're new here, I am the Director of Basketball Strategy here at FreeGame Management. We sit at the intersection of sports, culture, and commerce, creating opportunities for athletes at every stage.

Our mission is simple: help you win before, during, and after your playing career.

Follow along as we continue to grow an athlete-first organization, by players, for players.