This is a defeatist rant from someone whose program can't adapt. The portal isn't killing team building, it's exposing programs that relied on hoarding talent and failing to develop it. NC State has built its identity through the portal, finding guys like Brennan Armstrong and Jordan Houston who bought in completely. Our culture under Dave Doeren is stronger than ever, with a 78% retention rate last year, which is top 30 nationally. That doesn't happen with "mercenaries." The reality is the portal rewards programs with strong development systems and clear identities. Teams that complain are the ones losing players because they can't provide value. Oklahoma State's approach is aggressive, but if they win 10 games, who's ill then? The old model let kids rot on benches at powerhouse schools. Now they have agency. The "brotherhood" you mourn was often just forced captivity. Real culture isn't about how long someone's been there, it's about shared purpose. NC State's defense, built with portal and high school guys, finished top 25 in scoring. That's a unit, not a collection of tourists. The heart of the game isn't four-year grudges, it's competition. Adapt or get left behind. Your nostalgia is for an era that was less fair to the athletes.