What term is used for a player who has not played a year in college basketball but is assumed to graduate?

A redshirt player is a student-athlete who has chosen to delay their participation in competitive sports for a season, allowing them to develop their skills without losing a year of eligibility. This situation often arises when a player is new to a college team and the coaching staff wants to give them more time to prepare physically and mentally for competition. By redshirting, the player attends practices and may even play in scrimmages but does not participate in official games, thereby preserving their eligibility for a future season.

Redshirting is a common practice in college athletics, as it can benefit both players and teams. For players, this period can be crucial for personal development, and for teams, it can result in having more experienced players in future seasons. This status allows players to be part of the program while not actively competing, which is distinct from being a freshman who is playing their first season or a transfer player who has already participated at another institution. Similarly, walk-on players are typically individuals who join a team without a scholarship and are expected to compete immediately. Hence, the unique designation of a redshirt player accurately describes someone whose participation is deferred for a season while still being part of the team's development.