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Breaking Down the Top Impact Players in the College Basketball Transfer Portal

This list will continue to evolve as more players enter the portal, and we will update it periodically but for now, let’s break down the top game-changers currently.

From/
To
ADJ
EFF
Thoughts
Jason EdwardsVanderbilt4.7Edwards was awesome scoring the ball last year, but playing just 25 minutes a game with 9 appearances off the bench, he’ll likely find a coach offering more playing time for similar money. He could be a great value for a team that needs him on the floor for longer. Try to keep everyone happy, and you end up keeping no one happy.
Owen FreemanIowa → Creighton4.6Freeman is a dominant shot-blocker. While Iowa’s defensive struggles masked his individual impact, his move to Creighton should allow him to thrive in a more structured defensive system. His offensive versatility makes him a major asset.
RJ LuisSt. John’s4.6The writing seemed to be on the wall when Pitino benched him for the final 5 minutes of the NCAA tournament upset. I can’t say I blame him for publicly admonishing him like that after being the Big East Player of the Year for Pitino. Some other coach will commit to him and will likely be very happy with the results from an 18 points and 7 rebound Big East stud.
Malik ReneauIndiana4.5A highly sought-after forward with elite production in the Big Ten, averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. His efficiency and skillset make him one of the best available players. He posted nearly a 25 PER one seasons and never has had shooting or space around him. I think he should excel if he can find a place that values shooting.
Morez JohnsonIllinois4.5This is probably the most egregious playing time issue of the year. Johnson played like a 5.5 rated player per possession but was given just 17 minutes a game. Why wouldn’t you transfer if your coach is playing 11 PER Ben Humrichous 25 minutes a game and you’re only getting scraps as the 7th man? Keep an eye on him exploding in a new role with a coach who will commit to him.
Donovan DentNew Mexico4.2A dynamic guard posting 20 points and 6 assists for a top-40 NCAA Tournament team. His impact in the MWC proves he can produce at a high level, making him a major prize for any program.
Keyshawn HallUCF4.2Yeah, the defense is questionable here, but Hall averaged 19 points and 7 rebounds in the Big 12 and was a stretch PF shooting 36% from three. He also got to the line 7.5 times a game, making 82%. He’s a reliable offensive hub but will need some good defenders around him. Fit will be important.
Dailyn SwainXavier3.9A do-it-all player who thrives against elite competition. While he’s not a three-point shooter, his .607 true shooting percentage, rebounding, and playmaking make him highly effective.
Dishon JacksonIowa State3.9Despite playing limited minutes, Jackson has posted a 23 PER in the Big 12, helping to anchor an elite defense. His previous success at Charlotte and Washington State suggests he’s a hidden gem.
Silas DemaryGeorgia3.9Averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists with 37% shooting from three. His size (6’5”) and strong defensive ability make him one of the most intriguing guards in the portal.
Tre WhiteIllinois3.9White saw limited minutes (23 per game) despite his recruiting pedigree and recent success. With increased playing time, he could be a major contributor. White has always had the recruiting pedigree, but now he’s found success on a winning team and has seen his percentages improve drastically.
Nick DavidsonNevada3.8A versatile 6’9” player who averaged 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. His well-rounded game makes him a valuable addition wherever he lands.
Josh DixIowa3.7A key piece of Iowa’s roster. If they had run it back, this team could have been strong. Dix is an elite three-point shooter (42% on 2 makes per game) and contributes 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. His game translates well anywhere.
Mackenzie MgbakoIndiana3.7Mgbako gets no bump in the model, but Indiana’s dysfunction hurt his production. He was forced into a three-point shooter role when that’s not his strength.
Ryan ConwellXavier3.7A solid 16 PPG scorer, Conwell shot 41% from three and has good size at 6’4″. He should be a fit for a variety of teams.
Quincy BallardWichita State3.6A 7-footer who lived up to his Power 5 pedigree from Florida State. Nearly a double-double player (10 PPG, 9 RPG, 2 BPG) in the AAC. Likely heading back to a Power 5 school.
Oscar CluffSouth Dakota State3.6Started on an NCAA Tournament team in the Pac-12 but was overlooked. His preseason rating of 2.9 (245th) was higher than most rankings. He dominated the Summit League with a 35 PER. A sought-after portal big, though his competition was weak.
Amani HansberryWest Virginia3.6The numbers don’t jump out, but he’s 6-8, averaging 10 and 6 in the Big 12 against a brutal schedule while staying efficient.
Adrian WooleyKennesaw State3.6Undervalued in CUSA, averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Strong three-point shooter at 42% on two makes per game. He could help any team.
Nick PringleSEC Center3.6A multi-year starting SEC center back in the portal. A solid contributor who a team like UNC could have used this year.
Bennett StirtzDrake3.5Stirtz has committed to Iowa following his coach. He’s transitioning from D2 to the MVC to the Big Ten, making him an intriguing prospect. His early-season numbers suffered due to a weak schedule, but as SOS improved, so did his stats. His PER dropped from 30 to a solid 27, and his endurance is elite, playing 39+ minutes per game. He may be slightly overrated nationally but ranks as a top 80-100 player.
Michael NwokoMississippi State3.5Started 32 games but played only 15 minutes per game. His limited role despite starting is perplexing, and he’ll likely transfer for more playing time.
Christoph TillySanta Clara3.4A true 7-footer averaging 13 points in 20 minutes per game against a stronger schedule than expected. Highly efficient (.63% TS), though rebounding and blocks are lower than ideal.
Tae DavisNotre Dame3.4Davis may be seeking a change after struggling with limited roles at Notre Dame.
Barrington HargressUC Riverside3.3Averaging 20 points and 4 assists in the Big West, which was better than expected this year. Three-point shooting is slightly below average at 33%.
Isaiah ColemanSeton Hall3.3Forced into a bigger role due to last year’s exodus. Three-point shooting was disappointing, but he carried high usage on a bad team. With more help, he should improve.
Magoon GwathSan Diego State3.3A slim 7-footer who impacts the game through defense (2.6 BPG). He also makes 37% of his low-volume threes (17 total), enough to keep defenses honest.
Reed BaileyDavidson3.3A versatile 6’11” player who averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 42% from three. Bailey should have no shortage of suitors.
Obi AgbimWyoming3.2Headed to Baylor, where he’ll finally be on a winning team. Averaged 17 points and 3 assists, shooting 44% from three on nearly 3 makes per game. A dependable player.
Devan CambridgeTexas Tech3.2Didn’t play last year, but his previous season numbers show he’s an overlooked national prospect. Could be a steal.
Jeremiah WilkinsonCal3.2A player to watch with three years of eligibility left. Averaged 15 PPG but doesn’t contribute much else.
Michael RatajOregon State3.1Oregon State performed well in a high-major league. Likely heading back to a power conference.
Elliot CadeauUNC3.1Always thought to be overrated. Comes in at a decent value but is still problematic due to his size and lack of shooting. UNC could improve at this position.
Brock HardingIowa3.1Key piece for Iowa last year. Averaged 9 points, 5 assists, and shot 40% from three. Likely undervalued, though defense is a concern.
Malachi SmithDayton3.110 points, 5 assists, 16 PER in the A10. Shot 38% from three on low volume. His reputation might exceed his actual value. Someone will still pay him.
Isaac McKneelyVirginia2.9Likely to be overvalued, but as a role player instead of a first option, he could fit well on many teams.
Myles RiceN/A2.9Took the “Indiana haircut” where everyone looked worse due to the lack of spacing. He was better at Washington State (3.3 last year). Splitting the difference, 2.9 seems right.
Joson SanonArizona State2.8A highly recruited freshman who started strong but cooled off. Committed to St. John’s, bringing quality 37% three-point shooting.
Dedan Thomas Jr.UNLV2.8Numbers look solid, but he played nearly the entire game. Lack of rebounding and three-point volume hurt his value.
Vasean AlletteTCU2.811 points, 4 rebounds, 3.5 assists in the Big 12 sound good—until you see the .43% true shooting. Ugly stuff. He probably needs to return to the Sun Belt.
LeJuan WattsWashington State2.8Averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 42% from three. His volume is small, but the potential is there.
Jemel JonesCal Bakersfield2.8Jones is a high-usage player, taking 35% of his team’s shots. He averaged 19 points in 26 minutes with reasonable efficiency, making him a solid offensive option.

These players are poised to make a massive impact wherever they end up. Stay tuned as we track more transfer movement and analyze how these moves will shape the upcoming season.

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