The 2024 College Basketball Portal is now open, ready to welcome a multitude of outstanding college players as they embark on their next athletic journey. Below, you’ll find the current rankings of the top players in the portal, based solely on their stats and efficiency in our adjusted efficiency model (ADJeff or efficiency adjusted by SOS).
While the traditional counting statistics of some players may not stand out, these are the players who make the most impact in driving value and wins typically. This ranking system factors in the player efficiency rating adjusted for strength of schedule and various other considerations. Efficiency, in this context, measures the statistical impact per possession. It’s worth noting that elite post players typically shine in this aspect, as they tend to boast higher true shooting percentages from close-range shots near the rim. Therefore, players who demonstrate higher efficiency, coupled with strong rebounding and shot-blocking abilities anchoring defense near the rim, play a significant role in the game. Throughout basketball history, larger athletes have largely dominated the sport, though they may be fewer in number, they generally hold more value. Thus, identifying and acquiring such players is crucial for any team and often results in the greatest returns. Don’t underestimate their value even if they averaged only 10ppg or were playing fewer minutes.
We have included each player’s peak Player Efficiency Rating (PER) as a per-possession all-in-one statistic, which is widely recognized. While it’s not the sole determinant, it serves as a reference point for assessing the general level of competition, particularly within high-major programs. Additionally, we’ve weighted it against Strength of Schedule (SOS) for Adjusted Efficiency (ADJeff). Notably, there might be variations if players achieve these peak seasons earlier in their careers, as they receive less credit for it. However, more recent seasons carry heavier weight in our rankings, reflecting our belief in the proven ceiling that peak seasons demonstrate. In instances where injuries or other mitigating factors, such have affected a player’s performance, these are duly considered.
Moreover, minutes per game play a role in our evaluation. Players who log over 23 minutes per game are typically viewed more favorably, while those playing fewer than 15 minutes are often excluded. Defensive ratings are also taken into account for post players, as we prioritize tangible results over a player’s former star prospect status. While we do include ancillary information such as a player’s recruitment ranking, its relevance diminishes if their performance has been subpar or if it occurred several years ago.
