NCAAB · 5 days ago

CBS Sports Ranks the Top 60 Transfers in the College Basketball Transfer Portal

John Canady

Host · Writer

60) PF LeJuan Watts, Texas Tech
*Transferring from Texas Tech to Washington*

LeJuan Watts brings toughness, versatility, and defensive energy to a Washington frontcourt needing more physicality. He showed at Texas Tech that he can impact games without needing the offense built around him, particularly with his rebounding and effort plays. Watts’ motor should make him a valuable addition immediately.
1) F Flory Bidunga, Kansas
*Transferring from Kansas to Louisville*

Flory Bidunga is the kind of interior force that changes a defense overnight. Louisville didn’t just land production; they landed a tone-setter who lives above the rim and erases mistakes on the back end. If it clicks, he’s got real ACC Defensive Player of the Year juice.

"Bidunga is a pogo-stick leaper... an elite defensive prospect who is switchable, mobile and highly disruptive." - Trotter
2) F Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State
*Transferring from Iowa State*

Milan Momcilovic might be the purest shooter in college basketball, and it shows every time the ball leaves his hands. The volume, the difficulty, the confidence, it all stacks up to a plug-and-play offensive weapon at any level. If he’s back in college, he instantly warps defenses.

"The shot-making is so pure that it covers up some of Momcilovic's warts." - Trotter
4) F Allen Graves, Santa Clara
*Transferring from Santa Clara*

Allen Graves is one of those do-it-all forwards that every winning team covets. He impacts the game in layers, from defensive havoc to secondary playmaking to floor spacing. If he comes back to college, expect a full-court recruitment.

"Graves is a five-tool player who broke out in a huge way." - Trotter
5) C Massamba Diop, Arizona State
*Transferring from Arizona State*

Massamba Diop feels like he’s just scratching the surface of what he can become. The tools are obvious, the flashes are loud, and once the game slows down, he could take off in a hurry. Bigs with this kind of mobility and skill don’t stay under the radar long.

"Diop has no idea how good he can be." - Trotter
6) G Rob Wright, BYU
*Returning to BYU*

Rob Wright is the engine every offense wants, a downhill creator who can score or set the table without breaking rhythm. His pace, handle, and confidence make him a nightmare to contain for over 40 minutes. Getting him back is a massive win for BYU.

"Wright is a dynamic, downhill point guard who can score at all three levels and create." - Trotter
7) G PJ Haggerty, Kansas State
*Transferring from Kansas State to Texas A&M*

PJ Haggerty is as proven a bucket-getter as you’ll find in the portal. Night after night, he finds ways to score, whether it’s in transition, at the line, or breaking down defenders in the half-court. Texas A&M is getting a player who could lead the country in scoring.

"Haggerty's game is no secret... he can score the rock." - Trotter
8) F Juke Harris, Wake Forest
*Transferring from Wake Forest to Tennessee*

Juke Harris fits the modern wing mold with size, versatility, and an ability to impact the game without dominating the ball. He cuts, shoots, rebounds, and makes smart reads within the flow. Tennessee is adding a piece that raises the ceiling.

"Harris is the best wing in the portal haul, so far." - Trotter
9) F David Punch, TCU
*Transferring from TCU to Texas*

David Punch does the dirty work and then some, bringing physicality and defensive versatility that translates immediately. He guards across positions, rebounds in traffic, and makes winning plays without needing touches. Texas just got tougher overnight.

"Punch is one of the top two-way players in the country." - Trotter
10) F Paulius Murauskas, Saint Mary's
*Transferring from Saint Mary's to Arizona State*

Paulius Murauskas plays with a power and polish that make him a matchup nightmare. He can bully smaller defenders inside and step out to make plays on the perimeter. Arizona State is getting a forward who fills up the stat sheet in multiple ways.

"Murauskas... impacts the game positively in an abundance of ways." - Trotter
11) F Miles Byrd, San Diego State
*Transferring from San Diego State to Providence*

Miles Byrd is the type of defensive playmaker who can flip a game in a matter of possessions. His length and explosiveness pop immediately, and in the right system, the offensive side could start to catch up. Providence is betting on that upside in a big way.

"Byrd is one of the elite defensive prospects in this class." - Trotter
12) C Aiden Sherrell, Alabama
*Transferring from Alabama to Indiana*

Aiden Sherrell has all the physical tools to become a dominant two-way big; it’s just about putting it together consistently. The flashes as a pick-and-roll threat and floor spacer are real, and Indiana is banking on a breakout. If the body and focus come along, the ceiling is high.

"Sherrell has all the tools to be a terrifying two-way big man." - Trotter
13) C Moustapha Thiam, Cincinnati
*Transferring from Cincinnati to Michigan*

Moustapha Thiam impacts the game where it matters most, around the rim on both ends. His ability to protect, rebound, and step out offensively gives him a valuable modern big profile. If it all clicks, there’s legitimate pro upside here.

"Thiam can wreck the game on both sides of the floor." - Trotter
14) G Isaiah Johnson, Colorado
*Transferring from Colorado to Texas*

Isaiah Johnson plays at a different speed than most guards, and it shows when he gets downhill. He’s a blur in transition and a problem in the half-court with his ability to collapse defenses. Texas landed a guard who can take over stretches of a game.

"Johnson... can collapse the defense in a flash." - Trotter
15) G Stefan Vaaks, Providence
*Transferring from Providence to Illinois*

Stefan Vaaks is a tough cover simply because of his size and shot-making ability in the backcourt. He sees over defenses, navigates ball screens smoothly, and can stretch the floor well beyond the arc. Illinois is leaning into that offensive upside.

"Vaaks's combination of size, shooting, and playmaking is so tantalizing." - Trotter
16) F Donnie Freeman, Syracuse
*Transferring from Syracuse to St. John's*

Donnie Freeman remains one of the more intriguing bets in the portal because of what he could be. The tools are all there for a versatile forward who can handle, pass, and score. The next step is channeling it into consistent, winning basketball.

"The 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward can do a little bit of everything, and when he plays with force, Freeman is nasty." - Trotter
17) G Dedan Thomas Jr., LSU
*Transferring from LSU to Houston*

Dedan Thomas Jr. is wired to run a team, plain and simple. His feel in pick-and-roll and ability to create for others stand out immediately when he’s healthy. Houston is getting a steady hand who fits exactly how they want to play.

"Thomas... has real shake, sky-high IQ, and unquestioned feel in pick-and-rolls." - Trotter
18) G Jackson Shelstad, Oregon
*Transferring from Oregon to Louisville*

Jackson Shelstad is a pure scorer who thrives on creating his own looks. Whether it’s off the bounce or pulling up in rhythm, he’s comfortable taking and making tough shots. Louisville brought him in to get buckets, and he will.

"Shelstad is a total bucket." - Trotter
19) G Terrence Hill Jr., VCU
*Transferring from VCU to Tennessee*

Terrence Hill Jr. plays an efficient, controlled brand of basketball that coaches love. He picks his spots, knocks down shots, and doesn’t beat himself with mistakes. Tennessee is adding a guard who can contribute right away without forcing the issue.

"Hill... can create something out of nothing while playing clean basketball." - Trotter
20) G Acaden Lewis, Villanova
*Transferring from Villanova to Miami*

Acaden Lewis has a mature feel for the position that shows up in how he controls tempo and reads defenses. He’s comfortable operating in pick-and-roll and knows how to get into the paint and finish. Miami may have found its next high-level floor general.

"Lewis... was one of the Big East's top freshmen from the jump." - Trotter
21) C Somto Cyril, Georgia
*Transferring from Georgia to Miami*

Somto Cyril brings rare physical tools that jump off the screen the moment he steps on the floor. He runs, protects the rim, and plays above it in ways few can. The polish isn’t there yet, but Miami is betting on the long-term payoff.

"Very few bigs in this portal haul have the physical tools that Cyril possesses." - Trotter
22) G Neoklis Avdalas, Virginia Tech
*Transferring from Virginia Tech to North Carolina*

Neoklis Avdalas is a fascinating upside swing with his size and playmaking ability. At 6-foot-9, he sees the game differently and can create mismatches as a secondary initiator. North Carolina is banking on development unlocking that potential.

"The combination of size, shooting, and playmaking is attractive." - Trotter
23) F JP Estrella, Tennessee
*Transferring from Tennessee to Michigan*

JP Estrella feels like a breakout candidate if he stays on the floor. His motor on the glass and touch around the rim give him a strong foundation to build on. Michigan could be the place where it all comes together.

"Estrella... screams breakout if he can stay healthy." - Trotter
24) G Markus Burton, Notre Dame
*Transferring from Notre Dame to Indiana*

Markus Burton doesn’t overwhelm with size, but his scoring craft more than makes up for it. He lives in the midrange and thrives on making tough shots under pressure. Indiana needed a guard who could get a bucket, and Burton fits the bill.

"Burton is one of the most dangerous midrange artists in the game." - Trotter
25) G Jalen Haralson, Notre Dame
*Transferring from Notre Dame to Tennessee*

Jalen Haralson is a downhill force who uses his size to bully defenders and get where he wants. When he’s attacking, he’s tough to contain, especially in pick-and-roll situations. The jumper is the swing skill that will define his ceiling.

"Haralson... is always looking to punish defenders with downhill, slippery drives." - Trotter
26) C Mo Sylla, Georgia Tech
*Transferring from Georgia Tech to West Virginia*

Mo Sylla is still more projection than production, but the upside is easy to see. He moves well, defends multiple actions, and brings real energy to the frontcourt. West Virginia is taking a swing at what he can become.

"Sylla... is brimming with upside." - Trotter
27) G Zoom Diallo, Washington
*Transferring from Washington to Kentucky*

Zoom Diallo plays with a decisiveness that separates him from most guards. He knows when to attack, when to facilitate, and rarely wastes possessions. Kentucky is getting a guard who can stabilize and produce.

"Diallo plays a decisive brand of basketball." - Trotter
28) C Najai Hines, Seton Hall
*Transferring from Seton Hall to UConn*

Najai Hines makes his living protecting the rim and anchoring the paint. His timing and instincts allow him to impact shots without elite vertical pop. UConn is adding a long-term piece with serious defensive upside.

"Hines makes up for it with excellent timing and hand-eye coordination." - Trotter
29) G Cruz Davis, Hofstra
*Transferring from Hofstra to Texas Tech*

Cruz Davis is one of the more dynamic creators in the portal, capable of breaking down defenders in a variety of ways. His handle, balance, and shot-making give him a deep offensive bag of tricks. Texas Tech is getting a guard who can run the show.

"Davis has so much wiggle and a ton of game." - Trotter
30) G Kayden Mingo, Penn State
*Transferring from Penn State to Baylor*

Kayden Mingo brings size and control to the point guard position, making him a steady presence at both ends of the floor. He gets into the paint, makes smart reads, and competes defensively. Baylor is adding a guard who can organize everything.

"Mingo is a true set-the-table point guard with positional size and defensive chops." - Trotter
31) F Drew Scharnowski, Belmont
*Transferring from Belmont to Duke*

Drew Scharnowski quietly developed into one of the more skilled frontcourt players at the mid-major level, bringing toughness, versatility, and a polished offensive game to Belmont. His ability to stretch the floor and make smart decisions with the ball should fit naturally in Duke’s system. Scharnowski might not arrive with massive headlines, but he feels like the type of experienced addition who quickly wins coaches over.
32) G Jeremiah Wilkinson, Georgia
*Transferring from Georgia to Arkansas*

Jeremiah Wilkinson has consistently proven he can score against high-level competition, and his offensive confidence only continued to grow at Georgia. He’s explosive with the ball in his hands and improved significantly as a perimeter shooter, giving Arkansas another dangerous scoring option in the backcourt. Wilkinson’s ability to create his own offense should make him an immediate factor in the SEC.
33) G Paul McNeil, NC State
*Transferring from NC State*

Paul McNeil remains one of the more intriguing young guards available because of his natural scoring instincts and athletic upside. While consistency was still developing during his time at NC State, the flashes offensively showed why he was such a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school. Wherever he lands next, McNeil has the talent to emerge in a much larger role.
34) F Nik Khamenia, Duke
*Transferring from Duke to UConn*

Nik Khamenia showed enough flashes at Duke to keep evaluators excited about his long-term upside. His size, versatility, and ability to impact the game offensively make him an ideal developmental piece for Dan Hurley’s system at UConn. With expanded opportunities, Khamenia could take a major leap over the next couple of seasons.
35) F Bryson Tiller, Kansas
*Transferring from Kansas to Missouri*

Bryson Tiller never fully broke through at Kansas, but the talent was obvious whenever he got extended opportunities. His athleticism and energy should thrive in Missouri’s fast-paced style, where he’ll have more room to attack and play freely offensively. Tiller feels like a breakout candidate heading into next season.
36) G KJ Lewis, Georgetown
*Transferring from Georgetown to USC*

KJ Lewis took a noticeable jump offensively this past season, showing he could handle a heavier scoring load while still bringing toughness on defense. USC needed more reliability and physicality in the backcourt, and Lewis checks both boxes immediately. His two-way impact should make him an important piece for the Trojans.
37) C Samet Yigitoglu, SMU
*Transferring from SMU to Indiana*

Samet Yigitoglu steadily became one of the ACC’s most dependable interior players thanks to his size, touch, and efficiency around the rim. Indiana badly needed more frontcourt presence, and Yigitoglu gives the Hoosiers a true low-post option capable of controlling the paint. His consistency late in the season only reinforced how valuable he can be at the high-major level.
38) G Chance Westry, UAB
*Transferring from UAB to Xavier*

Chance Westry looked rejuvenated at UAB, finally showing the confidence and playmaking ability that made him such a coveted prospect earlier in his career. His size as a guard and ability to create offense should make him a difficult matchup in the Big East. Xavier is betting Westry’s late-season surge was only the beginning.
39) C Sananda Fru, Louisville
*Transferring from Louisville to Marquette*

Sananda Fru might not be the flashiest addition in the portal, but few big men impact winning more consistently on both ends. He rebounds, protects the rim, and finishes efficiently without needing plays called for him offensively. Fru gives Marquette an experienced and dependable presence in the middle from Day 1.
40) SF Jamier Jones, Providence
*Transferring from Providence to Missouri*

Jamier Jones played with aggression and confidence throughout his freshman season at Providence, constantly putting pressure on defenses by attacking downhill. His athleticism and physical style should fit perfectly in Missouri’s up-tempo system. Jones has the tools to become one of the SEC’s more intriguing young wings.
41) F Kwame Evans Jr., Oregon
*Transferring from Oregon to Villanova*

Kwame Evans Jr. started putting everything together late last season, showing the offensive confidence and versatility many expected when he arrived at Oregon as a five-star recruit. Villanova is allowing him to become a focal point in the frontcourt, and his potential remains extremely high. If his late-season momentum carries over, Evans could become one of the Big East’s top forwards.
42) PG Alex Wilkins, Furman
*Transferring from Furman to Kentucky*

Alex Wilkins emerged as one of the most exciting mid-major guards in the country because of his creativity as a playmaker and confidence in big moments. He thrives operating in ball screens and should fit naturally in Mark Pope’s offense at Kentucky. Wilkins has the talent to become a major difference-maker once he adjusts to the SEC.
43) G Collin Chandler, Kentucky
*Transferring from Kentucky to BYU*

Collin Chandler showed flashes at Kentucky as a shooter and secondary scorer, even if consistency was still developing throughout the season. His fit at BYU feels much more natural in a system designed to maximize spacing and perimeter movement. Chandler should have every chance to thrive offensively back in Provo.
44) G Terrence Brown, Utah
*Transferring from Utah to North Carolina*

Terrence Brown proved his scoring ability translated to the high-major level after another productive offensive season at Utah. He can create his own shot, facilitate for others, and provide the experienced perimeter production that North Carolina desperately needed. Brown’s offensive versatility should make him an immediate contributor in Chapel Hill.
45) G Matt Able, NC State
*Transferring from NC State to North Carolina*

Matt Able entered college with major expectations and still showed enough flashes offensively to keep evaluators excited about his future. His shot-making and perimeter scoring ability should help stretch defenses in North Carolina’s revamped offense. A fresh start could be exactly what Able needs to unlock more consistency.
46) G Jaylen Petty, Texas Tech
*Transferring from Texas Tech to UCLA*

Jaylen Petty never looked overwhelmed as a freshman at Texas Tech, earning trust quickly because of his toughness and confidence in big moments. He competes defensively, shoots it well from deep, and plays with the edge Mick Cronin typically values in guards. Petty feels like a natural fit in Westwood.
47) PG Jaquan Johnson, Bradley
*Transferring from Bradley to Iowa State*

Jaquan Johnson developed into one of the more productive guards in the Missouri Valley thanks to his ability to score while also controlling the pace offensively. Iowa State values toughness and defensive intensity from its backcourt, and Johnson brings both entering the Big 12. His experience and playmaking should help ease the transition to a higher level.
48) PG Jaland Lowe, Kentucky
*Transferring from Kentucky to Georgetown*

Jaland Lowe never fully settled in at Kentucky because of injuries, but his production before arriving in Lexington showed exactly what kind of player he can be. He’s a dynamic lead guard capable of scoring and facilitating at a high level when healthy. Georgetown needed a proven playmaker, and Lowe immediately raised the ceiling for the Hoyas.
49) F Keanu Dawes, Utah
*Transferring from Utah to Kansas*

Keanu Dawes brings athleticism, energy, and defensive versatility to a Kansas frontcourt looking for more physicality. He impacted games in multiple ways at Utah and should fit well in Bill Self’s system because of his willingness to defend and rebound. Dawes has the tools to carve out an important role quickly in Lawrence.
50) G Derek Dixon, North Carolina
*Transferring from North Carolina to Arizona*

Derek Dixon handled a difficult role at North Carolina with impressive composure after stepping into the starting lineup midway through the season. His perimeter shooting and improved feel as a playmaker give Arizona another promising option in the backcourt. Dixon finished the year playing some of his best basketball and could be poised for a breakout.
51) G Finley Bizjack, Butler
*Transferring from Butler to West Virginia*

Finley Bizjack steadily developed into a dependable scoring guard at Butler, showing confidence as both a perimeter shooter and shot creator. His toughness and offensive versatility should translate well to the Big 12, especially in a West Virginia program looking for more backcourt production. Bizjack feels like the type of experienced addition who can stabilize a roster quickly.
52) G Dai Dai Ames, California
*Transferring from California to Tennessee*

Dai Dai Ames brings quickness, scoring ability, and valuable high-major experience to Tennessee’s backcourt. He showed flashes at Cal of creating offense for himself and others, particularly when playing aggressively downhill. Rick Barnes continues to add guards who can handle pressure and defend, making Ames an intriguing fit in Knoxville.
53) F Devin Royal, Ohio State
*Transferring from Ohio State to Villanova*

Devin Royal steadily carved out a larger role at Ohio State because of his physicality and ability to impact the game inside the arc. He rebounds well, attacks the basket aggressively, and brings a toughness Villanova desperately needed in the frontcourt. Royal’s style feels tailor-made for Big East basketball.
54) G Jake Hall, New Mexico
*Transferring from New Mexico*

Jake Hall quietly became one of the more productive guards in the Mountain West thanks to his scoring ability and confidence offensively. He’s capable of heating up quickly from the perimeter while also creating shots off the dribble. Hall should draw plenty of attention in the portal as programs look for experienced scoring help.
55) F Drew Fielder, Boise State
*Transferring from Boise State to Alabama*

Drew Fielder gives Alabama another versatile frontcourt option capable of stretching the floor and playing with physicality inside. He developed into a reliable contributor at Boise State and should fit well in Nate Oats’ up-tempo offensive system. Fielder’s skill set allows him to impact the game in multiple ways offensively.
56) F Baye Ndongo, Georgia Tech
*Transferring from Georgia Tech to Pittsburgh*

Baye Ndongo has been one of the ACC’s most reliable rebounders and interior players over the past several seasons. His experience and consistency make him a strong addition for a Pittsburgh team looking for proven production in the frontcourt. Ndongo’s physicality and motor should translate immediately.
57) G Christian Hammond, Santa Clara
*Transferring from Santa Clara to NC State*

Christian Hammond emerged as a steady and productive guard at Santa Clara, showing the ability to score while also effectively facilitating offense. His pace and feel as a playmaker should help NC State immediately in the backcourt. Hammond brings valuable experience and maturity to a roster still taking shape.
58) SG Tyler Lundblade, Belmont
*Transferring from Belmont to Tennessee*

Tyler Lundblade developed into one of the nation’s best movement shooters at Belmont, constantly creating problems for defenses with his off-ball activity. Tennessee has consistently thrived with players who can stretch the floor this way, making Lundblade an ideal fit in Rick Barnes’ offense. His shooting ability alone gives the Volunteers another dangerous weapon.
59) SF Karter Knox, Arkansas
*Transferring from Arkansas to Louisville*

Karter Knox remains one of the more talented young wings in college basketball because of his size, athleticism, and scoring upside. While consistency is still developing, the flashes offensively have always been impressive. Louisville is betting Knox’s potential turns into production in a much larger role.
60) PF LeJuan Watts, Texas Tech
*Transferring from Texas Tech to Washington*

LeJuan Watts brings toughness, versatility, and defensive energy to a Washington frontcourt needing more physicality. He showed at Texas Tech that he can impact games without needing the offense built around him, particularly with his rebounding and effort plays. Watts’ motor should make him a valuable addition immediately.
1) F Flory Bidunga, Kansas
*Transferring from Kansas to Louisville*

Flory Bidunga is the kind of interior force that changes a defense overnight. Louisville didn’t just land production; they landed a tone-setter who lives above the rim and erases mistakes on the back end. If it clicks, he’s got real ACC Defensive Player of the Year juice.

"Bidunga is a pogo-stick leaper... an elite defensive prospect who is switchable, mobile and highly disruptive." - Trotter

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CBS Sports Ranks the Top 60 Transfers in the College Basketball Transfer Portal

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