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<\/p>\nCollege basketball\u2019s roster management busy season increasingly resembles NBA free agency, and with thousands of players hitting the transfer portal each spring, fans must keep track of a lot of new faces on their favorite teams and rivals. This is where The Athletic\u2019s transfer portal rankings come in.<\/p>\n
The rankings are a living document we will continue to update as more players make commitments, now that the portal is closed to new entries. Some notes to keep in mind: First, positional scarcity is taken into account. The easiest type of player to find in the portal is a scoring guard; the hardest types are versatile wings and bigs. Second, remaining eligibility matters. Players with potential to play more than one season carry more value. Finally, these rankings are essentially scheme-agnostic. Not every team runs the same offense and defense, so no two teams\u2019 boards look the same. Take these as more of a list of transfers to watch than an official window into how much every team values every player.<\/p>\n
With that said, here are The Athletic\u2019s 2025 transfer portal rankings.<\/p>\n
Position Center Forward Guard Wing<\/p>\n
Availability Committed In Portal<\/p>\n
Pre-committment Team Akron Alabama Arizona Arizona State Arkansas Auburn BYU Baylor Cal California Cincinnati Colorado State Creighton Davidson Drake ETSU Evansville FAU Florida Florida State Georgia Georgia Tech Grand Canyon Houston Howard Illinois Indiana Iowa Iowa State Jacksonville State Kennesaw St LSU Lincoln Mem. Lipscomb Loyola Chicago Maryland Memphis Miami (Fla.) Michigan Michigan State Mississippi State Nevada New Mexico North Alabama North Carolina North Dakota Notre Dame Oregon State Pittsburgh Princeton Providence Purdue Robert Morris S Dakota St Saint Joseph’s Sam Houston San Diego St San Francisco Santa Clara St. Bona St. John’s Texas A&M Texas Tech Troy Tulane UAB UCF UCLA UNLV USC Utah Valley Valparaiso Vanderbilt Virginia Washington St West Virginia Wyoming Xavier<\/p>\n
Post-committment Team Alabama Crimson Tide Arkansas Razorbacks Auburn Tigers BYU Cougars Baylor Bears Cincinnati Bearcats Clemson Tigers Connecticut Huskies Creighton Bluejays Florida Gators Georgetown Hoyas Georgia Bulldogs Houston Cougars Illinois Fighting Illini Indiana Hoosiers Iowa Hawkeyes Kansas Jayhawks Kentucky Wildcats LSU Tigers Louisville Cardinals Maryland Terrapins Miami Hurricanes Michigan Wolverines Missouri Tigers North Carolina State Wolfpack North Carolina Tar Heels Ohio State Buckeyes Oklahoma Sooners Oklahoma State Cowboys Pittsburgh Panthers Providence Friars Purdue Boilermakers SMU Mustangs St. John’s Red Storm Syracuse Orange Tennessee Volunteers Texas A&M Aggies Texas Longhorns Texas Tech Red Raiders UCLA Bruins USC Trojans Virginia Cavaliers Virginia Tech Hokies Wake Forest Demon Deacons Washington Huskies West Virginia Mountaineers Wisconsin Badgers Xavier Musketeers <\/p>\n
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Try changing or resetting your filters to see more.<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
The maestro of Drake’s 31-win team is following Ben McCollum to Iowa, announcing that he would be joining his coach in Iowa City even before his name officially hit the portal. Stirtz is a tremendous processor who understands exactly how to play within McCollum’s scheme. He runs the show and seemingly never leaves the court (over 39 minutes per game this season). He can score from all three levels, can play on and off the ball and serves as an extension of his coach on the floor. He scored 21 points in both of Drake’s NCAA Tournament games against high-major competition. There are some athletic concerns as he moves up a level, but those are more NBA-focused than college-centric. Stirtz is a good bet to be an All-American next season and a monster building block for Iowa in the post-Fran McCaffery world. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
The maestro of Drake’s 31-win team is following Ben McCollum to Iowa, announcing that he would be joining his coach in Iowa City even before his name officially hit the portal. Stirtz is a tremendous processor who understands exactly how to play within McCollum’s scheme. He runs the show and seemingly never leaves the court (over 39 minutes per game this season). He can score from all three levels, can play on and off the ball and serves as an extension of his coach on the floor. He scored 21 points in both of Drake’s NCAA Tournament games against high-major competition. There are some athletic concerns as he moves up a level, but those are more NBA-focused than college-centric. Stirtz is a good bet to be an All-American next season and a monster building block for Iowa in the post-Fran McCaffery world. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Drake<\/p>\n
Iowa Hawkeyes <\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Lendeborg is the best non-point guard in the portal and has a case as the most impactful overall player \u2014 unless he stays in the NBA Draft. He\u2019s a playmaker on both ends of the floor who doesn\u2019t have much of a weakness as a frontcourt player. He\u2019s tough and physical on the interior, scoring and posting at a high level. He rebounds at an elite level. He passes well and sees the court. Defensively, he has fantastic hand-eye coordination that allows him to thrive. This is the kind of two-way player who can be the centerpiece of a high-major roster. He has an extra year of college eligibility due to the junior college ruling, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see whether he uses it. Regardless, he can expect a massive payday next season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Lendeborg is the best non-point guard in the portal and has a case as the most impactful overall player \u2014 unless he stays in the NBA Draft. He\u2019s a playmaker on both ends of the floor who doesn\u2019t have much of a weakness as a frontcourt player. He\u2019s tough and physical on the interior, scoring and posting at a high level. He rebounds at an elite level. He passes well and sees the court. Defensively, he has fantastic hand-eye coordination that allows him to thrive. This is the kind of two-way player who can be the centerpiece of a high-major roster. He has an extra year of college eligibility due to the junior college ruling, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see whether he uses it. Regardless, he can expect a massive payday next season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
UAB<\/p>\n
Michigan Wolverines <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 175<\/p>\n
Dent was one of the best point guards in college basketball this season, becoming the first player since 1997 to average at least 20 points and six assists while shooting 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3. He was a borderline All-American while carrying a fast-paced offense to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He’s wildly competitive and reads the court incredibly well. Any mistake that a team makes in ball-screen defense, Dent is going to hammer it. Tag too late, he’ll hit the lob to a big. Tag too aggressively on the weak side, he’ll hit the cross-corner kick-out. If you give him too much space coming off of a screen, he’ll attack the rim or find a beautiful little floater. He’s lethal at getting to the foul line, too. Dent has a chance to be an All-American next season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 175<\/p>\n
Dent was one of the best point guards in college basketball this season, becoming the first player since 1997 to average at least 20 points and six assists while shooting 49 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3. He was a borderline All-American while carrying a fast-paced offense to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He’s wildly competitive and reads the court incredibly well. Any mistake that a team makes in ball-screen defense, Dent is going to hammer it. Tag too late, he’ll hit the lob to a big. Tag too aggressively on the weak side, he’ll hit the cross-corner kick-out. If you give him too much space coming off of a screen, he’ll attack the rim or find a beautiful little floater. He’s lethal at getting to the foul line, too. Dent has a chance to be an All-American next season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
New Mexico<\/p>\n
UCLA Bruins <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
Williams is one of the best mismatch scorers in the portal. He\u2019s the ultimate playmaking four, a guy who can both score and facilitate, particularly when he attracts extra attention. Texas Tech used him wisely in allowing to play in isolation and back down smaller defenders, or pull bigger guys out to the perimeter and either shoot the 3 or drive by them. His 3-point percentage dipped this year (34 percent), but he\u2019s a 37.9 percent shooter from deep for his career. It\u2019s hard to see him thriving any more than he did in the system he was just in. He battled injuries this year but had some moments of brilliance, including averaging 23.7 points over his final three games in the NCAA Tournament. Any team that prioritizes spacing and playing to mismatches will find Williams to be a great chess piece. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
Williams is one of the best mismatch scorers in the portal. He\u2019s the ultimate playmaking four, a guy who can both score and facilitate, particularly when he attracts extra attention. Texas Tech used him wisely in allowing to play in isolation and back down smaller defenders, or pull bigger guys out to the perimeter and either shoot the 3 or drive by them. His 3-point percentage dipped this year (34 percent), but he\u2019s a 37.9 percent shooter from deep for his career. It\u2019s hard to see him thriving any more than he did in the system he was just in. He battled injuries this year but had some moments of brilliance, including averaging 23.7 points over his final three games in the NCAA Tournament. Any team that prioritizes spacing and playing to mismatches will find Williams to be a great chess piece. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
In Portal<\/p>\n
Texas Tech<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-0 Wt: 235<\/p>\n
Veesaar was a monster this season despite coming off of the bench for a majority of the year. When Veesaar was on the court, the Wildcats were 17.6 points per 100 possessions better than when he was off of it. Among rotation players, that was 10 points better than anyone else on the team. He finishes well on the interior and moves around the court at a terrific level for someone his size. I\u2019s hard to find experienced true 7-footers in the portal who are this versatile on defense. You can play drop coverage and you can play more at the level with him in ball screens. He rebounds really well, he\u2019s physical with his frame and he protects the paint. Veesaar will play in the NBA at some point. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-0 Wt: 235<\/p>\n
Veesaar was a monster this season despite coming off of the bench for a majority of the year. When Veesaar was on the court, the Wildcats were 17.6 points per 100 possessions better than when he was off of it. Among rotation players, that was 10 points better than anyone else on the team. He finishes well on the interior and moves around the court at a terrific level for someone his size. I\u2019s hard to find experienced true 7-footers in the portal who are this versatile on defense. You can play drop coverage and you can play more at the level with him in ball screens. He rebounds really well, he\u2019s physical with his frame and he protects the paint. Veesaar will play in the NBA at some point. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Arizona<\/p>\n
North Carolina Tar Heels <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 191<\/p>\n
The second-team All-American is one of the best high-volume scorers in the country. He\u2019s not an ideal fit in an analytically friendly offense because he often lives in the midrange and he\u2019s not as good of a 3-point shooter, but he\u2019s going to get to the foul line often (drawing 6.1 fouls per 40 minutes), and that helps him score consistently. He\u2019s relentless at throwing his body into defenders and is smart about using fakes and attacking vulnerable defenders. He needs to be in a system that is more of a dribble-drive approach. But give him freedom to attack and get to his spots, and he\u2019s going to put up points. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 191<\/p>\n
The second-team All-American is one of the best high-volume scorers in the country. He\u2019s not an ideal fit in an analytically friendly offense because he often lives in the midrange and he\u2019s not as good of a 3-point shooter, but he\u2019s going to get to the foul line often (drawing 6.1 fouls per 40 minutes), and that helps him score consistently. He\u2019s relentless at throwing his body into defenders and is smart about using fakes and attacking vulnerable defenders. He needs to be in a system that is more of a dribble-drive approach. But give him freedom to attack and get to his spots, and he\u2019s going to put up points. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 250<\/p>\n
A former top-30 recruit, Johnson was terrific in limited minutes and had just started to turn the corner before he broke his wrist in mid-February. In the 12 games before the injury, he was averaging 10 points and seven rebounds in only 22 minutes while shooting 69 percent from the field. A big-bodied big man, Johnson likely will be an all-conference player at some point in the next two years. His touch on the interior is terrific. He can score both out of ball screens and out of post-ups. On top of it, he\u2019s a terrific rebounder who knows how to use his frame to carve out space. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 250<\/p>\n
A former top-30 recruit, Johnson was terrific in limited minutes and had just started to turn the corner before he broke his wrist in mid-February. In the 12 games before the injury, he was averaging 10 points and seven rebounds in only 22 minutes while shooting 69 percent from the field. A big-bodied big man, Johnson likely will be an all-conference player at some point in the next two years. His touch on the interior is terrific. He can score both out of ball screens and out of post-ups. On top of it, he\u2019s a terrific rebounder who knows how to use his frame to carve out space. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Illinois<\/p>\n
Michigan Wolverines <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 215<\/p>\n
Conwell proved he could be a high-major go-to guy this year at Xavier after breaking out in his one season at Indiana State. He\u2019s one of the best scorers in the portal, able to fill it up from all three levels. The lefty shot 41.2 percent from 3, and he\u2019s elite in catch-and-shoot, off movement and off the bounce. He\u2019s one of those lefties who just seems hard to stop from getting to his left hand. He\u2019s smooth and strong, so he finds a way to get to his spots. He also battles defensively and is a valuable two-way wing. He can be streaky, but when he\u2019s on, he can really go off \u2014 proven by two 30-plus-point games this season. Conwell is arguably the best wing in the portal and should be highly coveted.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 215<\/p>\n
Conwell proved he could be a high-major go-to guy this year at Xavier after breaking out in his one season at Indiana State. He\u2019s one of the best scorers in the portal, able to fill it up from all three levels. The lefty shot 41.2 percent from 3, and he\u2019s elite in catch-and-shoot, off movement and off the bounce. He\u2019s one of those lefties who just seems hard to stop from getting to his left hand. He\u2019s smooth and strong, so he finds a way to get to his spots. He also battles defensively and is a valuable two-way wing. He can be streaky, but when he\u2019s on, he can really go off \u2014 proven by two 30-plus-point games this season. Conwell is arguably the best wing in the portal and should be highly coveted.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Xavier<\/p>\n
Louisville Cardinals <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 210<\/p>\n
Watkins has the best combination of size, athleticism and defensive abilities of any wing in the portal. He will be 24 by the time the season starts, and he has a pro\u2019s body. He played some point guard at Florida State and does a nice job playing out of ball screens, able to make the reads and see over the defense at 6-7. He excels attacking the rim and drawing fouls \u2014 he drew 7.1 per 40 minutes. His jumper has never really become reliable, and that\u2019s why he\u2019s still in school. He\u2019s just a career 32.5 percent 3-point shooter, and he takes too many 3s (165 this past year) and mid-range shots for his abilities. He should focus on getting the basket and only shooting wide open 3s \u2014 he shot a solid 39.1 percent on open catch-and-shoot opportunities, per Synergy. That would help him become a more efficient player. He\u2019s been the best guy on a mediocre team the last two years at Florida State and it\u2019s worth questioning if he can be as effective playing more off the ball, but I\u2019m a believer he could be one of the best guys for a winner.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 210<\/p>\n
Watkins has the best combination of size, athleticism and defensive abilities of any wing in the portal. He will be 24 by the time the season starts, and he has a pro\u2019s body. He played some point guard at Florida State and does a nice job playing out of ball screens, able to make the reads and see over the defense at 6-7. He excels attacking the rim and drawing fouls \u2014 he drew 7.1 per 40 minutes. His jumper has never really become reliable, and that\u2019s why he\u2019s still in school. He\u2019s just a career 32.5 percent 3-point shooter, and he takes too many 3s (165 this past year) and mid-range shots for his abilities. He should focus on getting the basket and only shooting wide open 3s \u2014 he shot a solid 39.1 percent on open catch-and-shoot opportunities, per Synergy. That would help him become a more efficient player. He\u2019s been the best guy on a mediocre team the last two years at Florida State and it\u2019s worth questioning if he can be as effective playing more off the ball, but I\u2019m a believer he could be one of the best guys for a winner.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
In Portal<\/p>\n
Florida State<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
DeVries played for his dad, Darian, at Drake before following him to West Virginia and now to Indiana. A two-time Missouri Valley player of the year, he\u2019s an elite shooter off movement who can create shots from all three levels. He takes about seven 3s per game, and while he only hits them at a 37 percent clip, that\u2019s because he takes some truly difficult ones off all sorts of intricate action within this offense. He also passes extremely well. His feet can be a bit slow on defense, a trait that could be exploited in the Big Ten. Still, expect him to be one of the best players in the league next season even coming off the wrist injury that held him out for all but eight games this year. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
DeVries played for his dad, Darian, at Drake before following him to West Virginia and now to Indiana. A two-time Missouri Valley player of the year, he\u2019s an elite shooter off movement who can create shots from all three levels. He takes about seven 3s per game, and while he only hits them at a 37 percent clip, that\u2019s because he takes some truly difficult ones off all sorts of intricate action within this offense. He also passes extremely well. His feet can be a bit slow on defense, a trait that could be exploited in the Big Ten. Still, expect him to be one of the best players in the league next season even coming off the wrist injury that held him out for all but eight games this year. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
West Virginia<\/p>\n
Indiana Hoosiers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 210<\/p>\n
One of the most fun breakout stars of the year in the Big Ten, Dix is a skilled, efficient gunner who makes great decisions. He shot 51 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free-throw line, but the big number here is the 42.2 percent mark on five 3-point attempts per game. He\u2019s an all-situations shooter: off spot-ups, off movement, off relocations and off the dribble. He tops it off by being useful in ball screens as a handler and cutting sharply off the ball. He has an NBA-style off-ball game, and he\u2019ll likely fit best in a scheme that prioritizes off-ball movement, 3-point shooting and five-out play. But he can play anywhere in the country. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 210<\/p>\n
One of the most fun breakout stars of the year in the Big Ten, Dix is a skilled, efficient gunner who makes great decisions. He shot 51 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free-throw line, but the big number here is the 42.2 percent mark on five 3-point attempts per game. He\u2019s an all-situations shooter: off spot-ups, off movement, off relocations and off the dribble. He tops it off by being useful in ball screens as a handler and cutting sharply off the ball. He has an NBA-style off-ball game, and he\u2019ll likely fit best in a scheme that prioritizes off-ball movement, 3-point shooting and five-out play. But he can play anywhere in the country. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Iowa<\/p>\n
Creighton Bluejays <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
DeMary is unlike just about anyone else available. Why? He’s a big guard who can actually run an offense. Landing him gives a team a lot more flexibility in the other guys they can pursue: A big lead lets you play smaller scoring guards if you want, or go with the recent Connecticut model and switch all actions across positions one through four at a high level. DeMary had a monster close to this season, averaging 19.3 points and 3.5 per game over his final 10, and he shot it well enough from 3 all year to play both on and off the ball if needed. He\u2019s a serious chess piece. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
DeMary is unlike just about anyone else available. Why? He’s a big guard who can actually run an offense. Landing him gives a team a lot more flexibility in the other guys they can pursue: A big lead lets you play smaller scoring guards if you want, or go with the recent Connecticut model and switch all actions across positions one through four at a high level. DeMary had a monster close to this season, averaging 19.3 points and 3.5 per game over his final 10, and he shot it well enough from 3 all year to play both on and off the ball if needed. He\u2019s a serious chess piece. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Georgia<\/p>\n
Connecticut Huskies <\/p>\n
“<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Wright is one of the hardest players to keep out of the paint with a live dribble. He does a nice job changing speeds and using his body to create space. He has the build, strength and vision for finding space of a running back. Where he struggles is finishing over length and getting his floaters to go down. Both from the perimeter and in close, he shoots a flat ball that doesn\u2019t have a lot of touch. He shot just 49.7 percent at the rim and 32.5 percent on runners, per Synergy. But there\u2019s a lot to like. He can guard. He can run a team and set up teammates. And he can touch paint almost anytime he wants. If he can improve his touch, he has a chance to develop into one of the best point guards in the country. . \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
“”<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Wright is one of the hardest players to keep out of the paint with a live dribble. He does a nice job changing speeds and using his body to create space. He has the build, strength and vision for finding space of a running back. Where he struggles is finishing over length and getting his floaters to go down. Both from the perimeter and in close, he shoots a flat ball that doesn\u2019t have a lot of touch. He shot just 49.7 percent at the rim and 32.5 percent on runners, per Synergy. But there\u2019s a lot to like. He can guard. He can run a team and set up teammates. And he can touch paint almost anytime he wants. If he can improve his touch, he has a chance to develop into one of the best point guards in the country. . \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
“<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
In Portal<\/p>\n
Baylor<\/p>\n
BYU Cougars <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6Wt: 225<\/p>\n
Hopkins has had a wild career, starting at Kentucky as a consensus top-40 recruit before transferring to Providence and exploding onto the scene with a first-team All-Big East campaign in 2022-23. Hopkins tried his luck with the NBA Draft in 2023 but returned to school and tore his ACL midway through his junior season. He tried to return this season but suffered a bone bruise after three games and missed the rest of the year. At his best, Hopkins is a mismatch nightmare at the four who can slash and finish at the rim with physicality, make plays for his teammates and defend with toughness. He could turn out to be one of the best players in college hoops next season, or he could struggle with his knee and disappoint. Given the resources that you\u2019d have to allocate to get him, Hopkins won\u2019t be for everyone. But if he\u2019s right, he\u2019s a genuine program-changer.\u00a0\u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6Wt: 225<\/p>\n
Hopkins has had a wild career, starting at Kentucky as a consensus top-40 recruit before transferring to Providence and exploding onto the scene with a first-team All-Big East campaign in 2022-23. Hopkins tried his luck with the NBA Draft in 2023 but returned to school and tore his ACL midway through his junior season. He tried to return this season but suffered a bone bruise after three games and missed the rest of the year. At his best, Hopkins is a mismatch nightmare at the four who can slash and finish at the rim with physicality, make plays for his teammates and defend with toughness. He could turn out to be one of the best players in college hoops next season, or he could struggle with his knee and disappoint. Given the resources that you\u2019d have to allocate to get him, Hopkins won\u2019t be for everyone. But if he\u2019s right, he\u2019s a genuine program-changer.\u00a0\u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Providence<\/p>\n
St. John’s Red Storm <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Luis was the Big East player of the year award, but that choice was based on him being the leading scorer on the best team. I felt like both Kadary Richmond and Zuby Ejiofor were a bit more impactful, and the on-\/off-court numbers back that up. Still, Luis is a serious shotmaker who is very comfortable getting to his spots. On top of that, he is an extremely active defensive player. It\u2019s hard to find two-way contributors in the portal who can create their own shot, score and defend, so expect Luis to be very expensive. He also declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, so he might take this process into May. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Luis was the Big East player of the year award, but that choice was based on him being the leading scorer on the best team. I felt like both Kadary Richmond and Zuby Ejiofor were a bit more impactful, and the on-\/off-court numbers back that up. Still, Luis is a serious shotmaker who is very comfortable getting to his spots. On top of that, he is an extremely active defensive player. It\u2019s hard to find two-way contributors in the portal who can create their own shot, score and defend, so expect Luis to be very expensive. He also declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, so he might take this process into May. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Coward started his career at Division III and then spent two years at Eastern Washington. He was an All-Big Sky selection his junior year and then followed David Riley to Washington State, where he was off to a fantastic start before a shoulder injury ended his \u201824-25 season. He\u2019s a smooth three-level scorer who has put up impressive efficiency numbers throughout his career and shot 38.8 percent from 3 in three seasons at Division I. He\u2019s a team player who will make the right pass and picks his spots wisely inside the offense to attack. He has long arms and has the ability to play multiple positions. He\u2019d be a great fit in just about any system because of his shooting and skill. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Coward started his career at Division III and then spent two years at Eastern Washington. He was an All-Big Sky selection his junior year and then followed David Riley to Washington State, where he was off to a fantastic start before a shoulder injury ended his \u201824-25 season. He\u2019s a smooth three-level scorer who has put up impressive efficiency numbers throughout his career and shot 38.8 percent from 3 in three seasons at Division I. He\u2019s a team player who will make the right pass and picks his spots wisely inside the offense to attack. He has long arms and has the ability to play multiple positions. He\u2019d be a great fit in just about any system because of his shooting and skill. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
In Portal<\/p>\n
Washington St<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 170<\/p>\n
Lowe had a tremendous freshman season that resulted in draft buzz entering the 2024-25 campaign, but this season just didn’t go all that well for him or Pitt. He did nearly double his scoring average, up to 16.8 points per game, while dishing out 5.5 assists and getting 1.8 steals, making him one of the most productive players in the portal at the high-major level. But he shot only 38 percent from the field and 27 percent from 3. In general, while he does play with real speed with the ball in his hands, I think his footwork could improve as he works into his pull-ups and gathers around the rim. Lowe’s godfather is John Lucas II, the father of new Miami (Fla.) coach Jai Lucas. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 170<\/p>\n
Lowe had a tremendous freshman season that resulted in draft buzz entering the 2024-25 campaign, but this season just didn’t go all that well for him or Pitt. He did nearly double his scoring average, up to 16.8 points per game, while dishing out 5.5 assists and getting 1.8 steals, making him one of the most productive players in the portal at the high-major level. But he shot only 38 percent from the field and 27 percent from 3. In general, while he does play with real speed with the ball in his hands, I think his footwork could improve as he works into his pull-ups and gathers around the rim. Lowe’s godfather is John Lucas II, the father of new Miami (Fla.) coach Jai Lucas. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh<\/p>\n
Kentucky Wildcats <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Gillespie was the starting point guard on a Sweet 16 team at Maryland this season, a transfer up from Belmont who did exactly what he was supposed to do upon his commitment to the high-major program. He started every game, did a great job as a distributor to get the team into their actions and provided a presence at the point of attack on defense. He was rightfully selected third-team All-Big Ten and will be one of the best guards in the country next season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Gillespie was the starting point guard on a Sweet 16 team at Maryland this season, a transfer up from Belmont who did exactly what he was supposed to do upon his commitment to the high-major program. He started every game, did a great job as a distributor to get the team into their actions and provided a presence at the point of attack on defense. He was rightfully selected third-team All-Big Ten and will be one of the best guards in the country next season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Maryland<\/p>\n
Tennessee Volunteers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 175<\/p>\n
Fland has also declared for the NBA Draft, but our Sam Vecenie currently projects him to go in the middle of the second round, so it would make sense for him to return to college. Fland has electric speed with the ball and puts up numbers, but he takes a lot of questionable shots and struggles to finish at the rim. He shot just 31 percent on jumpers off the dribble and finished only 38.2 percent of his shots at the rim, per Synergy. He\u2019s a good shooter when he has space, but he\u2019s too trigger-happy when he sees any kind of daylight. It was a troubling sign that Arkansas got significantly better when he went out with a hand injury; the Razorbacks were 0-5 in the SEC at that point and then went 8-5 the rest of the way in conference play. He could be a very effective college player once his decision-making improves, and maybe that progression happens as a sophomore, assuming he returns to school. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 175<\/p>\n
Fland has also declared for the NBA Draft, but our Sam Vecenie currently projects him to go in the middle of the second round, so it would make sense for him to return to college. Fland has electric speed with the ball and puts up numbers, but he takes a lot of questionable shots and struggles to finish at the rim. He shot just 31 percent on jumpers off the dribble and finished only 38.2 percent of his shots at the rim, per Synergy. He\u2019s a good shooter when he has space, but he\u2019s too trigger-happy when he sees any kind of daylight. It was a troubling sign that Arkansas got significantly better when he went out with a hand injury; the Razorbacks were 0-5 in the SEC at that point and then went 8-5 the rest of the way in conference play. He could be a very effective college player once his decision-making improves, and maybe that progression happens as a sophomore, assuming he returns to school. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
Quaintance got to college so early that he won\u2019t be able to declare for the NBA Draft until 2026. Still only 17 years old until July, he\u2019s a massive forward with something in the ballpark of a 7-foot-4 wingspan. He made the Big 12’s All-Defense team as a freshman, averaging 1.1 steals and 2.6 blocks per game. He has as much long-term defensive upside as any player in college basketball this season. There are offensive areas in which he has to grow, and scouts have some concerns about him being power forward-sized with an NBA center\u2019s game. Quaintance is projected by most within NBA circles as a top-10 pick in what is shaping up to be a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class, led by Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa and Cam Boozer. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
Quaintance got to college so early that he won\u2019t be able to declare for the NBA Draft until 2026. Still only 17 years old until July, he\u2019s a massive forward with something in the ballpark of a 7-foot-4 wingspan. He made the Big 12’s All-Defense team as a freshman, averaging 1.1 steals and 2.6 blocks per game. He has as much long-term defensive upside as any player in college basketball this season. There are offensive areas in which he has to grow, and scouts have some concerns about him being power forward-sized with an NBA center\u2019s game. Quaintance is projected by most within NBA circles as a top-10 pick in what is shaping up to be a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class, led by Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa and Cam Boozer. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Arizona State<\/p>\n
Kentucky Wildcats <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
Jackson is a plus shooter \u2014 39.5 percent from 3 \u2014 and is wired to score. He has some wiggle to his game and can shake defenders fairly easily off the bounce. Sometimes that\u2019s to his detriment because he\u2019ll attempt some difficult shots, but if he can learn to use his shot creation abilities to his advantage and also learn to set up teammates, that\u2019d be a plus. Right now, it\u2019s all tunnel vision looking to score. He can sometimes play too fast and is turnover prone when he drives, forcing his way into a lane that isn\u2019t always clear. Jackson needs to get with a coach who can help him mature his game, but the former five-star has plenty of upside. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
Jackson is a plus shooter \u2014 39.5 percent from 3 \u2014 and is wired to score. He has some wiggle to his game and can shake defenders fairly easily off the bounce. Sometimes that\u2019s to his detriment because he\u2019ll attempt some difficult shots, but if he can learn to use his shot creation abilities to his advantage and also learn to set up teammates, that\u2019d be a plus. Right now, it\u2019s all tunnel vision looking to score. He can sometimes play too fast and is turnover prone when he drives, forcing his way into a lane that isn\u2019t always clear. Jackson needs to get with a coach who can help him mature his game, but the former five-star has plenty of upside. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
North Carolina<\/p>\n
St. John’s Red Storm <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 230<\/p>\n
Freeman extended a long line of great Iowa post players under Fran McCaffery, consistently getting to his spots on the block and making shots. He shot 63 percent in post-ups, per Synergy, and has a great back-to-the-basket game. But he also has some handle, allowing him to attack in straight lines before using drop steps and counters to finish. His footwork is terrific, and he had a couple of moments when he stepped away and showed some potential from 3-point range. Teams that run several post-ups will likely be the best fit here, but he would also fit in ball-screen offenses that utilize seals. But to win games that matter, his new team must surround him with high-level defenders. That end of the floor wasn\u2019t always a strength despite his gaudy 1.8 blocks per game. \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 230<\/p>\n
Freeman extended a long line of great Iowa post players under Fran McCaffery, consistently getting to his spots on the block and making shots. He shot 63 percent in post-ups, per Synergy, and has a great back-to-the-basket game. But he also has some handle, allowing him to attack in straight lines before using drop steps and counters to finish. His footwork is terrific, and he had a couple of moments when he stepped away and showed some potential from 3-point range. Teams that run several post-ups will likely be the best fit here, but he would also fit in ball-screen offenses that utilize seals. But to win games that matter, his new team must surround him with high-level defenders. That end of the floor wasn\u2019t always a strength despite his gaudy 1.8 blocks per game. \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Iowa<\/p>\n
Creighton Bluejays <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 220<\/p>\n
Swain certainly has one of the best potential futures of any player in the portal. He’s a genuine NBA prospect who should declare for the draft this season to at least test his stock. A tremendous defensive playmaker, Swain has incredibly long arms and is wildly reactive on the court. He averaged 1.6 steals and 0.6 blocks to go with 11 points. Offensively, teams generally played off him this year, and he made them pay at times (he had 27 points in Xavier’s Round of 64 game vs. Illinois). However, to take that next step and become one of the best college players in the country \u2014 and a legitimate NBA player \u2014 he will have to improve his shot. He made just 25 percent from 3 this season and doesn’t look all that comfortable taking them. The good news? He has some real touch around the rim and made 82 percent of his free throws, so he has a chance to take that next step. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 220<\/p>\n
Swain certainly has one of the best potential futures of any player in the portal. He’s a genuine NBA prospect who should declare for the draft this season to at least test his stock. A tremendous defensive playmaker, Swain has incredibly long arms and is wildly reactive on the court. He averaged 1.6 steals and 0.6 blocks to go with 11 points. Offensively, teams generally played off him this year, and he made them pay at times (he had 27 points in Xavier’s Round of 64 game vs. Illinois). However, to take that next step and become one of the best college players in the country \u2014 and a legitimate NBA player \u2014 he will have to improve his shot. He made just 25 percent from 3 this season and doesn’t look all that comfortable taking them. The good news? He has some real touch around the rim and made 82 percent of his free throws, so he has a chance to take that next step. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Xavier<\/p>\n
Texas Longhorns <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 195<\/p>\n
A former five-star recruit, Sanon is a bucket-getter through and through. He\u2019s not overly big, but he averaged 12 points per game while shooting 42 percent from the field and 37 percent from 3 as a freshman. The numbers aren\u2019t what they seem, however. He had a dry spell in conference play after a strong start, averaging just six points from Dec. 14 through Feb. 23 while he played through an ankle injury. He was healthy at the end of the season and averaged 19 points in his final five games. He needs to improve drastically on defense and work on making consistent reads as a driver. If he can make tough, winning plays on both ends of the court on a regular basis, he has real NBA upside after next season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 195<\/p>\n
A former five-star recruit, Sanon is a bucket-getter through and through. He\u2019s not overly big, but he averaged 12 points per game while shooting 42 percent from the field and 37 percent from 3 as a freshman. The numbers aren\u2019t what they seem, however. He had a dry spell in conference play after a strong start, averaging just six points from Dec. 14 through Feb. 23 while he played through an ankle injury. He was healthy at the end of the season and averaged 19 points in his final five games. He needs to improve drastically on defense and work on making consistent reads as a driver. If he can make tough, winning plays on both ends of the court on a regular basis, he has real NBA upside after next season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Arizona State<\/p>\n
St. John’s Red Storm <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
One of the best pop-up freshmen in the country this season, Wooley was dominant in Conference USA for Kennesaw State. Not only are the averages per game impressive, but he shot 51 percent from the field, 42 percent from 3 and 77 percent from the line. His frame still needs a bit of work, so it makes sense that he spends at least one more season in college. However, he did almost carry Kennesaw to a win over league-champion Liberty in the conference tournament, scoring 28 points, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out five assists. He also had 25 points and 19 points against top-100 teams UC Irvine and Santa Clara.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie <\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
One of the best pop-up freshmen in the country this season, Wooley was dominant in Conference USA for Kennesaw State. Not only are the averages per game impressive, but he shot 51 percent from the field, 42 percent from 3 and 77 percent from the line. His frame still needs a bit of work, so it makes sense that he spends at least one more season in college. However, he did almost carry Kennesaw to a win over league-champion Liberty in the conference tournament, scoring 28 points, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out five assists. He also had 25 points and 19 points against top-100 teams UC Irvine and Santa Clara.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie <\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Kennesaw St<\/p>\n
Louisville Cardinals <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2Wt: 175<\/p>\n
Brown thrives working out of ball screens. He has a good understanding of how to set his man up and make sure he uses the screen. He needs it because he struggles to create separation in isolation, but when he gets an angle he does a good job of using his body to shield off defenders. He\u2019s a good shooter off the bounce and off the catch. He\u2019s going to find a way to get his points and was one of the most consistent scorers in the Atlantic-10. He scored in double figures in every game as a sophomore and went for 20-plus in his final four games. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2Wt: 175<\/p>\n
Brown thrives working out of ball screens. He has a good understanding of how to set his man up and make sure he uses the screen. He needs it because he struggles to create separation in isolation, but when he gets an angle he does a good job of using his body to shield off defenders. He\u2019s a good shooter off the bounce and off the catch. He\u2019s going to find a way to get his points and was one of the most consistent scorers in the Atlantic-10. He scored in double figures in every game as a sophomore and went for 20-plus in his final four games. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Saint Joseph’s<\/p>\n
Oklahoma Sooners <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Rice likely just missed out on All-Big Ten honors this year but would have been a worthy addition. After a couple of injury-riddled years at Virginia Tech, he showed what he is capable of at the high-major level. He drilled 37 percent of his nearly six 3-point attempts per game and used the threat of that shot to be able to get to his spots inside the arc, too. Defensively, I wouldn\u2019t say that he was a shutdown player, but he at least plays hard and is in the right positions. His former coach, Kevin Willard, is headed to Villanova, so that would make a ton of sense as a landing spot. But big-time shooters who can do more than that tend to be very valuable. It wouldn\u2019t be a stunner if he averaged 18 points per game at some point in his next spot. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Rice likely just missed out on All-Big Ten honors this year but would have been a worthy addition. After a couple of injury-riddled years at Virginia Tech, he showed what he is capable of at the high-major level. He drilled 37 percent of his nearly six 3-point attempts per game and used the threat of that shot to be able to get to his spots inside the arc, too. Defensively, I wouldn\u2019t say that he was a shutdown player, but he at least plays hard and is in the right positions. His former coach, Kevin Willard, is headed to Villanova, so that would make a ton of sense as a landing spot. But big-time shooters who can do more than that tend to be very valuable. It wouldn\u2019t be a stunner if he averaged 18 points per game at some point in his next spot. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Maryland<\/p>\n
USC Trojans <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 220<\/p>\n
Yates has a funky windup and release on his jumper, but it goes in: he knocked down 43.9 percent of his 3s for USC. The redshirt freshman averaged 16.8 points once he joined the starting lineup on Dec. 7 and had a monster Big Ten season, bumping his 3-point percentage up to 47.6 percent in conference play. He\u2019s a big, physical guard who can make pick-and-roll reads and fits well as a secondary handler\/creator. He\u2019s returning to Washington after redshirting his first year there. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 220<\/p>\n
Yates has a funky windup and release on his jumper, but it goes in: he knocked down 43.9 percent of his 3s for USC. The redshirt freshman averaged 16.8 points once he joined the starting lineup on Dec. 7 and had a monster Big Ten season, bumping his 3-point percentage up to 47.6 percent in conference play. He\u2019s a big, physical guard who can make pick-and-roll reads and fits well as a secondary handler\/creator. He\u2019s returning to Washington after redshirting his first year there. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
USC<\/p>\n
Washington Huskies <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Lewis has been a problem solver for Arizona over the last two years due to the versatile nature of his game. With extremely long arms and great physicality for the guard position, he\u2019s a terrific defensive player who can take on a wide range of assignments, from bigger wings to just about any guard. He started the team\u2019s first six games before making a bit of an unselfish move to come off of the bench this season behind Caleb Love and Jalen Bradley. Lewis is more of a connective player and glue guy than a true star because he doesn\u2019t shoot well and isn\u2019t really a point guard. But if he found the right spot, he could be the kind of guy who helps you win a lot of games. His ability to be a secondary ballhandler and chess piece on defense is very impactful. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Lewis has been a problem solver for Arizona over the last two years due to the versatile nature of his game. With extremely long arms and great physicality for the guard position, he\u2019s a terrific defensive player who can take on a wide range of assignments, from bigger wings to just about any guard. He started the team\u2019s first six games before making a bit of an unselfish move to come off of the bench this season behind Caleb Love and Jalen Bradley. Lewis is more of a connective player and glue guy than a true star because he doesn\u2019t shoot well and isn\u2019t really a point guard. But if he found the right spot, he could be the kind of guy who helps you win a lot of games. His ability to be a secondary ballhandler and chess piece on defense is very impactful. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Arizona<\/p>\n
Georgetown Hoyas <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 205<\/p>\n
A proven scorer who played a lot of point guard this past year at USC Claude is one of the best slashing wings in the portal. He has a great handle, especially for a big guard, and is constantly hunting paint. His weakness is his jump shot. He\u2019s a career 27.1 percent 3-point shooter and is better from the midrange, which limits his efficiency. But he does a good job of getting to the foul line \u2014 5.6 fouls drawn per 40 minutes \u2014 and he has shot above 76 percent there each of the last two years. If he were a better 3-point shooter, he\u2019d be one of the most valuable wings in the country. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 205<\/p>\n
A proven scorer who played a lot of point guard this past year at USC Claude is one of the best slashing wings in the portal. He has a great handle, especially for a big guard, and is constantly hunting paint. His weakness is his jump shot. He\u2019s a career 27.1 percent 3-point shooter and is better from the midrange, which limits his efficiency. But he does a good job of getting to the foul line \u2014 5.6 fouls drawn per 40 minutes \u2014 and he has shot above 76 percent there each of the last two years. If he were a better 3-point shooter, he\u2019d be one of the most valuable wings in the country. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Pierre is as dynamic a player as you\u2019ll find in the portal, coming off of a monster final season at Jacksonville State that has even brought him to the precipice of the NBA Draft conversation. He was the Conference USA player of the year and showcased the ability to score from all three levels. Despite being asked to create nearly everything for Jacksonville State, he drilled 38 percent of his nearly eight 3-point attempts per game. Having said that, he can be a touch inefficient when he ventures into the paint, and even though he\u2019s always taken a large number of 3s, this is the first year he\u2019s actually made them. And he still has to prove that he can be more than the best player on a solid team by continuing to round out his game when he doesn\u2019t have the ball. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Pierre is as dynamic a player as you\u2019ll find in the portal, coming off of a monster final season at Jacksonville State that has even brought him to the precipice of the NBA Draft conversation. He was the Conference USA player of the year and showcased the ability to score from all three levels. Despite being asked to create nearly everything for Jacksonville State, he drilled 38 percent of his nearly eight 3-point attempts per game. Having said that, he can be a touch inefficient when he ventures into the paint, and even though he\u2019s always taken a large number of 3s, this is the first year he\u2019s actually made them. And he still has to prove that he can be more than the best player on a solid team by continuing to round out his game when he doesn\u2019t have the ball. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Jacksonville State<\/p>\n
SMU Mustangs <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 230<\/p>\n
If you want to play a five-out brand of basketball, this is the big for you. Bailey drilled 41 percent of his 3-point attempts this year and consistently got to the line with sharp footwork. Davidson used him to initiate sets as a trailer or by entering the ball to him, and his passing ability stood out both from the top of the key and on the block. He finds cutters as well as kick-outs to shooters. Defensively, you\u2019ll be giving a bit away at the high-major level, but bigs who are this skilled don\u2019t hit the market all that often. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 230<\/p>\n
If you want to play a five-out brand of basketball, this is the big for you. Bailey drilled 41 percent of his 3-point attempts this year and consistently got to the line with sharp footwork. Davidson used him to initiate sets as a trailer or by entering the ball to him, and his passing ability stood out both from the top of the key and on the block. He finds cutters as well as kick-outs to shooters. Defensively, you\u2019ll be giving a bit away at the high-major level, but bigs who are this skilled don\u2019t hit the market all that often. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Davidson<\/p>\n
Indiana Hoosiers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-11Wt: 230<\/p>\n
Ewin can do almost everything on the perimeter you want out of a modern center in five-out actions. His handle and passing combo is probably the best among centers in the portal. He has a good feel for where to roll and has great hands. The only thing he\u2019s missing is a jumper, but he does have soft touch, and maybe that\u2019ll come down the road. He also does a good job of using his body in the interior, especially on the boards. Defensively, he\u2019s not super disruptive but knows where to be. In the right system with better guards than he had at Florida State, Ewin has potential to be an all-league guy. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-11Wt: 230<\/p>\n
Ewin can do almost everything on the perimeter you want out of a modern center in five-out actions. His handle and passing combo is probably the best among centers in the portal. He has a good feel for where to roll and has great hands. The only thing he\u2019s missing is a jumper, but he does have soft touch, and maybe that\u2019ll come down the road. He also does a good job of using his body in the interior, especially on the boards. Defensively, he\u2019s not super disruptive but knows where to be. In the right system with better guards than he had at Florida State, Ewin has potential to be an all-league guy. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Florida State<\/p>\n
Arkansas Razorbacks <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
After averaging 19 points per game at North Texas in his first Division I season, Edwards was about as useful a small scoring guard as you could find at the SEC level. He consistently seemed to get paint touches for Mark Byington\u2019s offense within ball-screen situations. He also hit 35 percent from 3, with a number of those being of the pull-up variety. To get the most out of Edwards, you\u2019re going to need a bigger, passing point guard who can initiate the offense and get everyone involved because Edwards tends not to be a particularly good playmaker for others. But if you need a bucket, he can absolutely give you one. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
After averaging 19 points per game at North Texas in his first Division I season, Edwards was about as useful a small scoring guard as you could find at the SEC level. He consistently seemed to get paint touches for Mark Byington\u2019s offense within ball-screen situations. He also hit 35 percent from 3, with a number of those being of the pull-up variety. To get the most out of Edwards, you\u2019re going to need a bigger, passing point guard who can initiate the offense and get everyone involved because Edwards tends not to be a particularly good playmaker for others. But if you need a bucket, he can absolutely give you one. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Vanderbilt<\/p>\n
Providence Friars <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 230<\/p>\n
Hall also declared for the NBA Draft \u2014 not a surprise after the massive season he had at UCF. He was the main cog on a team that struggled in Big 12 play but still found his way into being reasonably efficient given how much he had to do. He shot 35 percent from 3 and basically lived at the foul line, but he\u2019s not overly explosive and can struggle on the interior on his drives. Hall is a proven shot creator, but between his time at UNLV, George Mason and UCF, he hasn\u2019t proven that he can do it for a particularly high-level team. Still, it\u2019s hard to find guys this big who can get their own shot. Hall will be sought after in the portal by teams that need a secondary creator. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 230<\/p>\n
Hall also declared for the NBA Draft \u2014 not a surprise after the massive season he had at UCF. He was the main cog on a team that struggled in Big 12 play but still found his way into being reasonably efficient given how much he had to do. He shot 35 percent from 3 and basically lived at the foul line, but he\u2019s not overly explosive and can struggle on the interior on his drives. Hall is a proven shot creator, but between his time at UNLV, George Mason and UCF, he hasn\u2019t proven that he can do it for a particularly high-level team. Still, it\u2019s hard to find guys this big who can get their own shot. Hall will be sought after in the portal by teams that need a secondary creator. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
UCF<\/p>\n
Auburn Tigers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8Wt: 220<\/p>\n
Reid was a five-star recruit who battled injuries during his freshman year and played limited minutes down the stretch on a stacked Alabama team. He graded out as one of Alabama\u2019s best defensive players, but his shooting (10 of 38 from 3) made it tough to stay on the floor. But his form looks solid, and he has upside as a two-way wing. His best offensive offering right now is his ability to drive, using long strides to the get in the paint and decent footwork once he gets there. He\u2019s not an explosive athlete but good enough for his size. There\u2019s potentially an NBA player here someday. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8Wt: 220<\/p>\n
Reid was a five-star recruit who battled injuries during his freshman year and played limited minutes down the stretch on a stacked Alabama team. He graded out as one of Alabama\u2019s best defensive players, but his shooting (10 of 38 from 3) made it tough to stay on the floor. But his form looks solid, and he has upside as a two-way wing. His best offensive offering right now is his ability to drive, using long strides to the get in the paint and decent footwork once he gets there. He\u2019s not an explosive athlete but good enough for his size. There\u2019s potentially an NBA player here someday. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8Wt: 190<\/p>\n
NBA teams are keeping their eyes on Williams after a terrific freshman season at Tulane that saw him do exactly what scouts look for from low-usage wings \u2014 knock down shots and be a menace on defense. He drilled 41 percent of his five 3-point attempts per game and has a nice stroke that should continue to translate up levels. On defense, he’s active with his hands and length, averaging 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks from the four spot. The reason he’s more of a four than a three right now is that his ball skills need to improve significantly. But he knows his role, makes good decisions and doesn’t tend to overextend himself. This is a good bet for any high-major team to take, even the ones at the highest levels.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie <\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8Wt: 190<\/p>\n
NBA teams are keeping their eyes on Williams after a terrific freshman season at Tulane that saw him do exactly what scouts look for from low-usage wings \u2014 knock down shots and be a menace on defense. He drilled 41 percent of his five 3-point attempts per game and has a nice stroke that should continue to translate up levels. On defense, he’s active with his hands and length, averaging 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks from the four spot. The reason he’s more of a four than a three right now is that his ball skills need to improve significantly. But he knows his role, makes good decisions and doesn’t tend to overextend himself. This is a good bet for any high-major team to take, even the ones at the highest levels.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie <\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Tulane<\/p>\n
Kentucky Wildcats <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4Wt: 200<\/p>\n
The pitch with McKneely is simple: He’s one of the best shooters in the country, point blank. He has made 43.1 percent of his nearly seven 3-point attempts over the last two years. He makes them off movement at a high level and can find his shot from just about any situation. Where he’s really improved over the last two years, though, is how he uses the threat of that shot to attack off it, finding his way into the lane to score occasionally or to use a touch floater. He’s not a monster passer, but he sees reads well and is unselfish. He also rarely makes mistakes. Teams that run a lot of actions to free shooters should be salivating about getting McKneely into their scheme. \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4Wt: 200<\/p>\n
The pitch with McKneely is simple: He’s one of the best shooters in the country, point blank. He has made 43.1 percent of his nearly seven 3-point attempts over the last two years. He makes them off movement at a high level and can find his shot from just about any situation. Where he’s really improved over the last two years, though, is how he uses the threat of that shot to attack off it, finding his way into the lane to score occasionally or to use a touch floater. He’s not a monster passer, but he sees reads well and is unselfish. He also rarely makes mistakes. Teams that run a lot of actions to free shooters should be salivating about getting McKneely into their scheme. \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Virginia<\/p>\n
Louisville Cardinals <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4Wt: 180<\/p>\n
The skill pops off the screen. There might not be a better off-hand passer in the country. He can throw lasers with his left hand. He has a creative handle, and for a taller guard he has some burst, able to get separation from his defender quickly. The shot has improved; he made a career-best 36.6 percent of his 3s this past season. The worries about him going up in level will be how he can handle physicalities on both ends of the floor. That showed up around the basket in the Ivy. He shot only 50.3 percent at the rim, per Synergy. But some of the heavy hitters in the sport are in pursuit because of the passing, ability to play out of the pick-and-roll and his shooting. \u2014 C.J. Moore\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4Wt: 180<\/p>\n
The skill pops off the screen. There might not be a better off-hand passer in the country. He can throw lasers with his left hand. He has a creative handle, and for a taller guard he has some burst, able to get separation from his defender quickly. The shot has improved; he made a career-best 36.6 percent of his 3s this past season. The worries about him going up in level will be how he can handle physicalities on both ends of the floor. That showed up around the basket in the Ivy. He shot only 50.3 percent at the rim, per Synergy. But some of the heavy hitters in the sport are in pursuit because of the passing, ability to play out of the pick-and-roll and his shooting. \u2014 C.J. Moore\u00a0<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Princeton<\/p>\n
Florida Gators <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10Wt: 230<\/p>\n
\nCofie started the season on fire and looked like a potential one-and-done player. However, he cooled off as the season progressed, looking more like a terrific first-year starter who will take some time to develop to get to the next level. He played about 20 minutes per game and is a sharp, reactive player across the board. He gets his hands up and makes defensive plays regularly and can rotate across the back line to be available on the weak side. Offensively, the jumper looks entirely workable, and he’s a serious mismatch threat with his size and ability to handle the ball. It’s hard to find fours with enough size to play the center position in college, and even with his downturn in shooting late in the year, Virginia was still 10 points per 100 possessions better with Cofie on the court than when he was off it, per CBB Analytics.
\n\u00a0\u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10Wt: 230<\/p>\n
\nCofie started the season on fire and looked like a potential one-and-done player. However, he cooled off as the season progressed, looking more like a terrific first-year starter who will take some time to develop to get to the next level. He played about 20 minutes per game and is a sharp, reactive player across the board. He gets his hands up and makes defensive plays regularly and can rotate across the back line to be available on the weak side. Offensively, the jumper looks entirely workable, and he’s a serious mismatch threat with his size and ability to handle the ball. It’s hard to find fours with enough size to play the center position in college, and even with his downturn in shooting late in the year, Virginia was still 10 points per 100 possessions better with Cofie on the court than when he was off it, per CBB Analytics.
\n\u00a0\u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Virginia<\/p>\n
USC Trojans <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-3Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Mara arrived at UCLA with a lot of hype as a potential first-round pick after a tremendous youth career in Spain. The 7-3 big man is incredibly skilled with the ball, but he needed to add strength and weight to have any sort of effectiveness at the college level. It took a year-and-a-half for him to get comfortable, but by the midseason mark, he was tremendous for UCLA. He averaged 8.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.3 blocks in 17 minutes over UCLA’s final 16 games. On top of that, UCLA was a drastically better team when he was on the court. He’s ready to break out next season in college hoops if he stays in the United States (he’ll have extremely strong offers to go back to Spain if he so chooses). He should go somewhere with a creative coach who will be willing to weaponize his best skill \u2014 his passing ability from the block.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-3Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Mara arrived at UCLA with a lot of hype as a potential first-round pick after a tremendous youth career in Spain. The 7-3 big man is incredibly skilled with the ball, but he needed to add strength and weight to have any sort of effectiveness at the college level. It took a year-and-a-half for him to get comfortable, but by the midseason mark, he was tremendous for UCLA. He averaged 8.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.3 blocks in 17 minutes over UCLA’s final 16 games. On top of that, UCLA was a drastically better team when he was on the court. He’s ready to break out next season in college hoops if he stays in the United States (he’ll have extremely strong offers to go back to Spain if he so chooses). He should go somewhere with a creative coach who will be willing to weaponize his best skill \u2014 his passing ability from the block.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
In Portal<\/p>\n
UCLA<\/p>\n
Michigan Wolverines <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Harper is this season’s mid-major breakout freshman, a 6-foot-7 wing who won both the MEAC\u2019s player of the year and freshman of the year awards. A smooth lefty with a sweet shooting stroke and great touch, Harper still has some things to work on but has the look of a high-level, high-major recruit. He attacks aggressively off the bounce and is fearless driving to the paint. He averaged 8.4 free-throw attempts per game and does a great job of drawing contact, even though he\u2019s not overly vertical. The worries here are that he wasn’t overly efficient at the rim and that he was an athletic\/size outlier at the MEAC level. He needs to work on his strength to bounce off other wings and improve his footwork on drives. Otherwise, he’ll need to be more willing to fire from 3. He reminds me of Florida starting wing Will Richard back when Richard was at Belmont.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Harper is this season’s mid-major breakout freshman, a 6-foot-7 wing who won both the MEAC\u2019s player of the year and freshman of the year awards. A smooth lefty with a sweet shooting stroke and great touch, Harper still has some things to work on but has the look of a high-level, high-major recruit. He attacks aggressively off the bounce and is fearless driving to the paint. He averaged 8.4 free-throw attempts per game and does a great job of drawing contact, even though he\u2019s not overly vertical. The worries here are that he wasn’t overly efficient at the rim and that he was an athletic\/size outlier at the MEAC level. He needs to work on his strength to bounce off other wings and improve his footwork on drives. Otherwise, he’ll need to be more willing to fire from 3. He reminds me of Florida starting wing Will Richard back when Richard was at Belmont.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Howard<\/p>\n
Creighton Bluejays <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 215<\/p>\n
Dioubate has one of the best motors in college basketball and should be a great fit at Kentucky. He should thrive in the playmaking roles that Mark Pope likes to put his bigs in, whether it\u2019s executing dribble handoffs or finding cutters. Dioubate does a good job setting up DHOs and is comfortable handling the ball. He\u2019s also a strong defender and elite rebounder. Those are areas Kentucky should get better in with his addition. The Cats ranked 229th in offensive rebounding rate, and that should likely shoot up. The other thing to like about Dioubate is he leans into his strengths, which makes him an efficient player. Most of his shots come around the rim, and he\u2019s effective getting to the free-throw line. There is some upside if he ever adds a reliable jumper \u2014 he made 12 of 26 from 3 \u2014 but that\u2019s not something I\u2019d bank on. Still, Dioubate is a really good role player and should bring a level of toughness to the UK frontcourt that was somewhat lacking this past season.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 215<\/p>\n
Dioubate has one of the best motors in college basketball and should be a great fit at Kentucky. He should thrive in the playmaking roles that Mark Pope likes to put his bigs in, whether it\u2019s executing dribble handoffs or finding cutters. Dioubate does a good job setting up DHOs and is comfortable handling the ball. He\u2019s also a strong defender and elite rebounder. Those are areas Kentucky should get better in with his addition. The Cats ranked 229th in offensive rebounding rate, and that should likely shoot up. The other thing to like about Dioubate is he leans into his strengths, which makes him an efficient player. Most of his shots come around the rim, and he\u2019s effective getting to the free-throw line. There is some upside if he ever adds a reliable jumper \u2014 he made 12 of 26 from 3 \u2014 but that\u2019s not something I\u2019d bank on. Still, Dioubate is a really good role player and should bring a level of toughness to the UK frontcourt that was somewhat lacking this past season.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Alabama<\/p>\n
Kentucky Wildcats <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
The son of NBA great Peja Stojakovic finished the year on a tear, averaging 29 points over his final three games. His 3-point success rate for his career is surprising considering who his dad is: He\u2019s made 75 3s in two years at a 32.2 percent clip. The stroke is there; he just hasn\u2019t shot it very consistently. What he does best is attack off the dribble, often using a ball screen or dribble down to get to his spot. He\u2019s a tough matchup for smaller defenders. His upside as a scorer is high if he continues to add strength and shoots the ball from deep with more consistency. He doesn\u2019t have a great reputation defensively and has played on two lousy defensive teams, but with his size, scoring ability, genetics and two years of remaining eligibility, I\u2019d gamble on that upside. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
The son of NBA great Peja Stojakovic finished the year on a tear, averaging 29 points over his final three games. His 3-point success rate for his career is surprising considering who his dad is: He\u2019s made 75 3s in two years at a 32.2 percent clip. The stroke is there; he just hasn\u2019t shot it very consistently. What he does best is attack off the dribble, often using a ball screen or dribble down to get to his spot. He\u2019s a tough matchup for smaller defenders. His upside as a scorer is high if he continues to add strength and shoots the ball from deep with more consistency. He doesn\u2019t have a great reputation defensively and has played on two lousy defensive teams, but with his size, scoring ability, genetics and two years of remaining eligibility, I\u2019d gamble on that upside. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
California<\/p>\n
Illinois Fighting Illini <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-0Wt: 245<\/p>\n
Vokietaitis was the 2024-25 freshman of the year in the American Athletic Conference at Florida Atlantic, a 7-footer from Lithuania who consistently established position on the interior at 245 pounds and went to work. He’s extremely physical and strong in the paint, and once he gets to the spot he wants, it’s exceedingly hard to move him off of it. He was a weapon on the offensive glass, averaging 2.1 in just 17 minutes per game. But more than that, if he saw a mismatch on the block, he showed the ability to hit drop steps or hook shots to score over the top of the defender. Vokietaitis is extremely wide, and it’s hard to work around him to front him. He has three years of eligibility remaining. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-0Wt: 245<\/p>\n
Vokietaitis was the 2024-25 freshman of the year in the American Athletic Conference at Florida Atlantic, a 7-footer from Lithuania who consistently established position on the interior at 245 pounds and went to work. He’s extremely physical and strong in the paint, and once he gets to the spot he wants, it’s exceedingly hard to move him off of it. He was a weapon on the offensive glass, averaging 2.1 in just 17 minutes per game. But more than that, if he saw a mismatch on the block, he showed the ability to hit drop steps or hook shots to score over the top of the defender. Vokietaitis is extremely wide, and it’s hard to work around him to front him. He has three years of eligibility remaining. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
FAU<\/p>\n
Texas Longhorns <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 260<\/p>\n
A massive, wide Australian big man who took some time to develop, Cluff is getting an extra year as a player who started his career at a junior college. He’s played at the high-major level before, proving that he could be a starter on an NCAA Tournament team at Washington State. He transferred down for a bigger role this year at South Dakota State and flourished. He finished second nationally in rebounding and has a soft touch on the interior. He’s not particularly vertical, but few bigs across the country do a better job of using their frame to seal off defenders to create space. That lack of vertical pop could make it a bit easier to contest him at a higher level, and I don’t think I’d expect him to average 17 again. But if you put him in an offense like Gonzaga’s, which makes a concerted effort to seal and post, he could thrive again at the highest level.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 260<\/p>\n
A massive, wide Australian big man who took some time to develop, Cluff is getting an extra year as a player who started his career at a junior college. He’s played at the high-major level before, proving that he could be a starter on an NCAA Tournament team at Washington State. He transferred down for a bigger role this year at South Dakota State and flourished. He finished second nationally in rebounding and has a soft touch on the interior. He’s not particularly vertical, but few bigs across the country do a better job of using their frame to seal off defenders to create space. That lack of vertical pop could make it a bit easier to contest him at a higher level, and I don’t think I’d expect him to average 17 again. But if you put him in an offense like Gonzaga’s, which makes a concerted effort to seal and post, he could thrive again at the highest level.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
S Dakota St<\/p>\n
Purdue Boilermakers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
A former five-star prospect coming out of Sweden by way of high school powerhouse Link Academy in Missouri, Cadeau never quite found his footing at North Carolina after choosing to reclassify into the 2023 recruiting class. He’s certainly a dynamic playmaker and passer, as he showed while averaging over six assists per game this season. But he could be turnover-prone and didn’t have a consistent way to score. He’s a real athlete, but he’s a bit undersized and needs to keep working on the jumper to create that threat to get defenders off-balance. He likes to drive downhill or to get out in transition to finish at the rim, but he’s inconsistent at doing that, having made only 50 percent of his attempts in the half court at the basket. There’s clear talent here, and a change of scenery may allow him to bloom. A well-spaced offense that is ball-screen dominant would fit his game best. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
A former five-star prospect coming out of Sweden by way of high school powerhouse Link Academy in Missouri, Cadeau never quite found his footing at North Carolina after choosing to reclassify into the 2023 recruiting class. He’s certainly a dynamic playmaker and passer, as he showed while averaging over six assists per game this season. But he could be turnover-prone and didn’t have a consistent way to score. He’s a real athlete, but he’s a bit undersized and needs to keep working on the jumper to create that threat to get defenders off-balance. He likes to drive downhill or to get out in transition to finish at the rim, but he’s inconsistent at doing that, having made only 50 percent of his attempts in the half court at the basket. There’s clear talent here, and a change of scenery may allow him to bloom. A well-spaced offense that is ball-screen dominant would fit his game best. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
North Carolina<\/p>\n
Michigan Wolverines <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1Wt: 175<\/p>\n
A two-time All-Mountain West pick, Thomas is one of the better floor generals available in the portal. He passes the ball extremely well and has a very attack-oriented mindset. He constantly trying to get downhill to the rim and does an amazing job of drawing fouls, averaging six per game. He also has a smooth lefty floater game and the ability to step out and drill shots from distance off the catch. But he’s also quite small, and that impacts his game in several ways. His finishing on the interior when he doesn’t draw contact isn’t great, and he isn’t always effective on defense. Still, expect Thomas to get a massive amount of money to run the show at a high-major next year, and he’ll have a real shot to be an all-conference pick as he puts up gaudy numbers.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1Wt: 175<\/p>\n
A two-time All-Mountain West pick, Thomas is one of the better floor generals available in the portal. He passes the ball extremely well and has a very attack-oriented mindset. He constantly trying to get downhill to the rim and does an amazing job of drawing fouls, averaging six per game. He also has a smooth lefty floater game and the ability to step out and drill shots from distance off the catch. But he’s also quite small, and that impacts his game in several ways. His finishing on the interior when he doesn’t draw contact isn’t great, and he isn’t always effective on defense. Still, expect Thomas to get a massive amount of money to run the show at a high-major next year, and he’ll have a real shot to be an all-conference pick as he puts up gaudy numbers.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
UNLV<\/p>\n
LSU Tigers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Baker-Mazara is a polarizing player. For one, he\u2019s 25, and it\u2019s wild he still has another year of eligibility, but he\u2019s one of the final players with that pandemic year still at his disposal. He can let his emotions get the best of him and hurt his team, but sometimes it swings the other way and works to his team\u2019s advantage. He can get on a heater and feed off the crowd. He\u2019s the definition of a roller coaster player. He\u2019s also the prototypical 3-and-D wing \u2014 a 39.8 percent career 3-point shooter. That also comes with a caveat. Some opposing coaches will tell you that he can be a defensive liability. \u201cI think he is a good recovery defender,\u201d one SEC assistant recently told me. \u201cBut I don’t think he’s great at defending.\u201d When engaged, there\u2019s no denying his length and switchability is an asset. Offensively, he\u2019s best as a spot-up shooter, but he can also put it on the floor and attack. He\u2019s one of those slithery lefties with a level of unpredictability that makes him hard to defend. Auburn seemed to get the best out of him, and it\u2019s surprising that he\u2019s in the portal, but he\u2019ll be a plug-and-play starter wherever he lands. Maybe one with a warning label, but it didn\u2019t hold Auburn back this past year. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Baker-Mazara is a polarizing player. For one, he\u2019s 25, and it\u2019s wild he still has another year of eligibility, but he\u2019s one of the final players with that pandemic year still at his disposal. He can let his emotions get the best of him and hurt his team, but sometimes it swings the other way and works to his team\u2019s advantage. He can get on a heater and feed off the crowd. He\u2019s the definition of a roller coaster player. He\u2019s also the prototypical 3-and-D wing \u2014 a 39.8 percent career 3-point shooter. That also comes with a caveat. Some opposing coaches will tell you that he can be a defensive liability. \u201cI think he is a good recovery defender,\u201d one SEC assistant recently told me. \u201cBut I don’t think he’s great at defending.\u201d When engaged, there\u2019s no denying his length and switchability is an asset. Offensively, he\u2019s best as a spot-up shooter, but he can also put it on the floor and attack. He\u2019s one of those slithery lefties with a level of unpredictability that makes him hard to defend. Auburn seemed to get the best out of him, and it\u2019s surprising that he\u2019s in the portal, but he\u2019ll be a plug-and-play starter wherever he lands. Maybe one with a warning label, but it didn\u2019t hold Auburn back this past year. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Auburn<\/p>\n
USC Trojans <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2Wt: 175<\/p>\n
Evans is a low-usage, low-maintenance point guard who will burn you if you leave him open from deep. He can shoot with range, and he has such a tight, repeatable motion that it\u2019s almost surprising when he misses. He shot 44.6 percent from deep this past year. He does a good job of running an offense and getting the ball where it needs to go. He spent his first season at Colorado State basically learning under Isaiah Stevens, and CSU\u2019s offense was even better this year when he took over. There\u2019s not a lot of glitz to his game, but he gets the job done, and he\u2019s capable of a big scoring night when he\u2019s able to get open 3s. Otherwise, he\u2019ll just make open shots when they\u2019re there and not try to force anything.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2Wt: 175<\/p>\n
Evans is a low-usage, low-maintenance point guard who will burn you if you leave him open from deep. He can shoot with range, and he has such a tight, repeatable motion that it\u2019s almost surprising when he misses. He shot 44.6 percent from deep this past year. He does a good job of running an offense and getting the ball where it needs to go. He spent his first season at Colorado State basically learning under Isaiah Stevens, and CSU\u2019s offense was even better this year when he took over. There\u2019s not a lot of glitz to his game, but he gets the job done, and he\u2019s capable of a big scoring night when he\u2019s able to get open 3s. Otherwise, he\u2019ll just make open shots when they\u2019re there and not try to force anything.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Colorado State<\/p>\n
North Carolina Tar Heels <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 205<\/p>\n
The WCC Player of the Year and scoring champ is best at using his body to create separation. He has a nice handle, moves with a purpose to get to his scoring spots and isn\u2019t afraid of trying to draw contact, which helps him get to the free-throw line frequently. Thomas can operate out of ball screens, but he doesn\u2019t necessarily need a screen and is effective in isolation. He also moves well without the ball, using screens to free himself. He doesn\u2019t have the prettiest jumper, but he shoots it well, making 38.5 percent of his 3s for his career. He\u2019s even better off the bounce, knocking down 30 3s at a 42.9 percent clip this past season.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 205<\/p>\n
The WCC Player of the Year and scoring champ is best at using his body to create separation. He has a nice handle, moves with a purpose to get to his scoring spots and isn\u2019t afraid of trying to draw contact, which helps him get to the free-throw line frequently. Thomas can operate out of ball screens, but he doesn\u2019t necessarily need a screen and is effective in isolation. He also moves well without the ball, using screens to free himself. He doesn\u2019t have the prettiest jumper, but he shoots it well, making 38.5 percent of his 3s for his career. He\u2019s even better off the bounce, knocking down 30 3s at a 42.9 percent clip this past season.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
In Portal<\/p>\n
San Francisco<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-0Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Quality bigs seem to be the most expensive asset in the portal, and Tilly will likely draw lots of attention because of his size and advanced numbers. The second-team All-WCC center has solid per-game averages, but his advanced numbers pop. He had a 117.8 offensive rating and a high free-throw rate, drawing 4.7 fouls per 40 minutes. He\u2019s a skilled big who can score in the post and step out to make a jumper \u2014 he made 17 3s in \u201824-25. And most promisingly, he had some of his best games against Santa Clara\u2019s best opponents: 17 points and eight boards against Saint Louis, 16 points against Stanford, 21 points against Bradley and 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting in an upset of Gonzaga. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-0Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Quality bigs seem to be the most expensive asset in the portal, and Tilly will likely draw lots of attention because of his size and advanced numbers. The second-team All-WCC center has solid per-game averages, but his advanced numbers pop. He had a 117.8 offensive rating and a high free-throw rate, drawing 4.7 fouls per 40 minutes. He\u2019s a skilled big who can score in the post and step out to make a jumper \u2014 he made 17 3s in \u201824-25. And most promisingly, he had some of his best games against Santa Clara\u2019s best opponents: 17 points and eight boards against Saint Louis, 16 points against Stanford, 21 points against Bradley and 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting in an upset of Gonzaga. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Santa Clara<\/p>\n
Ohio State Buckeyes <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Agbim is well-traveled; his next school will be his fourth in five years after three juco seasons and a season at Wyoming. He could be the best three-level scorer in the portal: He drilled 44 percent of his six 3s per game and has real juice in the open court to lead the break, fill lanes or space to the corners. His shot is smooth and translatable to any situation, and he plays off that threat well by getting into the midrange and finding pull-ups, which he hits at about 45 percent. Give him a ball screen, and he’ll snake his way into a good look. While he doesn’t get to the rim often in halfcourt settings, he makes those at a reasonable clip for a guard and has a nice little floater package. Essentially, Agbim is a professional scorer playing in college. He\u2019ll need to play next to a bigger distributor and defender to find the most success. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Agbim is well-traveled; his next school will be his fourth in five years after three juco seasons and a season at Wyoming. He could be the best three-level scorer in the portal: He drilled 44 percent of his six 3s per game and has real juice in the open court to lead the break, fill lanes or space to the corners. His shot is smooth and translatable to any situation, and he plays off that threat well by getting into the midrange and finding pull-ups, which he hits at about 45 percent. Give him a ball screen, and he’ll snake his way into a good look. While he doesn’t get to the rim often in halfcourt settings, he makes those at a reasonable clip for a guard and has a nice little floater package. Essentially, Agbim is a professional scorer playing in college. He\u2019ll need to play next to a bigger distributor and defender to find the most success. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Wyoming<\/p>\n
Baylor Bears <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Boyd is coming off an All-Mountain West season at San Diego State, where he defended at the point of attack and consistently made good decisions in an offensive structure that looked awfully archaic for long stretches. He’s not a wildly dynamic downhill driver, and he’s a good shooter (not a great one), but Boyd is extremely reliable and can be counted on to organize his team as a lead guard. I don’t know that I quite see him as an all-conference guy at the high-major level, but he can be a big part of a winning team as a starter in the right spot \u2014 as he proved when he was a starting guard as a sophomore during Florida Atlantic\u2019s 2023 Final Four run.\u00a0\u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Boyd is coming off an All-Mountain West season at San Diego State, where he defended at the point of attack and consistently made good decisions in an offensive structure that looked awfully archaic for long stretches. He’s not a wildly dynamic downhill driver, and he’s a good shooter (not a great one), but Boyd is extremely reliable and can be counted on to organize his team as a lead guard. I don’t know that I quite see him as an all-conference guy at the high-major level, but he can be a big part of a winning team as a starter in the right spot \u2014 as he proved when he was a starting guard as a sophomore during Florida Atlantic\u2019s 2023 Final Four run.\u00a0\u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
San Diego St<\/p>\n
Wisconsin Badgers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
Watts really stepped up for Washington State after Cedric Coward went down for the season, showcasing real ability to pass and make plays for his teammates while also being efficient on offense. He came with coach David Riley from Eastern Washington and was clearly ready to play in the WCC. His 4.4 assists per game is one of the best marks for a wing in the class, even if he tends to turn the ball over too often. He picks his spots well as a scorer, though, shooting 54 percent from the field, and while he’s not a particularly voluminous 3-point shooter, he did shoot 42 percent from distance. I think a team that uses a variety of back-cuts and flex actions will probably be a good landing spot for Watts.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
Watts really stepped up for Washington State after Cedric Coward went down for the season, showcasing real ability to pass and make plays for his teammates while also being efficient on offense. He came with coach David Riley from Eastern Washington and was clearly ready to play in the WCC. His 4.4 assists per game is one of the best marks for a wing in the class, even if he tends to turn the ball over too often. He picks his spots well as a scorer, though, shooting 54 percent from the field, and while he’s not a particularly voluminous 3-point shooter, he did shoot 42 percent from distance. I think a team that uses a variety of back-cuts and flex actions will probably be a good landing spot for Watts.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Washington St<\/p>\n
Texas Tech Red Raiders <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 204<\/p>\n
Johnson was both the MAC player of the year and defensive player of the year. His game is a combination of shimmy and power. He doesn\u2019t have blow-by speed, but he has an assortment of dribble moves and can create separation once he puts his body on you. He does a good job drawing two defenders and finding the open man. Going up a level, he might struggle to get the same kind of shots he got in the MAC. He had to settle for a lot of mid-range jumpers against Arizona in the NCAA Tournament and went 1-of-9 from the field. Maybe if he\u2019s not the primary scorer he will not feel the need to force those shots. Defensively, he also struggled some with Arizona\u2019s speed, but he plays with a level of physicality that helps make up for a lack of foot quickness. He also plays bigger than 6-3, thanks to his body and length, which gives him some positional versatility.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 204<\/p>\n
Johnson was both the MAC player of the year and defensive player of the year. His game is a combination of shimmy and power. He doesn\u2019t have blow-by speed, but he has an assortment of dribble moves and can create separation once he puts his body on you. He does a good job drawing two defenders and finding the open man. Going up a level, he might struggle to get the same kind of shots he got in the MAC. He had to settle for a lot of mid-range jumpers against Arizona in the NCAA Tournament and went 1-of-9 from the field. Maybe if he\u2019s not the primary scorer he will not feel the need to force those shots. Defensively, he also struggled some with Arizona\u2019s speed, but he plays with a level of physicality that helps make up for a lack of foot quickness. He also plays bigger than 6-3, thanks to his body and length, which gives him some positional versatility.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 180<\/p>\n
George, originally from Toronto, emerged from out of nowhere at the 2023 Peach Jam, signed that summer with Georgia Tech and has grown into one of the better point guards in the ACC. He has a slick handle and a high-level feel working out of ball screens. He can also shoot behind a screen \u2014 he made 36 of his 60 3s off the bounce, per Synergy \u2014 shimmy his way into the paint and score there, or find an open teammate. He\u2019s one of the best passers in the portal. He has high turnover numbers (3.0 per game) and is susceptible to trying to make the home-run pass, but he has the vision, size and ability to make just about every pass. He\u2019s not a great finisher at the basket, but in the right system with shooters around him and paired with a good pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop big, he would likely flourish. \u2014 C.J. Moore\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 180<\/p>\n
George, originally from Toronto, emerged from out of nowhere at the 2023 Peach Jam, signed that summer with Georgia Tech and has grown into one of the better point guards in the ACC. He has a slick handle and a high-level feel working out of ball screens. He can also shoot behind a screen \u2014 he made 36 of his 60 3s off the bounce, per Synergy \u2014 shimmy his way into the paint and score there, or find an open teammate. He\u2019s one of the best passers in the portal. He has high turnover numbers (3.0 per game) and is susceptible to trying to make the home-run pass, but he has the vision, size and ability to make just about every pass. He\u2019s not a great finisher at the basket, but in the right system with shooters around him and paired with a good pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop big, he would likely flourish. \u2014 C.J. Moore\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Georgia Tech<\/p>\n
Syracuse Orange <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
Donaldson was the starting point guard on a Sweet 16 Michigan team this year, where he displayed many of the positive and questionable attributes that he showed previously at Auburn. Donaldson is a terrific point-of-attack defender who can really set the tone, and his 11 points per game doubled his average at Auburn in the prior season. Having said that, he’s not necessarily the best initiator of offense, and the team often relied on Danny Wolf to get its paint touches. Still, Donaldson is absolutely a starting lead guard at the high-major level, and any team that needs one for a single season would do well to give him a call.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
Donaldson was the starting point guard on a Sweet 16 Michigan team this year, where he displayed many of the positive and questionable attributes that he showed previously at Auburn. Donaldson is a terrific point-of-attack defender who can really set the tone, and his 11 points per game doubled his average at Auburn in the prior season. Having said that, he’s not necessarily the best initiator of offense, and the team often relied on Danny Wolf to get its paint touches. Still, Donaldson is absolutely a starting lead guard at the high-major level, and any team that needs one for a single season would do well to give him a call.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Michigan<\/p>\n
Miami Hurricanes <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 235<\/p>\n
Reneau, a former top-30 recruit, has a terrific mid-post game and sharp low-post footwork. He’s about as physical a player as you’ll find down there, always trying to hunt contact to create a bit of separation for him to score with his left hand. I worry that he’s a bit undersized to be a high-major center, but that’s where his game works best on offense, unless you have a big who can step out and shoot. A league like the ACC is probably the best bet for him. Two schools to watch: Georgia because Mike White originally recruited Reneau to Florida but lost him to Indiana when he took the Bulldogs\u2019 head coaching job, and Miami because it\u2019s Reneau\u2019s hometown and the assistant who led his recruitment at Florida, Erik Pastrana, just joined the Hurricanes’ staff. \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 235<\/p>\n
Reneau, a former top-30 recruit, has a terrific mid-post game and sharp low-post footwork. He’s about as physical a player as you’ll find down there, always trying to hunt contact to create a bit of separation for him to score with his left hand. I worry that he’s a bit undersized to be a high-major center, but that’s where his game works best on offense, unless you have a big who can step out and shoot. A league like the ACC is probably the best bet for him. Two schools to watch: Georgia because Mike White originally recruited Reneau to Florida but lost him to Indiana when he took the Bulldogs\u2019 head coaching job, and Miami because it\u2019s Reneau\u2019s hometown and the assistant who led his recruitment at Florida, Erik Pastrana, just joined the Hurricanes’ staff. \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Indiana<\/p>\n
Miami Hurricanes <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 205<\/p>\n
A multi-time All-Conference USA selection, Wilkerson is one of the best shooters in the portal. He drilled 45 percent of his eight 3-point attempts per game this season, hitting them off of all sorts of different actions. He also does a good job of using the threat of his shot to get free and get occasional paint touches, although at the high-major level, I think he\u2019ll probably be best attacking close-outs. Averaging 20 points per game in Conference USA is no joke, especially when you possess this skill set. For a team in need of a serious shooter, Wilkerson will be able to step in and drill shots from distance if put in the right situations. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 205<\/p>\n
A multi-time All-Conference USA selection, Wilkerson is one of the best shooters in the portal. He drilled 45 percent of his eight 3-point attempts per game this season, hitting them off of all sorts of different actions. He also does a good job of using the threat of his shot to get free and get occasional paint touches, although at the high-major level, I think he\u2019ll probably be best attacking close-outs. Averaging 20 points per game in Conference USA is no joke, especially when you possess this skill set. For a team in need of a serious shooter, Wilkerson will be able to step in and drill shots from distance if put in the right situations. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Sam Houston<\/p>\n
Indiana Hoosiers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 189<\/p>\n
Aberdeen possesses a rare combination of speed and size. He has the potential to be a big-time scorer in the right situation. He\u2019s averaged 15.6 points per 40 minutes on a stacked Florida team. He played mostly point guard for the Gators but is capable of playing any of the three spots on the perimeter because of his size. The jumper is solid \u2014 35 percent from 3 this past year \u2014 and he can score at all three levels and is constantly getting paint touches. He can get there with power or speed. He\u2019s a little turnover prone but not alarmingly so. He\u2019ll likely be a starter wherever he lands and there\u2019s upside for him to be a go-to scorer or just be a strong contributor on another stacked roster.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 189<\/p>\n
Aberdeen possesses a rare combination of speed and size. He has the potential to be a big-time scorer in the right situation. He\u2019s averaged 15.6 points per 40 minutes on a stacked Florida team. He played mostly point guard for the Gators but is capable of playing any of the three spots on the perimeter because of his size. The jumper is solid \u2014 35 percent from 3 this past year \u2014 and he can score at all three levels and is constantly getting paint touches. He can get there with power or speed. He\u2019s a little turnover prone but not alarmingly so. He\u2019ll likely be a starter wherever he lands and there\u2019s upside for him to be a go-to scorer or just be a strong contributor on another stacked roster.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Florida<\/p>\n
Kentucky Wildcats <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Pack will need to get a medical redshirt approved by the NCAA after he played in only nine games this season due to something of a mysterious ankle injury. If it gets approved, some team is going to get a lead guard with an immense amount of experience. He was a first-team All-Big 12 player at Kansas State before transferring to Miami (Fla.) in 2022-23, leading the Canes to a Final Four as a starting guard next to Isaiah Wong. He improved at the lead guard aspects of the position over his three seasons at Miami after being more of a scorer when he was younger. He\u2019s undersized, so a team will need to be willing to work with him a bit on defense. But if he can spend another year in college, he will be in demand. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Pack will need to get a medical redshirt approved by the NCAA after he played in only nine games this season due to something of a mysterious ankle injury. If it gets approved, some team is going to get a lead guard with an immense amount of experience. He was a first-team All-Big 12 player at Kansas State before transferring to Miami (Fla.) in 2022-23, leading the Canes to a Final Four as a starting guard next to Isaiah Wong. He improved at the lead guard aspects of the position over his three seasons at Miami after being more of a scorer when he was younger. He\u2019s undersized, so a team will need to be willing to work with him a bit on defense. But if he can spend another year in college, he will be in demand. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n
Oklahoma Sooners <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9Wt: 220<\/p>\n
The Horizon League Player of the Year, Folgueiras led Robert Morris to the NCAA Tournament and helped give Alabama just about all it could handle. At 6-foot-9, Folgueiras is an incredibly gifted, skilled mismatch four. The Spanish forward has great instincts across the court for playing off the ball, with timely cuts and sharp movements to find open 3s. He can pick-and-pop, and he posted his man well at the Horizon League level. His touch is terrific, and he can put the ball on the deck to finish, too. He’s also a sharp passer who sees the court well. So, what’s the issue? He’s just not all that explosive athletically. He’s a bit in-between positions defensively at the high-major level, too. But he’s active with his hands and knows where to be, averaging 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. I’m a big believer in him translating up levels and thriving at least as a high-level starter.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9Wt: 220<\/p>\n
The Horizon League Player of the Year, Folgueiras led Robert Morris to the NCAA Tournament and helped give Alabama just about all it could handle. At 6-foot-9, Folgueiras is an incredibly gifted, skilled mismatch four. The Spanish forward has great instincts across the court for playing off the ball, with timely cuts and sharp movements to find open 3s. He can pick-and-pop, and he posted his man well at the Horizon League level. His touch is terrific, and he can put the ball on the deck to finish, too. He’s also a sharp passer who sees the court well. So, what’s the issue? He’s just not all that explosive athletically. He’s a bit in-between positions defensively at the high-major level, too. But he’s active with his hands and knows where to be, averaging 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. I’m a big believer in him translating up levels and thriving at least as a high-level starter.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Robert Morris<\/p>\n
Iowa Hawkeyes <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 190<\/p>\n
An expected one-and-done, Bethea’s season didn’t go as planned. The former top-10 recruit showed great range beyond the 3-point line in both pull-up and catch-and-shoot situations. He’s also big enough to play both guard positions down the road, although this season I didn’t feel like his handle was quite strong enough to initiate the offense. It would help Bethea to keep getting stronger, but he’s also a willing defender, and there aren’t many big combo guards available. After Miami\u2019s disastrous season and December coaching change, it might be as simple as getting Bethea into a competent situation that will allow him to grow. Some sharp high-major should still take a flyer on him. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 190<\/p>\n
An expected one-and-done, Bethea’s season didn’t go as planned. The former top-10 recruit showed great range beyond the 3-point line in both pull-up and catch-and-shoot situations. He’s also big enough to play both guard positions down the road, although this season I didn’t feel like his handle was quite strong enough to initiate the offense. It would help Bethea to keep getting stronger, but he’s also a willing defender, and there aren’t many big combo guards available. After Miami\u2019s disastrous season and December coaching change, it might be as simple as getting Bethea into a competent situation that will allow him to grow. Some sharp high-major should still take a flyer on him. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Miami (Fla.)<\/p>\n
Alabama Crimson Tide <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Teams that love to play five-out, spacing-conscious basketball will prioritize Davidson in the portal. It’s hard to find bigs who can step away and fire, and Davidson can do just that. He hit 37 percent from 3 this past year and has a really nice inside-out game as a stretch four that should translate up levels. He’s very skilled as a passer, too. With one year left, he’s a good flyer for a creative offensive coach to take. But the players around him will need to be conscious defensively to get the most out of him. I think it’s reasonable to expect an impact similar to Kentucky\u2019s Andrew Carr. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Teams that love to play five-out, spacing-conscious basketball will prioritize Davidson in the portal. It’s hard to find bigs who can step away and fire, and Davidson can do just that. He hit 37 percent from 3 this past year and has a really nice inside-out game as a stretch four that should translate up levels. He’s very skilled as a passer, too. With one year left, he’s a good flyer for a creative offensive coach to take. But the players around him will need to be conscious defensively to get the most out of him. I think it’s reasonable to expect an impact similar to Kentucky\u2019s Andrew Carr. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Nevada<\/p>\n
Clemson Tigers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 185<\/p>\n
A superb athlete out of Los Angeles, Miller had a strong freshman season in the SEC, averaging nine points while shooting 45 percent from the field. He suffered an ankle injury against Ole Miss in mid-January, and his numbers fell off a cliff afterward as he tried to play through it. He\u2019s going to try to poster you if you give him a runway on the interior. But beyond that, he also showed flashes of a three-level scoring game before the injury. I\u2019d feel pretty good about taking a flier on him and seeing what he can bring in just about any high-major setting. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 185<\/p>\n
A superb athlete out of Los Angeles, Miller had a strong freshman season in the SEC, averaging nine points while shooting 45 percent from the field. He suffered an ankle injury against Ole Miss in mid-January, and his numbers fell off a cliff afterward as he tried to play through it. He\u2019s going to try to poster you if you give him a runway on the interior. But beyond that, he also showed flashes of a three-level scoring game before the injury. I\u2019d feel pretty good about taking a flier on him and seeing what he can bring in just about any high-major setting. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
LSU<\/p>\n
Oklahoma State Cowboys <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Isaacs was seemingly on his way to a monster year at Creighton before a hip injury ended his season after eight games. He averaged 15 points per game as a sophomore at Texas Tech before taking his exciting brand of basketball to Creighton. He scored 27 against Kansas, 25 against Texas A&M, 18 against a terrific San Diego State defense and 25 against Nebraska, so there\u2019s some real big-game quality to his play. He seemed to be increasing his 3-point volume playing under Greg McDermott, which is a necessary part of his game because he struggles to finish inside due to his size. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Isaacs was seemingly on his way to a monster year at Creighton before a hip injury ended his season after eight games. He averaged 15 points per game as a sophomore at Texas Tech before taking his exciting brand of basketball to Creighton. He scored 27 against Kansas, 25 against Texas A&M, 18 against a terrific San Diego State defense and 25 against Nebraska, so there\u2019s some real big-game quality to his play. He seemed to be increasing his 3-point volume playing under Greg McDermott, which is a necessary part of his game because he struggles to finish inside due to his size. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Creighton<\/p>\n
Houston Cougars <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Freeman is a Division II prospect from Lincoln Memorial in Tennessee, the former stomping grounds of current Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz. He\u2019s twitchy and athletic and has the look of a real NBA prospect down the road. He has significant burst and hit around 40 percent of his 3s this season. He\u2019s 6-7, and it\u2019s hard to find players this big, skilled and athletic. So, where does he slot in as a transfer? He’s still quite skinny, and while he has a creative handle, it feels like it can get away from him a bit too often. Going to a place like Saint Louis would make the most sense. Play in an uptempo scheme that is conducive to your athleticism and continue to grow physically in a league that is a bit more forgiving than the highest of high-majors. Having said that, he’s a prospect worth investing in if you are a high-major program.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie <\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Freeman is a Division II prospect from Lincoln Memorial in Tennessee, the former stomping grounds of current Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz. He\u2019s twitchy and athletic and has the look of a real NBA prospect down the road. He has significant burst and hit around 40 percent of his 3s this season. He\u2019s 6-7, and it\u2019s hard to find players this big, skilled and athletic. So, where does he slot in as a transfer? He’s still quite skinny, and while he has a creative handle, it feels like it can get away from him a bit too often. Going to a place like Saint Louis would make the most sense. Play in an uptempo scheme that is conducive to your athleticism and continue to grow physically in a league that is a bit more forgiving than the highest of high-majors. Having said that, he’s a prospect worth investing in if you are a high-major program.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie <\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Lincoln Mem.<\/p>\n
Auburn Tigers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 250<\/p>\n
Payne was in and out of the starting lineup by the end of the season at Texas A&M, but he was the team’s most productive big man, averaging 10 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes per game. He’s a supreme athlete who started his career at Minnesota before transferring last season to A&M. Payne isn’t necessarily that skilled, but he’s strong and can really rim run as well as attack the offensive glass. You’d like to see his defensive rebounding improve given his relatively limited usage, but he’s definitely a starting-caliber center in college basketball. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 250<\/p>\n
Payne was in and out of the starting lineup by the end of the season at Texas A&M, but he was the team’s most productive big man, averaging 10 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes per game. He’s a supreme athlete who started his career at Minnesota before transferring last season to A&M. Payne isn’t necessarily that skilled, but he’s strong and can really rim run as well as attack the offensive glass. You’d like to see his defensive rebounding improve given his relatively limited usage, but he’s definitely a starting-caliber center in college basketball. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Texas A&M<\/p>\n
Maryland Terrapins <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 210<\/p>\n
\nThe former five-star hasn\u2019t shown much improvement through the years when it comes to his skill set, but he was a solid contributor right out of the gates at Texas and has continued to be a strong role player. He spent the last year at Cincinnati and put up almost identical numbers to his sophomore season, although his efficiency was at an all-time high, mainly because he shot 66.2 percent inside the arc. Mitchell is one of the bounciest bigs in the country and a good finisher at the rim. He can grab and go and also is comfortable making plays on the perimeter. Where he\u2019s never shown much progress is his jumper. He can make the occasional perimeter shot \u2014 he shot 10 of 34 from 3 this year \u2014 but that\u2019s never going to be a strength. He also isn\u2019t good with his back-to-the-basket. But any plays where he\u2019s a finisher \u2014 either in transition, rolling or cutting to the bucket \u2014 he excels. He\u2019s also switchable on defense, and Cincinnati\u2019s defense was significantly better with him on the floor. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
“<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 210<\/p>\n
\nThe former five-star hasn\u2019t shown much improvement through the years when it comes to his skill set, but he was a solid contributor right out of the gates at Texas and has continued to be a strong role player. He spent the last year at Cincinnati and put up almost identical numbers to his sophomore season, although his efficiency was at an all-time high, mainly because he shot 66.2 percent inside the arc. Mitchell is one of the bounciest bigs in the country and a good finisher at the rim. He can grab and go and also is comfortable making plays on the perimeter. Where he\u2019s never shown much progress is his jumper. He can make the occasional perimeter shot \u2014 he shot 10 of 34 from 3 this year \u2014 but that\u2019s never going to be a strength. He also isn\u2019t good with his back-to-the-basket. But any plays where he\u2019s a finisher \u2014 either in transition, rolling or cutting to the bucket \u2014 he excels. He\u2019s also switchable on defense, and Cincinnati\u2019s defense was significantly better with him on the floor. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
“<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Cincinnati<\/p>\n
St. John’s Red Storm <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10Wt: 230<\/p>\n
The Missouri Valley has a long history of successfully sending players to the high-major level. Expect Schwieger to be next in line. He largely played the five as a two-year starter at Valpo and projects best there athletically at the high-major level. He’s also improved his frame over the last year, which should allow him to find success against physical players. He has kind of a funky load into his shot but has made about 33 percent of his 3s in college on about three attempts per game. His footwork in ball screens as a roller or a pick-and-pop player is terrific, and he also can run dribble handoffs to roll, pop or reject and get all the way to the rim himself. Defensively, there will be some athletic concerns, but don’t sleep on his timing as a shot blocker: He swatted two shots per game to lead the Missouri Valley. \u00a0\u2014Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10Wt: 230<\/p>\n
The Missouri Valley has a long history of successfully sending players to the high-major level. Expect Schwieger to be next in line. He largely played the five as a two-year starter at Valpo and projects best there athletically at the high-major level. He’s also improved his frame over the last year, which should allow him to find success against physical players. He has kind of a funky load into his shot but has made about 33 percent of his 3s in college on about three attempts per game. His footwork in ball screens as a roller or a pick-and-pop player is terrific, and he also can run dribble handoffs to roll, pop or reject and get all the way to the rim himself. Defensively, there will be some athletic concerns, but don’t sleep on his timing as a shot blocker: He swatted two shots per game to lead the Missouri Valley. \u00a0\u2014Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Valparaiso<\/p>\n
Wake Forest Demon Deacons <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7Wt: 215<\/p>\n
A big Italian wing who came to Evansville by way of the NBA Academy in Australia, Pozzato is more athletic than you\u2019d expect and plays with authority when he decides to get to the rim. He’s a sharp cutter and mover without the ball and attacks close-outs at a high-level. If you let him get downhill in a straight line, it’s a rack attack. The key for Pozzato is the jumper. He only made 32 percent of his 3s last year despite taking six per game and possessing a fluid stroke that should translate to made shots in the future. He looks like a perfect option to play off of dynamic guards at the high-major level and not be as responsible for creating offense as he was at times this season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7Wt: 215<\/p>\n
A big Italian wing who came to Evansville by way of the NBA Academy in Australia, Pozzato is more athletic than you\u2019d expect and plays with authority when he decides to get to the rim. He’s a sharp cutter and mover without the ball and attacks close-outs at a high-level. If you let him get downhill in a straight line, it’s a rack attack. The key for Pozzato is the jumper. He only made 32 percent of his 3s last year despite taking six per game and possessing a fluid stroke that should translate to made shots in the future. He looks like a perfect option to play off of dynamic guards at the high-major level and not be as responsible for creating offense as he was at times this season. \u2014 Sam Vecenie\u00a0<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Evansville<\/p>\n
Xavier Musketeers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4Wt: 195<\/p>\n
Dawson is a streaky shooter with a quick release. He\u2019s a career 36.7 percent 3-point shooter on 5.3 attempts per game. Loyola Chicago ran him off a lot of screens, zoom actions and dribble-handoffs, where he could shoot behind or get to his mid-range or to the basket. He has good size for a shooting guard and should fit well at KU, where Bill Self has had success with big wings like him. He\u2019ll be a good option spotting up away from the ball when Darryn Peterson works out of ball screens. He also has the athleticism, feel and defensive ability that should allow him a better chance at consistent playing time than some of the other wings Kansas has brought in lately.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4Wt: 195<\/p>\n
Dawson is a streaky shooter with a quick release. He\u2019s a career 36.7 percent 3-point shooter on 5.3 attempts per game. Loyola Chicago ran him off a lot of screens, zoom actions and dribble-handoffs, where he could shoot behind or get to his mid-range or to the basket. He has good size for a shooting guard and should fit well at KU, where Bill Self has had success with big wings like him. He\u2019ll be a good option spotting up away from the ball when Darryn Peterson works out of ball screens. He also has the athleticism, feel and defensive ability that should allow him a better chance at consistent playing time than some of the other wings Kansas has brought in lately.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore\u00a0<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Loyola Chicago<\/p>\n
Kansas Jayhawks <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 210<\/p>\n
White was up-and-down this season for Illinois, but he’s a proven starter at the high-major level after stops at USC, Louisville and with the Illini. You’d love for him to shoot it better, but he did a great job this season of cutting to the rim and picking his spots better on offense. Then on top of it, I thought White got back to being a much better defensive player at Illinois than what we’d previously seen at Louisville in that catastrophic Kenny Payne season. At 6-7 with athleticism and physicality, he could head just about anywhere that needs wing help and provide a boost.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 210<\/p>\n
White was up-and-down this season for Illinois, but he’s a proven starter at the high-major level after stops at USC, Louisville and with the Illini. You’d love for him to shoot it better, but he did a great job this season of cutting to the rim and picking his spots better on offense. Then on top of it, I thought White got back to being a much better defensive player at Illinois than what we’d previously seen at Louisville in that catastrophic Kenny Payne season. At 6-7 with athleticism and physicality, he could head just about anywhere that needs wing help and provide a boost.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Illinois<\/p>\n
Kansas Jayhawks <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Mack came off the bench for UCLA this season after starting as a freshman in 2023-24. His scoring averaged dipped from 12.1 to 9.6 points per game, but his percentages went up as UCLA played a more team-based approach with a deeper roster. He can get to the foul line and get paint touches regularly but is much more of a scoring guard than a real point. He\u2019ll be a starter this season wherever he ends up, but he will need to find a lineup with a bigger playmaker and ballhandler who is a good passer for his next team to reach its ceiling. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Mack came off the bench for UCLA this season after starting as a freshman in 2023-24. His scoring averaged dipped from 12.1 to 9.6 points per game, but his percentages went up as UCLA played a more team-based approach with a deeper roster. He can get to the foul line and get paint touches regularly but is much more of a scoring guard than a real point. He\u2019ll be a starter this season wherever he ends up, but he will need to find a lineup with a bigger playmaker and ballhandler who is a good passer for his next team to reach its ceiling. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
UCLA<\/p>\n
Missouri Tigers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Rataj has a genuinely fascinating game that has prompted me to reach out to multiple coaches to get a read on where they stand on him. The German forward is a dynamic four man who can dribble, pass and shoot at 6-9. He was a serious mismatch nightmare at the WCC level this year for Oregon State, where his ability to use his frame and skill level made him an exceptionally difficult cover. He could just as easily shoot from 3, where he hit 35 percent, attack in a straight line from the 3-point line or post a smaller player. However, he’s not all that explosive, either, and that could get him into some trouble areas. He’s also quite active with his hands on defense and seems to have awesome hand-eye coordination. Rataj is a player who will fit best in a five-out offense that will give him room to operate. But fit will be important to his success. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Rataj has a genuinely fascinating game that has prompted me to reach out to multiple coaches to get a read on where they stand on him. The German forward is a dynamic four man who can dribble, pass and shoot at 6-9. He was a serious mismatch nightmare at the WCC level this year for Oregon State, where his ability to use his frame and skill level made him an exceptionally difficult cover. He could just as easily shoot from 3, where he hit 35 percent, attack in a straight line from the 3-point line or post a smaller player. However, he’s not all that explosive, either, and that could get him into some trouble areas. He’s also quite active with his hands on defense and seems to have awesome hand-eye coordination. Rataj is a player who will fit best in a five-out offense that will give him room to operate. But fit will be important to his success. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Oregon State<\/p>\n
Baylor Bears <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
Catchings was seen by NBA scouts as a potential one-and-done entering the season due to his size and shooting ability, but his frame was still underdeveloped and he was very raw. The Indiana native also decided at the last minute to decommit from Purdue, where his skill set would have worked very well in the team’s offensive scheme, and instead go to BYU. The theoretical fit was there \u2014 his game just wasn’t ready. He averaged seven points per game and hit 35 percent from 3, but by the end of the year, he was essentially out of the team’s rotation. Catchings is an upside swing. He’s a real athlete at 6-9 who can shoot, meaning there will be a lot of interest.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
Catchings was seen by NBA scouts as a potential one-and-done entering the season due to his size and shooting ability, but his frame was still underdeveloped and he was very raw. The Indiana native also decided at the last minute to decommit from Purdue, where his skill set would have worked very well in the team’s offensive scheme, and instead go to BYU. The theoretical fit was there \u2014 his game just wasn’t ready. He averaged seven points per game and hit 35 percent from 3, but by the end of the year, he was essentially out of the team’s rotation. Catchings is an upside swing. He’s a real athlete at 6-9 who can shoot, meaning there will be a lot of interest.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
BYU<\/p>\n
Georgia Bulldogs <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 220<\/p>\n
After winning WAC Player of the Year and averaging 20.1 points per game in 2023-24, Grant-Foster was slowed by injuries and had some regression this past year. He did flash what he\u2019s capable of in the NCAA Tournament, going for 23 points in a loss to Maryland. He is one of the twitchiest wings in the country. He has a playground game, capable of getting a shot just about anytime he wants. Now those aren\u2019t always great shots, but his ability to elevate helps him always get it off. He shot only 23.2 percent from 3 this year and his efficiency really dipped. But at 6-7 with the ability to go off for 20-plus on any given night, he\u2019s an intriguing option. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
“<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 220<\/p>\n
After winning WAC Player of the Year and averaging 20.1 points per game in 2023-24, Grant-Foster was slowed by injuries and had some regression this past year. He did flash what he\u2019s capable of in the NCAA Tournament, going for 23 points in a loss to Maryland. He is one of the twitchiest wings in the country. He has a playground game, capable of getting a shot just about anytime he wants. Now those aren\u2019t always great shots, but his ability to elevate helps him always get it off. He shot only 23.2 percent from 3 this year and his efficiency really dipped. But at 6-7 with the ability to go off for 20-plus on any given night, he\u2019s an intriguing option. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
“<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
In Portal<\/p>\n
Grand Canyon<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-2 Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Ivisic is highly skilled but still hasn\u2019t quite found the best way to shape his game to actually impact winning. He has flashy moments, such as his 27 points against Alabama or 25 against LSU, but it\u2019s all very inconsistent, and it\u2019s not an accident that his minutes decreased during Arkansas\u2019 postseason run. He can dribble, pass and shoot, which is ridiculous at his size. But he\u2019s extremely skinny, which allows him to be moved around a bit too easily. Defensively, his positioning and overall reactivity can be an adventure. Having said that, there is serious upside if the right coach can figure him out on defense. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-2 Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Ivisic is highly skilled but still hasn\u2019t quite found the best way to shape his game to actually impact winning. He has flashy moments, such as his 27 points against Alabama or 25 against LSU, but it\u2019s all very inconsistent, and it\u2019s not an accident that his minutes decreased during Arkansas\u2019 postseason run. He can dribble, pass and shoot, which is ridiculous at his size. But he\u2019s extremely skinny, which allows him to be moved around a bit too easily. Defensively, his positioning and overall reactivity can be an adventure. Having said that, there is serious upside if the right coach can figure him out on defense. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Arkansas<\/p>\n
Illinois Fighting Illini <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-11Wt:270<\/p>\n
The starting center and interior anchor on a top-10 defense this year, Jackson is a ready-made starting center at 6-11 and 270 pounds. He’s well-traveled, having gone from Washington State to Charlotte to Iowa State, and is still eligible after taking a medical redshirt at Washington State in 2021-22 to correct a genetic variation in his heart. There’s certainly some game-to-game inconsistency, and you would expect him to finish a bit better than he does at this size. He can be a bit of an adventure as a defensive rebounder, too, because his hands can be awkward and he’s not overly twitchy. But he’s a good screener, and he does a great job of creating driving lanes for his guards with seals. Defensively, he’s just a massive body on the interior who takes up space and contests. In a portal not exactly littered with huge humans, he can come in and start for a mid-tier high-major.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-11Wt:270<\/p>\n
The starting center and interior anchor on a top-10 defense this year, Jackson is a ready-made starting center at 6-11 and 270 pounds. He’s well-traveled, having gone from Washington State to Charlotte to Iowa State, and is still eligible after taking a medical redshirt at Washington State in 2021-22 to correct a genetic variation in his heart. There’s certainly some game-to-game inconsistency, and you would expect him to finish a bit better than he does at this size. He can be a bit of an adventure as a defensive rebounder, too, because his hands can be awkward and he’s not overly twitchy. But he’s a good screener, and he does a great job of creating driving lanes for his guards with seals. Defensively, he’s just a massive body on the interior who takes up space and contests. In a portal not exactly littered with huge humans, he can come in and start for a mid-tier high-major.
\n\u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Iowa State<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh Panthers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Davis is at his best as an athletic slasher and cutter who finds his way to the rim either by driving in a straight line, waiting in the dunker spot or cutting. If you give him even a little bit of space, he’s going to get downhill in a hurry by using his long strides to find his way to the rim. He also does a great job of playing through contact, as he drew six foul shots per game this year. He’s continued to get better every year as a shooter, too and made 30 percent of his 3s this year. That’s the swing skill here. If Davis can’t shoot, he’s probably more of a role player at the high-major level on a great team. If he gets to work on the jumper over the summer and figures things out, then he has a chance to be a significant impact player given his length and athleticism at the four at around 6-9.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Davis is at his best as an athletic slasher and cutter who finds his way to the rim either by driving in a straight line, waiting in the dunker spot or cutting. If you give him even a little bit of space, he’s going to get downhill in a hurry by using his long strides to find his way to the rim. He also does a great job of playing through contact, as he drew six foul shots per game this year. He’s continued to get better every year as a shooter, too and made 30 percent of his 3s this year. That’s the swing skill here. If Davis can’t shoot, he’s probably more of a role player at the high-major level on a great team. If he gets to work on the jumper over the summer and figures things out, then he has a chance to be a significant impact player given his length and athleticism at the four at around 6-9.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Notre Dame<\/p>\n
Oklahoma Sooners <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Hansberry is the perfect five-out center in that he understands screening angles, can pass, can pop and make a 3, and he is excellent in dribble-handoff actions. He can also play as more of a traditional big-man role and score over both shoulders. He has excellent feel for the game and knows where to be on both ends. He\u2019s also a good rebounder, knowing where to position himself and how to use his body. The shot looks good \u2014 he made 35 3s last year \u2014 but the percentage (29.2) wasn\u2019t ideal. Maybe that\u2019ll improve. Where Hansberry is limited is in his length and athleticism. He can sometimes struggle to finish around the basket against length, and he\u2019s not a rim protector. He played center for West Virginia, and he is skilled enough to slide over to the four, although guarding more athletic fours could be an issue. But in the right system that utilizes his abilities as a hub on the perimeter, he\u2019s a really effective player. \u2014 C.J. Moore <\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8Wt: 240<\/p>\n
Hansberry is the perfect five-out center in that he understands screening angles, can pass, can pop and make a 3, and he is excellent in dribble-handoff actions. He can also play as more of a traditional big-man role and score over both shoulders. He has excellent feel for the game and knows where to be on both ends. He\u2019s also a good rebounder, knowing where to position himself and how to use his body. The shot looks good \u2014 he made 35 3s last year \u2014 but the percentage (29.2) wasn\u2019t ideal. Maybe that\u2019ll improve. Where Hansberry is limited is in his length and athleticism. He can sometimes struggle to finish around the basket against length, and he\u2019s not a rim protector. He played center for West Virginia, and he is skilled enough to slide over to the four, although guarding more athletic fours could be an issue. But in the right system that utilizes his abilities as a hub on the perimeter, he\u2019s a really effective player. \u2014 C.J. Moore <\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
West Virginia<\/p>\n
Virginia Tech Hokies <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10Wt: 230<\/p>\n
Murphy has quick feet for a big man and is an effective player in the pick-and-roll, with a good feel for finding space. He also does a nice job around the basket finding little pockets where he can slip in and get the ball, and then he\u2019s a good finisher inside about 10 feet. The ball comes off his hand with soft touch. He\u2019s a good rebounder on both ends and is a switchable defender who provides solid rim protection. \u2014 C.J. Moore <\/p>\n
Ht: 6-10Wt: 230<\/p>\n
Murphy has quick feet for a big man and is an effective player in the pick-and-roll, with a good feel for finding space. He also does a nice job around the basket finding little pockets where he can slip in and get the ball, and then he\u2019s a good finisher inside about 10 feet. The ball comes off his hand with soft touch. He\u2019s a good rebounder on both ends and is a switchable defender who provides solid rim protection. \u2014 C.J. Moore <\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Mississippi State<\/p>\n
Auburn Tigers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 186<\/p>\n
Conerway plays with an edge and has the instincts to move up to the high-major level. The Sun Belt Player of the Year ranked third nationally in steals per game (2.9) and has quick hands. He\u2019s a below-average shooter (29.2 percent from 3 in two years at Troy) and is at his best attacking the rim. He has blow-by speed and works well out of ball screens, then is fearless when he attacks the basket. He\u2019d work well as more of a setup man who can be disruptive defensively, attack the paint on offense and be more picky with the jumpers he takes. If he\u2019s willing to see his usage decrease, he\u2019ll be a good fit just about anywhere.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 186<\/p>\n
Conerway plays with an edge and has the instincts to move up to the high-major level. The Sun Belt Player of the Year ranked third nationally in steals per game (2.9) and has quick hands. He\u2019s a below-average shooter (29.2 percent from 3 in two years at Troy) and is at his best attacking the rim. He has blow-by speed and works well out of ball screens, then is fearless when he attacks the basket. He\u2019d work well as more of a setup man who can be disruptive defensively, attack the paint on offense and be more picky with the jumpers he takes. If he\u2019s willing to see his usage decrease, he\u2019ll be a good fit just about anywhere.
\n\u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Troy<\/p>\n
Indiana Hoosiers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-2Wt: 235<\/p>\n
It\u2019s easy to dream big with Thiam. He\u2019s 7-2 with the ability to make 3s and is an elite shot blocker. The shooting would give me pause. It\u2019s more potential than production right now. I\u2019d have an issue with a guy who took 79 3s and shot only 29.1 percent on those attempts. If he ever becomes more consistent from 3, then he\u2019s a real threat on pick-and-pops, but until that point he\u2019s giving away too many possessions and is a bit too trigger happy. Defensively, he has to play in a deep drop in pick-and-roll and is pretty effective backpedaling and guarding his area. In isolation, he\u2019s susceptible to biting on pump fakes, and once he bites, it\u2019s hard to recover because he\u2019s so big. But the effort is there and it\u2019s really hard to score over him at the rim. He also finishes decently around the bucket for someone his size, but he has very little post-up game. So the progression on his jump shot could control his ceiling unless he starts to add more to his back-to-the-basket game.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 7-2Wt: 235<\/p>\n
It\u2019s easy to dream big with Thiam. He\u2019s 7-2 with the ability to make 3s and is an elite shot blocker. The shooting would give me pause. It\u2019s more potential than production right now. I\u2019d have an issue with a guy who took 79 3s and shot only 29.1 percent on those attempts. If he ever becomes more consistent from 3, then he\u2019s a real threat on pick-and-pops, but until that point he\u2019s giving away too many possessions and is a bit too trigger happy. Defensively, he has to play in a deep drop in pick-and-roll and is pretty effective backpedaling and guarding his area. In isolation, he\u2019s susceptible to biting on pump fakes, and once he bites, it\u2019s hard to recover because he\u2019s so big. But the effort is there and it\u2019s really hard to score over him at the rim. He also finishes decently around the bucket for someone his size, but he has very little post-up game. So the progression on his jump shot could control his ceiling unless he starts to add more to his back-to-the-basket game.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
UCF<\/p>\n
Cincinnati Bearcats <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 175<\/p>\n
The SoCon Player of the Year this past season, Peterson led ETSU to a 12-6 league mark and morphed into a dominant player late in the year, averaging 21.9 points while shooting 45 percent from 3 in his final 12 games. He’s a fast, jittery lead guard who can be a high-volume 3-point shooter when he’s rolling. He’ll make shots off movement and tends to thrive most off the catch, drilling 46.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s, per Synergy. But I don’t really think he’s a high-major lead guard, either. He’s best running off actions or relocating and finding open areas. However, he’s just a bit small for that role at the highest levels. You’ll need a big guard next to him who can help share ballhandling responsibilities. But Peterson is a good bet to be a good high-major scoring guard next year.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 175<\/p>\n
The SoCon Player of the Year this past season, Peterson led ETSU to a 12-6 league mark and morphed into a dominant player late in the year, averaging 21.9 points while shooting 45 percent from 3 in his final 12 games. He’s a fast, jittery lead guard who can be a high-volume 3-point shooter when he’s rolling. He’ll make shots off movement and tends to thrive most off the catch, drilling 46.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s, per Synergy. But I don’t really think he’s a high-major lead guard, either. He’s best running off actions or relocating and finding open areas. However, he’s just a bit small for that role at the highest levels. You’ll need a big guard next to him who can help share ballhandling responsibilities. But Peterson is a good bet to be a good high-major scoring guard next year.
\n \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
ETSU<\/p>\n
Washington Huskies <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8Wt: 220<\/p>\n
The A-Sun Player of the Year is one of the best finishers from all three levels in the portal. He shot 40.2 percent from 3, 55.7 percent on non-rim 2s and 72.7 percent at the rim, per Synergy. He\u2019s one of the most efficient post-up scorers in the country, scoring 1.299 points per possession there, per Synergy. Whenever he gets a switch, he knows to take them to the post. He sometimes struggles when he puts the ball on the floor against more athletic players and that could be a challenge in leveling up to the high-major level, but he still produced against high-major competition, averaging 17 points in three games against high-majors this year. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8Wt: 220<\/p>\n
The A-Sun Player of the Year is one of the best finishers from all three levels in the portal. He shot 40.2 percent from 3, 55.7 percent on non-rim 2s and 72.7 percent at the rim, per Synergy. He\u2019s one of the most efficient post-up scorers in the country, scoring 1.299 points per possession there, per Synergy. Whenever he gets a switch, he knows to take them to the post. He sometimes struggles when he puts the ball on the floor against more athletic players and that could be a challenge in leveling up to the high-major level, but he still produced against high-major competition, averaging 17 points in three games against high-majors this year. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Lipscomb<\/p>\n
Washington Huskies <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Arceneaux was coming off an ACL tear and wasn\u2019t 100 percent until late in his sophomore season. He\u2019s at his best working in the mid-range, but he can score at all three levels. He doesn\u2019t have blow-by speed but is capable of driving a closeout. He has good lift on his jumper, so he doesn\u2019t have any problem getting his shot off. He\u2019s able to play either forward position and was the backup power forward for Houston. Defensively he\u2019s been as well-schooled as you can get playing for Kelvin Sampson. While he wasn\u2019t one of Houston\u2019s best defenders, he was solid on that end. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Arceneaux was coming off an ACL tear and wasn\u2019t 100 percent until late in his sophomore season. He\u2019s at his best working in the mid-range, but he can score at all three levels. He doesn\u2019t have blow-by speed but is capable of driving a closeout. He has good lift on his jumper, so he doesn\u2019t have any problem getting his shot off. He\u2019s able to play either forward position and was the backup power forward for Houston. Defensively he\u2019s been as well-schooled as you can get playing for Kelvin Sampson. While he wasn\u2019t one of Houston\u2019s best defenders, he was solid on that end. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Houston<\/p>\n
North Carolina State Wolfpack <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
Eaglestaff is a volcano waiting to happen, a dynamic wing scorer who can fire the ball from distance as well as use the threat of that shot to score in other ways. This year alone, he dropped 40 on Alabama and had 51 points against South Dakota State in the conference tournament. He’s a ridiculously tough shot-maker when he’s on, but he also was tasked with taking some absolutely wild attempts for North Dakota this year. That ultimately dragged down his efficiency. The key for a high-major will be finding a role for Eaglestaff that allows him to take easier shots \u2014 which will be easier when pairing him with high-level shot creators. He’ll have one year at high-major to show what he’s capable of after playing for a pretty rough North Dakota team that he wasn’t able to elevate. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 190<\/p>\n
Eaglestaff is a volcano waiting to happen, a dynamic wing scorer who can fire the ball from distance as well as use the threat of that shot to score in other ways. This year alone, he dropped 40 on Alabama and had 51 points against South Dakota State in the conference tournament. He’s a ridiculously tough shot-maker when he’s on, but he also was tasked with taking some absolutely wild attempts for North Dakota this year. That ultimately dragged down his efficiency. The key for a high-major will be finding a role for Eaglestaff that allows him to take easier shots \u2014 which will be easier when pairing him with high-level shot creators. He’ll have one year at high-major to show what he’s capable of after playing for a pretty rough North Dakota team that he wasn’t able to elevate. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
North Dakota<\/p>\n
West Virginia Mountaineers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Wilkinson was a fun surprise for Cal, finishing among the national scoring leaders for first-year players. He has a dynamic game off the bounce, with the ability to both drive and find pull-up options. But the decision making on some of his shots was often an adventure, and he’ll need to moderate that as he moves to a winning team. It can also be a struggle to place pure scoring guards roughly his size in the lineup, given how much they can give back on defense. Still, Cal was much better when Wilkinson was on the court because of his ability to beat his man, and that’ll provide value wherever he ends up. He\u2019s from Georgia, so don’t be surprised to see him head back east. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Wilkinson was a fun surprise for Cal, finishing among the national scoring leaders for first-year players. He has a dynamic game off the bounce, with the ability to both drive and find pull-up options. But the decision making on some of his shots was often an adventure, and he’ll need to moderate that as he moves to a winning team. It can also be a struggle to place pure scoring guards roughly his size in the lineup, given how much they can give back on defense. Still, Cal was much better when Wilkinson was on the court because of his ability to beat his man, and that’ll provide value wherever he ends up. He\u2019s from Georgia, so don’t be surprised to see him head back east. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Cal<\/p>\n
Georgia Bulldogs <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
This one is going to be complicated. Mgbako has shown moments of brilliance, and as a former five-star with long arms and shooting potential, he will have an awful lot of suitors. But, man, there is just an awful lot of bad tape, too, where he looks completely invisible on offense because the jump shot isn’t consistent enough yet and his defensive intensity wavers. Maybe it’s as simple as Mike Woodson not being able to get through to him, but the \u201824-25 Hoosiers were a better team when Mgbako was off the court, per CBB Analytics: They gave up nearly 10 points more per 100 possessions when he played (by far the worst of the nine players to play at least 300 minutes). If a change of scenery is all that was needed, a team could reap massive dividends \u2014 or it could come away disappointed. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 225<\/p>\n
This one is going to be complicated. Mgbako has shown moments of brilliance, and as a former five-star with long arms and shooting potential, he will have an awful lot of suitors. But, man, there is just an awful lot of bad tape, too, where he looks completely invisible on offense because the jump shot isn’t consistent enough yet and his defensive intensity wavers. Maybe it’s as simple as Mike Woodson not being able to get through to him, but the \u201824-25 Hoosiers were a better team when Mgbako was off the court, per CBB Analytics: They gave up nearly 10 points more per 100 possessions when he played (by far the worst of the nine players to play at least 300 minutes). If a change of scenery is all that was needed, a team could reap massive dividends \u2014 or it could come away disappointed. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Wing<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Indiana<\/p>\n
Texas A&M Aggies <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Rice regressed at Indiana after averaging 14.8 points, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game during an All-Pac 12 redshirt freshman year at Washington State. Indiana wasn\u2019t an ideal setting for guards under Mike Woodson, so there\u2019s some hope he can be closer to what he was as a freshman in a new setting. What Rice does best is get into the paint to either score for himself or set up a teammate. He finished better at Washington State than he did Indiana, and it\u2019s possible the difference was the spacing. Headed to Maryland, he\u2019s likely going to get an opportunity to be in a high-usage role more similar to what he experienced at Washington State. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-3Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Rice regressed at Indiana after averaging 14.8 points, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game during an All-Pac 12 redshirt freshman year at Washington State. Indiana wasn\u2019t an ideal setting for guards under Mike Woodson, so there\u2019s some hope he can be closer to what he was as a freshman in a new setting. What Rice does best is get into the paint to either score for himself or set up a teammate. He finished better at Washington State than he did Indiana, and it\u2019s possible the difference was the spacing. Headed to Maryland, he\u2019s likely going to get an opportunity to be in a high-usage role more similar to what he experienced at Washington State. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Indiana<\/p>\n
Maryland Terrapins <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-0Wt: 182<\/p>\n
No surprise that Bucky McMillian wanted Lane: He went for 32 points and six assists in an overtime loss at Samford this past season. Lane is a score-first guard who is one of the quickest guards with the basketball in the country. His handle is tight and he can score at all three levels. He\u2019s good off the catch, too, and shot an impressive 40.6 percent from 3 this season on five attempts per game. He\u2019s short but I think he has the body and quickness to level up. He should fit well in McMillian\u2019s up-tempo system. He has played well against high-majors the last two seasons, scoring 14 points against Auburn this past season and going for 19 points and 11 assists the year before at K-State. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-0Wt: 182<\/p>\n
No surprise that Bucky McMillian wanted Lane: He went for 32 points and six assists in an overtime loss at Samford this past season. Lane is a score-first guard who is one of the quickest guards with the basketball in the country. His handle is tight and he can score at all three levels. He\u2019s good off the catch, too, and shot an impressive 40.6 percent from 3 this season on five attempts per game. He\u2019s short but I think he has the body and quickness to level up. He should fit well in McMillian\u2019s up-tempo system. He has played well against high-majors the last two seasons, scoring 14 points against Auburn this past season and going for 19 points and 11 assists the year before at K-State. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
North Alabama<\/p>\n
Texas A&M Aggies <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-11Wt: 215<\/p>\n
\nThe idea of what Stevenson could become is better than what he\u2019s actually been through his first two years in school. For a guy his size, Stevenson moves well, can handle the ball and has a good looking stroke. He started the year cold shooting the ball but did perform better in SEC play, making 18 of his 43 3s, before cooling again in the postseason. He\u2019s best making straight-line drives to the basket, attacking a closeout. His athleticism at 6-11 makes him a switchable defender. There could be an NBA player here if he can ever find a consistent jumper and play with a high motor, but the fact that he was a rotation player the last two years on really good Alabama teams suggest he\u2019s a top-100 level transfer, especially considering the upside.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-11Wt: 215<\/p>\n
\nThe idea of what Stevenson could become is better than what he\u2019s actually been through his first two years in school. For a guy his size, Stevenson moves well, can handle the ball and has a good looking stroke. He started the year cold shooting the ball but did perform better in SEC play, making 18 of his 43 3s, before cooling again in the postseason. He\u2019s best making straight-line drives to the basket, attacking a closeout. His athleticism at 6-11 makes him a switchable defender. There could be an NBA player here if he can ever find a consistent jumper and play with a high motor, but the fact that he was a rotation player the last two years on really good Alabama teams suggest he\u2019s a top-100 level transfer, especially considering the upside.
\n \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Forward<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Alabama<\/p>\n
North Carolina Tar Heels <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Overton is a smooth lefty with great positional size who can get buckets when he\u2019s playing with confidence. His minutes fluctuated this past year at Texas Tech and there were times where it seemed like he had the yips, but he moves with fluidity and always seems to find a way to get to his left hand. He usually produced when he played a lot, scoring double figures in four of the five games in which he played 30-plus minutes, including 20 points in a Big 12 semis loss to Arizona. It\u2019s pretty easy to imagine him becoming a consistent double-digit scorer for a high-major. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Overton is a smooth lefty with great positional size who can get buckets when he\u2019s playing with confidence. His minutes fluctuated this past year at Texas Tech and there were times where it seemed like he had the yips, but he moves with fluidity and always seems to find a way to get to his left hand. He usually produced when he played a lot, scoring double figures in four of the five games in which he played 30-plus minutes, including 20 points in a Big 12 semis loss to Arizona. It\u2019s pretty easy to imagine him becoming a consistent double-digit scorer for a high-major. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Texas Tech<\/p>\n
Auburn Tigers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Hall began the year in the starting lineup but wasn’t an ideal fit playing alongside Egor Demin, so the BYU staff decided to make him a super sub in the last two-thirds of the season. Having said that, Hall looks like he can be a high-major starting guard. He makes excellent decisions and consistently finds teammates in the right places. He averaged 4.2 assists with a three-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio in 2024-25, and while the shooting numbers aren’t amazing, he is at least capable from behind the arc when he gets an open look. Anyone looking for a genuine adult who makes good decisions at the lead guard spot should take a look at Hall as an interesting option. He might not be a true all-conference player, but he can help a good team. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 200<\/p>\n
Hall began the year in the starting lineup but wasn’t an ideal fit playing alongside Egor Demin, so the BYU staff decided to make him a super sub in the last two-thirds of the season. Having said that, Hall looks like he can be a high-major starting guard. He makes excellent decisions and consistently finds teammates in the right places. He averaged 4.2 assists with a three-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio in 2024-25, and while the shooting numbers aren’t amazing, he is at least capable from behind the arc when he gets an open look. Anyone looking for a genuine adult who makes good decisions at the lead guard spot should take a look at Hall as an interesting option. He might not be a true all-conference player, but he can help a good team. \u2014 Sam Vecenie<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
BYU<\/p>\n
Virginia Cavaliers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Holloman is a strong defender and a streaky scorer. His play and his emotions can be a roller coaster, but you know he\u2019s going to play with max effort and guard. He has elite speed but sometimes can over-penetrate and put up tough shots at the basket. His jumper is the streakiest part of his game, but he is a solid 35.6 percent from 3 for his career. This is a good get for NC State because Holloman is used to winning and can help set the standard for what it looks like to play hard. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-2Wt: 185<\/p>\n
Holloman is a strong defender and a streaky scorer. His play and his emotions can be a roller coaster, but you know he\u2019s going to play with max effort and guard. He has elite speed but sometimes can over-penetrate and put up tough shots at the basket. His jumper is the streakiest part of his game, but he is a solid 35.6 percent from 3 for his career. This is a good get for NC State because Holloman is used to winning and can help set the standard for what it looks like to play hard. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Michigan State<\/p>\n
North Carolina State Wolfpack <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6Wt: 190<\/p>\n
The WAC Defensive Player of the Year is a good shot blocker and can also get out and defend on the perimeter. Offensively, he\u2019s the atypical stretch 5 in that he likes to pick-and-pop, but he also plays with a level of physicality. He\u2019s comfortable putting the ball on the floor and is looking for contact when he does. He had a high free throw rate, and while he\u2019s a 35.3 percent 3-point shooter, he shot only 64.6 percent at the free-throw line, a surprising drop after making 76.5 percent of his free throws as a freshman at UC Irvine. Welling is a good fit for Clemson in the mold of past bigs like PJ Hall and Ian Schieffelin, both skilled who also take pride in their defense. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-6Wt: 190<\/p>\n
The WAC Defensive Player of the Year is a good shot blocker and can also get out and defend on the perimeter. Offensively, he\u2019s the atypical stretch 5 in that he likes to pick-and-pop, but he also plays with a level of physicality. He\u2019s comfortable putting the ball on the floor and is looking for contact when he does. He had a high free throw rate, and while he\u2019s a 35.3 percent 3-point shooter, he shot only 64.6 percent at the free-throw line, a surprising drop after making 76.5 percent of his free throws as a freshman at UC Irvine. Welling is a good fit for Clemson in the mold of past bigs like PJ Hall and Ian Schieffelin, both skilled who also take pride in their defense. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Center<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Utah Valley<\/p>\n
Clemson Tigers <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Council has good size for a point guard and elite quickness. He can get by his man with a live dribble and finishes well with either hand around the basket. He\u2019s also wiry strong. His weakness is his jump shot: It\u2019s flat and not the smoothest release. He\u2019s a career 28.3 percent shooter, but that didn\u2019t stop him from taking 3.9 3s per game. On a team where he\u2019s not the primary scorer, ideally his usage would go down some and he could focus on what he does well. From a speed\/size\/ability standpoint, he has the goods to be a high-major starter. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-4Wt: 180<\/p>\n
Council has good size for a point guard and elite quickness. He can get by his man with a live dribble and finishes well with either hand around the basket. He\u2019s also wiry strong. His weakness is his jump shot: It\u2019s flat and not the smoothest release. He\u2019s a career 28.3 percent shooter, but that didn\u2019t stop him from taking 3.9 3s per game. On a team where he\u2019s not the primary scorer, ideally his usage would go down some and he could focus on what he does well. From a speed\/size\/ability standpoint, he has the goods to be a high-major starter. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
St. Bona<\/p>\n
Kansas Jayhawks <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Colvin looks the part, but his production has yet to catch up. He\u2019s an awesome athlete with a pretty jump shot. He hasn\u2019t done much besides score in transition and on spot-ups, but he\u2019s going to a program where Steve Forbes has been able to get a lot out of wings who haven\u2019t yet maximized their potential. It\u2019s easy to squint and see a potential star. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Ht: 6-5Wt: 205<\/p>\n
Colvin looks the part, but his production has yet to catch up. He\u2019s an awesome athlete with a pretty jump shot. He hasn\u2019t done much besides score in transition and on spot-ups, but he\u2019s going to a program where Steve Forbes has been able to get a lot out of wings who haven\u2019t yet maximized their potential. It\u2019s easy to squint and see a potential star. \u2014 C.J. Moore<\/p>\n
Guard<\/p>\n
Committed<\/p>\n
Purdue<\/p>\n
Wake Forest Demon Deacons <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
(Illustration: Will Tullos \/ The Athletic; Photos: Porter Binks, Jamie Squire, Zach Bolinger, Joe Robbins \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"College basketball\u2019s roster management busy season increasingly resembles NBA free agency, and with thousands of players hitting the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":43005,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3723],"tags":[11976,1982,7,217,1397,11972,9417,11971,6523,3755,4253,354,231,772,1544,11974,11970,11973,11977,218,11969,1774,11975],"class_list":{"0":"post-43004","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ncaa-basketball","8":"tag-arizona-state-sun-devils","9":"tag-arizona-wildcats","10":"tag-basketball","11":"tag-college-basketball","12":"tag-creighton-bluejays","13":"tag-drake-bulldogs","14":"tag-georgia-tech-yellow-jackets","15":"tag-howard-bison","16":"tag-indiana-hoosiers","17":"tag-iowa-hawkeyes","18":"tag-lsu-tigers","19":"tag-mens-college-basketball","20":"tag-ncaa","21":"tag-ncaa-basketball","22":"tag-ncaab","23":"tag-new-mexico-lobos","24":"tag-providence-friars","25":"tag-san-diego-state-aztecs","26":"tag-santa-clara-broncos","27":"tag-st-johns-red-storm","28":"tag-tulane-green-wave","29":"tag-virginia-cavaliers","30":"tag-wyoming-cowboys"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/114534600471629816","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43004","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43004"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43004\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43004"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43004"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43004"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}