Preseason rankings have always been reliant on the expected impact of newcomers: a group of players notoriously difficult to predict. And with the introduction of the one-time transfer rule, combined with the passing of name, image and likeness (NIL) legislation and the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19 still in effect, offseason player movement has been at an all-time high (and roster continuity an all-time low) the past two springs.
Instead of having separate freshman rankings and transfer rankings entering the 2022-23 season, though, I’ve once again grouped them together. Below, I take a look at the 100 newcomers — and some other names to watch — who should have the biggest impact on their new teams.
As always, a reminder: This is a ranking based solely on expected impact. It is not a mock draft, and it is not simply rehashing recruiting rankings. For example, Indiana‘s Jalen Hood-Schifino was ranked behind high school classmate Kyle Filipowski (Duke) and might go lower in the NBA draft than Kel’el Ware (Oregon) — but he has a clearer path to an immediate impact this season.
1. Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas Razorbacks (freshman)
Arguably the best NBA prospect in college basketball this season, Smith will have the ball in his hands a ton from day one. He can make 3s consistently, is an effective playmaker off the dribble and plays with intensity.
2. Keyonte George, Baylor Bears (freshman)
Scott Drew brings back Adam Flagler and LJ Cryer on the perimeter, but George should provide a different dimension. He was one of the elite offensive players in the 2022 class and put up huge numbers on the team’s summer tour.
3. Cam Whitmore, Villanova Wildcats (freshman)
Whitmore will miss time after suffering a broken thumb earlier this fall, but he’ll have a huge impact when healthy. A physical wing who plays with aggression, Whitmore is at his best in transition and getting to the rim.
4. Kendric Davis, Memphis Tigers (transfer)
Davis was the No. 1 player in ESPN’s transfer rankings after winning AAC Player of the Year last season. His numbers should translate pretty well with his move within the conference: 19.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.4 APG.
5. Brandon Miller, Alabama Crimson Tide (freshman)
The preseason buzz on Miller has been nothing but positive. One of the more naturally gifted all-around talents in the 2022 recruiting class, the key for Miller has always been consistency. But if he puts it together, he has few peers in the class.
6. Dereck Lively II, Duke Blue Devils (freshman)
The No. 1 prospect in the ESPN 100 for 2022, Lively is an elite shot-blocker with a blossoming all-around offensive game. He has range to the perimeter and can make plays in the half court despite his 7-foot-1 size.
7. Tyrese Proctor, Duke Blue Devils (freshman)
Seemingly everyone who has seen Duke in the preseason has high hopes for Proctor. The Australian reclassified from the class of 2023 but is going to take on a primary role offensively because of his shooting ability.
8. Baylor Scheierman, Creighton Bluejays (transfer)
The South Dakota State transfer likely steps into a go-to scoring role for Greg McDermott’s preseason top-10 team. He won Summit League Player of the Year honors last season after averaging 16.2 points and shooting 46.9% from 3.
9. Tyrese Hunter, Texas Longhorns (transfer)
Hunter was one of the nation’s premier freshman point guards last season at Iowa State, and his defensive ability should fit seamlessly into Chris Beard’s program. His chemistry with backcourt mate Marcus Carr sounds promising already.
10. Dariq Whitehead, Duke Blue Devils (freshman)
Whitehead suffered a right foot injury in late August but has been earmarked for an early impact in Durham. A projected lottery pick, Whitehead is an impressive two-way player who brings value with his versatility.
11. Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana Hoosiers (freshman)
A top-25 recruit with scoring and playmaking ability, Hood-Schifino is one of a couple of key newcomers who will determine whether the Hoosiers have what it takes to jump from last season’s 12-seed to this season’s Big Ten favorite.
12. Adem Bona, UCLA Bruins (freshman)
Assuming he’s good to go for the season (he sat out UCLA’s preseason scrimmage), Bona could make a bigger impact than his more highly touted classmate Amari Bailey. Explosive, mobile and makes plays at both ends of the floor.
13. Nijel Pack, Miami Hurricanes (transfer)
After being named to the All-Big 12 first team while at Kansas State last season, Pack headed south to Miami, where he’ll help fill the offensive gap created with the departures of Kameron McGusty and Charlie Moore. He averaged 17.4 points and shot 43.6% from 3 in 2021-22.
14. Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas Jayhawks (transfer)
McCullar made a strong impression on the Jayhawks’ coaching staff after excelling for Texas Tech the past few seasons. He’s a high-level defender and also scored in double figures each of the past two campaigns.
15. Jarace Walker, Houston Cougars (freshman)
We know Kelvin Sampson-coached teams will defend as well as any team in the country and crash the glass better than any team in the country. But Walker will bring a different dimension with his strength, versatility and playmaking ability.
16. Gradey Dick, Kansas Jayhawks (freshman)
A knockdown shooter with size, Dick could find himself as the team’s go-to scorer on the perimeter this season after the Jayhawks lost Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun to the NBA.
17. Cason Wallace, Kentucky Wildcats (freshman)
Sahvir Wheeler returns as an All-SEC point guard for the Wildcats, but Wallace should immediately slot into the starting lineup in the backcourt. He’s a terrific defender and can also make shots and distribute.
18. J.J. Starling, Notre Dame Fighting Irish (freshman)
Mike Brey had plenty of success with freshman Blake Wesley last season, and Starling could be another one-and-done first-round pick in South Bend. On an experienced team like this, he’ll make his presence felt immediately.
19. Judah Mintz, Syracuse Orange (freshman)
Jim Boeheim can’t speak highly enough of Mintz, putting him up with any freshman guard he’s had over the past couple of decades. Mintz is at his best driving into the paint off the bounce, and having him on the court will allow Joseph Girard III to play off the ball and focus on scoring.
20. Grant Sherfield, Oklahoma Sooners (transfer)
Sherfield averaged big numbers during his two seasons at Nevada: 19.1 points and 6.4 rebounds last season, 18.6 points and 6.1 assists the season prior. Porter Moser will need his scoring pop with Umoja Gibson gone.
21. Dillon Mitchell, Texas Longhorns (freshman)
The projected lottery pick is at his best in the open floor. But he also make plays in the half court and should make an immediate impact defensively. Was a top-five recruit.
22. Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois Fighting Illini (transfer)
When healthy, Shannon has the potential to be one of the best players in the Big Ten. He didn’t quite get going last season at Texas Tech due to an early-season suspension followed by nagging injuries, but he’ll be a primary option for the Illini.
23. Isiaih Mosley, Missouri Tigers (transfer)
There are plenty of shots available in Columbia this season, and Mosley proved himself as one of the most explosive scorers in the portal at Missouri State. Averaged 20.4 points and hit 40 points twice last season.
24. Anthony Black, Arkansas Razorbacks (freshman)
The 6-7 guard has the potential to be a matchup nightmare. He’s a very good passer, can play multiple positions and is also a capable defender. He should start for the Razorbacks.
25. Pete Nance, North Carolina Tar Heels (transfer)
The lone starter missing from last season’s national championship run is Brady Manek. So Hubert Davis went out and landed Nance to replace him. He’s a different player, but he’s 6-10 and shot 45.2% from 3 at Northwestern last season.
26. G.G. Jackson, South Carolina Gamecocks (freshman)
Jackson decommitted from North Carolina and reclassified into the 2022 class before picking the Gamecocks — giving Lamont Paris a headliner for his first year as head coach. Jackson should have heavy usage from day one.
27. Amari Bailey, UCLA Bruins (freshman)
The No. 5 recruit, Bailey has been a known presence since early in his high school career. He has a solid all-around offensive game and is able to play on or off the ball in the backcourt.
28. Julian Phillips, Tennessee Volunteers (freshman)
Phillips didn’t pick the Vols until well into the spring, but Rick Barnes is certainly glad he did. At 6-7 with length, Phillips is versatile and should also give Tennessee a reliable go-to scorer offensively.
29. Kel’el Ware, Oregon Ducks (freshman)
Ware has as much upside as anybody in the 2022 class — if he can put his size and skill level together consistently. He stands 7 feet tall, with mobility and inside-outside ability. How will he coexist with N’Faly Dante on the interior?
30. Mark Mitchell, Duke Blue Devils (freshman)
Not as highly touted as some of his classmates, Mitchell nonetheless should make an early impact because of his motor and physicality. He would give the Blue Devils a more conventional power forward to use if Kyle Filipowski is slow to adapt.
31. Mark Armstrong, Villanova Wildcats (freshman)
I was a fan of Armstrong at the high school level. He showed a knack of finding ways to get by his defender and into the teeth of the defense. And he will likely get the keys to the Villanova offense from the start.
32. Mark Sears, Alabama Crimson Tide (transfer)
With Jahvon Quinerly still recovering from his ACL tear, the Ohio transfer will be the primary playmaker for the Crimson Tide to start the season. Earned first-team All-MAC honors last season after averaging 19.6 points and 4.1 assists.
33. KJ Williams, LSU Tigers (transfer)
Williams followed former head coach Matt McMahon from Murray State to Baton Rouge, and will be relied upon heavily. Was the OVC Player of the Year last season after putting up 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds.
34. Johni Broome, Auburn Tigers (transfer)
Another former OVC transfer, Broome averaged 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.9 blocks at Morehead State last season. He and Yohan Traore have to replace Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler down low for Bruce Pearl.
35. Bryce Hopkins, Providence Friars (transfer)
A potential breakout candidate, Hopkins is a former top-35 recruit who barely played down the stretch for Kentucky last season. But when he got minutes, he showed flashes of his ability. And Providence needs that.
36. Norchad Omier, Miami Hurricanes (transfer)
Both the Sun Belt Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, Omier will provide frontcourt help for a height-deficient Hurricanes team. The Nicaraguan averaged 17.9 points and 12.2 rebounds last season at Arkansas State.
37. Emoni Bates, Eastern Michigan Eagles (transfer)
With his legal troubles seemingly behind him, Bates is hoping to return to the form that made him such a highly touted prospect early in his high school career. Went for 27 in Eastern Michigan’s first exhibition game.
38. Chris Livingston, Kentucky Wildcats (freshman)
From a physical standpoint, Livingston should have little difficulty transitioning to the college game. He has a strong body and isn’t afraid of contact at the rim. Is aggressive, and could be used as a small-ball 4 for John Calipari.
39. Kyle Lofton, Florida Gators (transfer)
Lofton is as steady as they come at the point guard spot, earning All-Atlantic 10 honors three times at St. Bonaventure. That experience should be useful at a program integrating a new coach and a slew of newcomers.
40. Darrion Trammell, San Diego State Aztecs (transfer)
San Diego State will undoubtedly have one of the nation’s elite defenses once again, but the Aztecs needed more scoring. Trammell should take some of the heat off Matt Bradley. Averaged 18.7 points at Seattle.
41. Eric Gaines, UAB Blazers (transfer)
Gaines showed high-level two-way ability at LSU, with length and explosiveness enabling him to make plays at both ends. Playing him alongside Jordan Walker gives Andy Kennedy a terrific backcourt.
42. Landers Nolley II, Cincinnati Bearcats (transfer)
Nolley didn’t reach the heights of his freshman campaign at Virginia Tech during his two seasons at Memphis. But he’s 6-7 and can really shoot it. Wes Miller needs a reliable third scorer, and Nolley is capable.
43. Courtney Ramey, Arizona Wildcats (transfer)
Tommy Lloyd knows what he’s getting in Ramey. He was a four-year starter at Texas and shot better than 36% from 3. He can take some pressure off Kerr Kriisa at the point or play off the ball.
44. Jake Stephens, Chattanooga Mocs (transfer)
Stephens could have moved up to a high-major, but he opted to follow his coach, Dan Earl, from VMI to Chattanooga. 6-11 with elite 3-point shooting ability, he averaged 19.6 points and shot 49% from 3.
45. Terry Roberts, Georgia Bulldogs (transfer)
Roberts was a first-team All-MVC selection last season after averaging 14.5 points and 4.1 assists at Bradley. Mike White is bringing in a host of newcomers for year one in Athens, but Roberts could be the best of the group.
46. Trevon Brazile, Arkansas Razorbacks (transfer)
Should slot immediately into Arkansas’ starting lineup and is poised for a breakout season. Averaged just 6.6 points at Missouri last season, but finished the season with 10.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG and 2.0 BPG in his final five games.
47. Jett Howard, Michigan Wolverines (freshman)
There isn’t much proven perimeter scoring in Ann Arbor around Hunter Dickinson, and Jaelin Llewellyn will be counted on to run the show. But that’s where Howard, the head coach’s son, comes in. He can score and pass effectively.
48. Skyy Clark, Illinois Fighting Illini (freshman)
Clark suffered a torn ACL two summers ago, but was considered one of the better point guards in the 2022 class when healthy. The Fighting Illini don’t have another traditional point guard on the roster, so he’ll have to shoulder a lot of responsibility.
49. Jordan Walsh, Arkansas Razorbacks (freshman)
Walsh will do a little bit of everything for Eric Musselman. He’s explosive in transition, can make plays at the rim and is active defensively as well. His outside shot looked better in the exhibition loss to Texas.
50. Brandon Murray, Georgetown Hoyas (transfer)
This is a make-or-break year for Patrick Ewing, who needed to upgrade his talent level. Murray should help in that department. Averaged 10.0 points during his lone season at LSU, and will start right away.
51. Tyreke Key, Tennessee Volunteers (transfer)
Key missed all of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery but averaged 17.2 points in 2020-21 at Indiana State. Has moved up a few spots on this list after lighting up Gonzaga for 26 points in the Vols’ exhibition win in late October.
52. Malachi Smith, Gonzaga Bulldogs (transfer)
Smith won’t put up anything close to the types of numbers he had at Chattanooga (19.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists), but he’s a veteran presence and playmaker and can fill a variety of roles for Mark Few’s team.
53. Osun Osunniyi, Iowa State Cyclones (transfer)
Iowa State’s success last season was predicated on the defensive end of the floor, and now the Cyclones are adding Osunniyi, the two-time Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year from St. Bonaventure. Will anchor the interior for T.J. Otzelberger.
54. Desmond Claude, Xavier Musketeers (freshman)
There’s been consistent positivity surrounding Claude for the better part of a year now, and that hasn’t slowed in the preseason. The Musketeers have plenty of frontcourt talent, but Sean Miller is likely to hand Claude the keys.
55. Brice Sensabaugh, Ohio State Buckeyes (freshman)
One of the biggest stock risers during the 2021 July live period, Sensabaugh has a powerful frame that allows him to overwhelm smaller players on the wing. Ohio State will need scorers quickly, and Sensabaugh can fill that role.
56. Andre Kelly, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (transfer)
It’s hard to see Kelly not dominating the Big West this season. He averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds last season at California, shooting better than 60% from the field.
57. Fardaws Aimaq, Texas Tech Red Raiders (transfer)
Aimaq was expected to be Texas Tech’s interior anchor, but a broken foot will sideline him for the first half of the season. When healthy, the two-time WAC Defensive Player of the Year at Utah Valley will need to be a factor.
58. Bruce Thornton, Ohio State Buckeyes (freshman)
Thornton might be the most natural point guard on the Buckeyes’ roster, and therefore could see an extensive role fairly quickly. He’s tough, can run an offense and is a solid defender at the other end.
59. Jaelin Llewellyn, Michigan Wolverines (transfer)
Juwan Howard has pursued graduate transfer point guards in each of the last two seasons, with Mike Smith and DeVante Jones having varying degrees of success. Next up is Llewellyn, who averaged 15.7 points at Princeton and can really shoot.
60. David Jones, St. John’s Red Storm (transfer)
Jones jumped from Big East rival DePaul to the Johnnies last spring, and Mike Anderson has to be hoping his 14.5 points and 7.4 rebounds came with him. Jones can do a little of everything, even posting a triple-double against Georgetown.
61. Andre Curbelo, St. John’s Red Storm (transfer)
There aren’t many players in the country more exciting with the ball in his hands than Curbelo, although his inconsistency, highlighted during his time at Illinois, can be frustrating. He and Posh Alexander should form a truly electric backcourt.
62. Jalen Bridges, Baylor Bears (transfer)
Didn’t put up otherworldly numbers at West Virginia (8.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG), but he’s likely to find himself in Scott Drew’s starting lineup as a versatile frontcourt player. His ability to stretch the floor and make shots will be key for the Bears.
63. Kyle Filipowski, Duke Blue Devils (freshman)
There’s been a lot of talk that Filipowski could take some time to acclimate to the college game, but he’s also one of the few natural playmakers on Duke’s roster. He can make shots, handle and pass exceptionally well for a 6-11 center — and he’ll be relied upon early.
64. Jaxon Kohler, Michigan State Spartans (freshman)
Tom Izzo brings back some experience in the frontcourt, but Kohler could be the game-changing offensive player they need. He’s a terrific low-post scorer but has enough skill to face up and make plays too.
65. Chance Westry, Auburn Tigers (freshman)
Westry might be higher on this list had he not undergone a knee procedure in early October. There was positive buzz about the Pennsylvania native throughout the offseason — and he averaged double figures on the Tigers’ summer tour.
66. Tre White, USC Trojans (freshman)
Underrated for much of his high school career, White brings versatility and athleticism to the Trojans. He has a well-rounded offensive game with the ability to attack the rim and finish or make shots from the perimeter.
67. Alex Karaban, UConn Huskies (freshman)
Karaban arrived last season but sat out the second semester. Now he’s expected to crack the starting lineup this season. He can really shoot the basketball and will help provide balance to Adama Sanogo’s interior production.
68. Matthew Mayer, Illinois Fighting Illinois (transfer)
Is Mayer capable of being a go-to player offensively? He was at his best two years ago for Baylor, when he came off the bench as a complementary scorer. Last year wasn’t quite the same. But he has energy, size and can shoot.
69. Darin Green Jr., Florida State Seminoles (transfer)
Green played against Florida State early in the 2020-21 season, scoring 20 and hitting six 3-pointers to lead UCF over the Seminoles. Leonard Hamilton must have remembered, and now he’ll hope Green continues to provide shooting.
70. Andrew Carr, Wake Forest Demon Deacons (transfer)
Averaged 10.0 points at Delaware in 2021-22, but there’s been a steady drumbeat of positivity about Carr. He’s 6-10, played well in the last postseason and also made 17 3s last season.
71. Manny Bates, Butler Bulldogs (transfer)
Bates suffered a shoulder injury in the opening minute of last season’s first game at NC State, but should make an immediate impact on the defensive end for Thad Matta. Averaged nearly three blocks in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
72. Jalen Reed, LSU Tigers (freshman)
Reed is drawing rave reviews from people who have watched LSU in the preseason. He came out of high school possessing a high ceiling, and it sounds like he’s beginning to realize some of that potential. 6-10 and skilled.
73. Jaden Bradley, Alabama Crimson Tide (freshman)
A five-star point guard in the 2022 class, Bradley could come off the bench behind transfers Mark Sears (Ohio) and Dominick Welch (St. Bonaventure). It’s his ability to get to the rim and find shots for himself or teammates that will get him extensive time.
74. Jahmir Young, Maryland Terrapins (transfer)
Young returned home to Maryland after averaging 19.6 points and 3.7 assists last season at Charlotte, en route to first-team All-Conference USA honors. He’ll team up in the backcourt with another transfer, Donald Carey from Georgetown.
75. Nahiem Alleyne, UConn Huskies (transfer)
One of the best shooters in the portal last spring, Alleyne made better than 40% of his 3s in 2020-21 and shot 37.3% from behind the arc last season. Would expect him to form a dangerous perimeter duo with Jordan Hawkins on the wing.
76. Ty Rodgers, Illinois Fighting Illini (freshman)
There’s some talk Rodgers could end up as the Fighting Illini’s primary ball handler and de facto point guard for long stretches this season — even though he’s more of a 6-6 versatile Swiss Army Knife.
77. Jack Clark, NC State Wolfpack (transfer)
Word out of Raleigh all offseason was that Clark was a player to watch. The La Salle transfer is 6-8 but can play a number of positions and is coming off a 2021-22 in which he averaged 12.0 points and 5.8 rebounds.
78. Riley Kugel, Florida Gators (freshman)
A late signee who originally committed to Mississippi State, Kugel has taken advantage of preseason injuries to Kyle Lofton and Will Richard to make an immediate impression. He could find the court early and often for the Gators.
79. Yohan Traore, Auburn Tigers (freshman)
Traore was one of the biggest stock risers in the summer of 2021, and along with Johni Broome will be tasked with replacing Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith. Traore is the more versatile of the two players, and can score inside and out.
80. Dawson Garcia, Minnesota Golden Gophers (transfer)
Had high hopes last season for Garcia, who played just 16 games for North Carolina. But he also averaged 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds as a freshman at Marquette in 2020-21.
81. Will Richard, Florida Gators (transfer)
Richard showed pro potential during his lone season at Belmont, averaging 12.1 points and 6.0 rebounds as a freshman. Took his game up a notch down the stretch, and his size and shooting ability should help new head coach Todd Golden.
82. Keion Brooks, Washington Huskies (transfer)
It’s not often a player who starts every game in a season for Kentucky opts to transfer, but Brooks decided to hit the portal after a career filled with ups and downs. Averaged 10.8 points and should have a bigger role in Seattle.
83. MJ Rice, Kansas Jayhawks (freshman)
One of three top-30 freshmen who could find their way into Bill Self’s starting lineup this season (along with Dick and Ernest Udeh), Rice is a physical scorer who simply overpowered opposing wings at the high school level.
84. Terrance Arceneaux, Houston Cougars (freshman)
It might not happen as often this year due to the Cougars’ returning firepower, but Arceneaux was one of the best pure scorers in the 2022 class. He has size, length and can find his shot. Active defensively, too.
85. Malik Reneau, Indiana Hoosiers (freshman)
With Trayce Jackson-Davis and Race Thompson both returning in the post for the Hoosiers, consistent minutes might be hard to come by for Reneau. But the top-25 recruit is productive around the rim and will be a key depth piece.
86. Isaac McKneely, Virginia Cavaliers (freshman)
Either McKneely or Isaac Traudt will be counted on for scoring pop off the bench. McKneely is a high-level shooter with quick release and deep range on his jumper. Possesses good vision and passing ability.
87. Jarkel Joiner, NC State Wolfpack (transfer)
Kevin Keatts will need someone to take the heat off Terquavion Smith offensively, and Joiner can fill that role. Was a consistent scorer at both Bakersfield and Ole Miss, averaging 13.2 points last season.
88. Tyrell Ward, LSU Tigers (freshman)
The one-time Xavier signee flipped to LSU in the spring and should be an immediate contributor for Matt McMahon. He has length, is outstanding in transition and can also make shots from the perimeter.
89. Noah Clowney, Alabama Crimson Tide (freshman)
Not the most ballyhooed of Alabama’s freshmen, Clowney nonetheless earned a start in the Crimson Tide’s first exhibition game and could make an impact earlier than expected. Brings size and upside.
90. Ven-Allen Lubin, Notre Dame Fighting Irish (freshman)
While J.J. Starling has more hype when it comes to Fighting Irish freshmen, Mike Brey has consistently praised Lubin in the preseason. He even said he’s likely to be in the starting lineup to open 2022-23.
91. Earl Timberlake, Bryant Bulldogs (transfer)
Still on the Timberlake bandwagon. He was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, showed flashes at Miami as a freshman but then barely made an impact at Memphis. At Bryant, however, Timberlake should excel.
92. Dwon Odom, Georgia State Panthers (transfer)
This is likely to look like a steal for Jonas Hayes, who coached Odom at Xavier and then persuaded him to follow him to Georgia State. Odom is a downhill point guard who can create for himself or finish consistently off the bounce.
93. Baba Miller, Florida State Seminoles (freshman)
Miller will have to serve a 16-game NCAA suspension after receiving improper travel benefits. Once he’s on the floor in early January, though, perhaps he will live up to the offseason hype that had him as one of FSU’s best players.
94. Jaylon Tyson, Texas Tech Red Raiders (transfer)
There’s been positive buzz about Tyson since joining Texas Tech — where he originally committed out of high school before he opted to follow Chris Beard to Texas. Played only eight games in Austin before transferring.
95. Qudus Wahab, Georgetown Hoyas (transfer)
Ewing will hope Wahab picks up where he left off two seasons ago, when he left the Hoyas to transfer to Maryland. Averaged 12.7 points and 8.2 rebounds in 2020-21, looking like one of the best bigs in the Big East.
96. Justin Powell, Washington State Cougars (transfer)
Powell averaged 11.7 points in his first 10 games at Auburn as a freshman — but then didn’t play the rest of the season before transferring to Tennessee for an underwhelming campaign. There have been positive early reports out of Pullman, however.
97. Dexter Dennis, Texas A&M Aggies (transfer)
The Aggies had one of the best defenses in the SEC down the stretch last season, and then Buzz Williams went out and landed Dennis, the AAC Defensive Player of the Year at Wichita State. He should fit in perfectly.
98. Sir’Jabari Rice, Texas Longhorns (transfer)
Rice doesn’t have the same name recognition as Hunter or Mitchell or even Arterio Morris, but he might make a bigger impact than expected due to his shooting. He attempted around five 3-pointers a game over his last three seasons at New Mexico State.
99. Parker Stewart, UT Martin Skyhawks (transfer)
Stewart was one of the best players in the OVC in 2019-20, when he averaged 19.2 points at UT Martin. Those numbers didn’t translate when he transferred to Indiana — but now he’s back in Martin, Tennessee, hoping to pick up where he left off.
100. Braden Smith, Purdue Boilermakers (freshman)
Purdue has Zach Edey down low, a slew of veterans at the forward and wing spots — and no point guard. That’s where Smith comes in. He’ll likely get every chance to win the starting job.
Next in line: Jayden Pierre, Providence Friars (freshman); Caleb Murphy, DePaul Blue Demons (transfer); Max Klesmit, Wisconsin Badgers (transfer); Jaedon LeDee, San Diego State Aztecs (transfer); Michael Jones, Stanford Cardinal (transfer); Arterio Morris, Texas Longhorns (freshman); Joshua Ojianwuna, Baylor Bears (freshman); Derek Simpson, Rutgers Scarlet Knights (freshman); Rafael Castro, Providence Friars (freshman)
Non-Div. I transfers to monitor
Alex Gross, Morehead State Eagles
Gross put up truly ridiculous numbers across the board at Olivet Nazarene in the NAIA, finishing in the top five nationally in scoring, rebounding and blocks. Also an incredible passer at 6-10.
Max Jones, Cal State Fullerton Titans
Received high-major interest after averaging 21.9 points at D-II Tampa last season. Possesses good size and can score in a variety of ways.
Sylla was the Division II Player of the Year last season. Averaged 22.6 points and 10.5 boards. Despite his 6-5 size, he will help Pat Skerry’s team on the glass immediately.
Trenton Gibson, Indiana State Sycamores
Gibson was a big-time offensive player at D-II Tusculum, showing an ability to make shots from the perimeter, create his own looks and distribute effectively.
Jaylon Scott, Charleston Cougars
A two-time NAIA All-American at Bethel College, Scott will immediately be one of the best defensive players in the CAA, bringing physicality and versatility.
Ten more mid-major newcomers
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Dylan Penn, Vermont Catamounts (transfer)
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Aidan Mahaney, Saint Mary’s Gaels (freshman)
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Rocket Watts, Oakland Golden Grizzlies (transfer)
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Kevin Samuel, South Alabama Jaguars (transfer)
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Jevon Porter, Pepperdine Waves (freshman)
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Xavier Pinson, New Mexico State Aggies (transfer)
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AJ Brown, Ohio Bobcats (freshman)
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Emmanuel Akot, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (transfer)
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Justyn Fernandez, George Mason Patriots (freshman)
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Walyn Napper, Longwood Lancers (transfer)