If you thought last spring’s transfer portal was overwhelming, just wait until the end of the 2021-22 college basketball season.
The one-time transfer waiver remains in effect, and there are a number of additional factors that could lead to an even bigger number this spring than the 1,832 men’s basketball names in the portal for the 2020-21 academic year. Programs must get back to the 13-scholarship limit after being allowed to exceed it for 2021-22 thanks to the extra year of NCAA eligibility, meaning rosters will need to be reduced for many programs. Also, because of COVID-19 protocols, the majority of this year’s freshmen are currently on campuses they never even visited before arriving in the summer of fall — another factor that could lead to attrition.
At this early stage, less than 100 names are in the portal for next season and many of those players left before this season even began. Still, since it’s never too early for portal talk — and after John Gasaway ranked the 20 best transfers in college basketball history — we decided to go all-in on Transfer Week.
Will any names this spring eventually make Gasaway’s next list?
Updated December 17, 2021. Will be updated regularly.
1. Tre King, 6-8, 225 lbs., PF, Jr., Georgetown
Committed to Iowa State
King left Eastern Kentucky after last season and committed to Georgetown. In October, the school released a statement that said King “did not meet the conduct expectations of the University” and King subsequently reentered the portal. He committed to Iowa State and will likely not be eligible until next season. First-team All-Ohio Valley selection last season.
2. Blake Hinson, 6-6, 230 lbs., SG, Jr., Iowa State
Hinson averaged 10.1 points as a sophomore at Ole Miss before leaving the program and transferring to Iowa State. After sitting out last season with a medical condition, Hinson was set to play for the Cyclones this season – until he announced he was leaving the program in late October.
3. Dain Dainja, 6-9, 270 lbs., PF, Fr., Baylor
Committed to Illinois
A former ESPN 100 prospect in the 2020 class, Dainja sat out last season at Baylor before playing three games for the Bears this season. He’s a big body in the paint who should help Brad Underwood replace Kofi Cockburn next season.
4. James Graham III, 6-8, 205 lbs., SG, Fr., Maryland
Graham was a four-star prospect in 2020, but the Milwaukee native played just eight games last season and one game this season before entering the transfer portal. Has received high-major interest since leaving the Terps.
5. Peyton Daniels, 6-2, 185 lbs., SG, Fr., Vanderbilt
Another four-star prospect coming out of high school, Daniels lasted three games under Jerry Stackhouse at Vandy before leaving. Averaged 3.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in those three games.
6. Valdir Manuel, 6-10, 225 lbs., PF, Sr., New Mexico
Manuel averaged 7.9 points and 4.0 rebounds last season for the Lobos, but entered the portal before this season began. He started his career at Harcum College before joining New Mexico in 2020. Led the team in blocks last season.
7. Wayne Bristol Jr., 6-6, 185 lbs., SG, Jr., Howard
Bristol was the MEAC Freshman of the Year in 2019-20 after averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and shooting 40.0% from 3-point range. But he was injured to start last season and Howard shut down its season after only five games.
Next in line: Tariq Ingraham, Wake Forest (RIDER); Chauncey Hawkins, St. Francis NY (BRYANT); Cashius McNeilly, TCU; Deanthony Tipler, Coastal Carolina (EAST TENNESSEE STATE); Fletcher Abee, The Citadel (UNC ASHEVILLE)