NCAA.com correspondent Andy Katz breaks down his top 12 transfers for the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season, so far:
Illinois ➡️ Kansas State
The Wildcats made a big move on Coleman Hawkins after the 6-9 forward withdrew from the NBA draft. Hawkins was an integral part of the Illini’s Elite Eight run, averaging 12.1 points per game on 45-percent shooting in 2023-24.
Florida Atlantic ➡️ Arkansas
John Calipari needed a scorer — Johnell Davis will fill that gap. In his four years with the Owls, Davis has scored 500 career points at a 48 percent clip.
Arizona ➡️ Indiana
This move immediately makes Oumar Ballo one of the best bigs in the Big Ten. In his three seasons at Arizona, he had 34 double-doubles, tied for third most in Wildcats history.
Wisconsin ➡️ Kansas
Another big difference-maker for Bill Self; the 6-7 guard led the Badgers from the field last season, averaging 16.8 points per game.
Rutgers ➡️ Alabama
Nate Oats gets the shot blocker and rim protector that he needed to win last season’s national championship, just a few months late. Clifford Omoruyi averaged 2.9 blocks and 8.3 boards per game last year, and will make a difference in the paint for the Crimson Tide this coming season.
Seton Hall ➡️ St. John’s
A huge get for the Big East. Kadary Richmond was the Pirates’ team leader in assists and steals, averaging a respective 5.1 and 2.1 per game.
Utah State ➡️ Washington
It’ll be the third time, at the third school that Great Osobor has played for Danny Sprinkle, after transferring from Montana State to Utah State, and now Washington. Immediately, he becomes one of the best scorers in the Big Ten, notching a 57.7-percent career field goal average.
📈 WAY too early power rankings for the 2024-25 men’s basketball season
Indiana State ➡️ Saint Louis
Also following head coach Josh Schertz, Robby Avila transfers to Saint Louis to make an impact, after leading Indiana State in points, free throws and blocks last season.
Saint Mary’s ➡️ UConn
This is the perfect point guard for Dan Hurley’s style of play. Aidan Mahaney is gritty, experienced and will run exactly what Hurley will want. Mahaney may be the piece that will take the Huskies to a third-straight title.
New Mexico ➡️ Texas Tech
One of the best players in the Mountain West conference last season is headed to Lubbock. JT Toppin led all freshman in field goal percentage (62.3 percent) and double-doubles (12) last season, making him a crucial add to Grant McCasland’s lineup.
Miami (Fla.) ➡️ Baylor
The Miami forward averaged 55.2 percent from the field last season and will be just the experience Scott Drew needed — after all, Norchad Omier has led his squad to the Final Four.
Drake ➡️ West Virginia
Following his dad Darian Devries, there’s no question that Tucker DeVries will be one of the most proficient players in the Big 12.
