NCAA Basketball: 5 teams who will benefit from transfers who sat out in 2017-18
By Bryan Mauro
New Mexico Lobos – JaQuan Lyle, Vance Jackson
The early returns on Paul Weir as coach of the New Mexico Lobos have been positive. Weir was able to turn in a nice season despite having two of the best players on his roster as redshirts after transferring. The Mountain West conference has always been loaded with really good basketball players on all teams. This next season will be no exception, as between Nevada and New Mexico they will also have some of the best transfers in the country as well.
Lyle is a transfer from Ohio State, and while at Ohio State was one of the most dynamic players in the country. He was the Buckeye point guard under Thad Matta. Lyle found himself in some trouble in his final days at Ohio State, and with the unexpected departure of Matta, he decided it was in his best interest to move on.
Lyle should step in and be one of the best guards in the MWC as soon as he is eligible to play. He is an exceptional passer and what he lacks in shooting range he makes up for with his defense and distribution. Lyle is also an elite guard when he is getting to the rim. The former Buckeye will be an early candidate for MWC player of the year.
Jackson is a frontcourt player who transferred from UConn. Jackson was one of the better recruits in the country coming into UConn. He lived up to that hype at UConn before he decided to transfer. In one year at UConn, Jackson showed that he could score efficiently from all three levels.
A kid who is as skilled as Jackson, is and can score with the frequency he does can be program changes. Jackson is more of a score first big, and in order to reach his full potential. Coach Weir is going to have to get him bought into the rebounding and defensive part of the game.