NCAA Basketball: Ranking the Top 30 Graduate Transfers for 2018-19
20. Khwan Fore G, Louisville
2017-18 stats: 11.0ppg, 2.7apg, 48%fg at Richmond
Fore is an experienced combo-guard who earned a starting role for multiple years at Richmond. He will compete with Darius Perry and Ryan McMahon for minutes at the off-guard spot and his defense and slashing abilities could give him the early edge. Fore will play major minutes even if he comes off the bench and he provides a much-needed boost to a thin Louisville roster.
19. Tarin Smith G, UConn
2017-18 stats: 12.4 ppg, 3.2 apg, 33% 3pt at Duquesne
UConn is making an NCAA push in Dan Hurley’s first year as head coach and adding talented veterans like Smith will only help their chances. Smith started his career at Nebraska and played the last two seasons at Duquesne. He is a good fit in Hurley’s guard centric style and can play alongside Jalen Adams and Alterique Gilbert. Smith will likely come off the bench, but could see close to starters minutes.
18. Christen Cunningham PG, Louisville
2016-17 stats: 11.4 ppg, 6.3 apg, 35% 3pt at Samford
Cunningham is the third Samford player on this list which shows just how significantly injuries and the grad transfer rule affected that program. Samford’s loss is Louisville’s gain as Cunningham should step in and start at PG from day one. He is not an explosive athlete, but his passing ability and steady style makes him an effective lead guard. Cunningham will pair with Khwan Fore, mentioned above, to create a grad-transfer centric backcourt.
17. Ronnie Harrell PF, Denver-
2017-18 stats: 7.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.6 apg, 33% 3pt at Creighton
In one of the most surprising transfer decisions, Harrell has left Creighton to transfer to Denver which is closer to his home. Harrell is a glue guy type PF who can handle and pass the ball. He will likely assume much more offensive responsibility at the Mid Major level so it will be interesting to see how his game adapts. The Blue Jays could have really used his skillset for next season as there is a gaping hole at PF on their roster.
16. Eric Lockett Wing, NC State
2017-18 stats: 14.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 29% 3pt at Florida International
Lockett’s recruitment flew way under the radar as there was no news on which teams he was even considering until he ultimately chose NC State. Lockett will fit perfectly in Keatts’ style of play as he can play anywhere from 2-4. He will probably be the team’s sixth man, but his versatility and talent level will make it hard to keep him on the bench. Do not be surprised if Lockett gets more than 20 mpg.