NCAA Basketball: Ranking the Top 30 Graduate Transfers for 2018-19

15. Christian Mekowulu C, Texas A&M

2017-18 stats: 12.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.5 bpg at Tennessee State

Mekowulu was a late addition to the graduate transfer market as he first declared for the NBA Draft before withdrawing and transferring. He steps into a great situation in terms of potential playing time as both Tyler Davis and Robert Williams are off to the professional ranks. Mekowulu will split time with Josh Nebo at center, but his mixture of size, experience, and defensive ability should give him an edge. His addition puts the Aggies back in the NCAA Tournament discussion.

14.  Tariq Owens C, Texas Tech

2017-18 stats: 8.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.8 bpg, at St. John’s

Owens made a surprising decision to leave St. John’s despite being the team’s starting center, but he landed in a great situation at Texas Tech. He is a mobile and athletic rim protector who can also step out and hit an occasional jump shot. You don’t necessarily want him shooting three pointers, but he has to be accounted for on the perimeter. Owens is a great contrast to Norense Odiase who relies on his physicality and both should split the center position.

13. Zach Johnson G, Miami

2017-18 stats: 16.1 ppg, 3.0 apg, 2.0 spg, 39% 3pt

Johnson fills a gaping hole as a scorer and secondary creator in the Miami lineup. There are plenty of available minutes as both Bruce Brown and Lonnie Walker are off to the NBA and Johnson should thrive next to Chris Lykes in the backcourt. FGCU played a more up-tempo system than Miami, but Johnson should still score in double figures for the Hurricanes.

12. Ryan Luther PF/C, Arizona

2017-18 stats: 12.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 39% 3pt at Pittsburgh (only 10 games)

Luther was having a breakout senior season, albeit on a struggling Pittsburgh squad, before a foot injury sidelined him. If fully healthy, Luther will provide some much-needed shooting and scoring to the Arizona frontcourt. He may come off the bench as Chase Jeter and Emmanuel Akot may start at the 5 and 4 respectively, but he will play a huge role regardless. Luther can play both the 4 and 5 himself and he will give Sean Miller some lineup versatility.

11. Trey Porter C, Nevada

2017-18 stats: 13.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 59% fg at Old Dominion

Nevada grabbed multiple impact players this offseason and Porter might be the most overlooked of the bunch. The former Old Dominion big is a strong defender and a capable scorer from mid range and in. Even though 5-star freshman Jordan Brown has gotten most of the attention, I’d expect Porter to start over him, at least at the start of the season. Nevada’s depth could hurt Porter’s production and reduce his playing time, but he will definitely be a standout.