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

By Brad Cavallaro

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 07: Reid Travis #22 of the Stanford Cardinal brings the ball up the court agfainst the California Golden Bears during a first-round game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Cardinal won 76-58. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 07: Reid Travis #22 of the Stanford Cardinal brings the ball up the court agfainst the California Golden Bears during a first-round game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 7, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Cardinal won 76-58. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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5. Evan Boudreaux PF/C, Purdue

2017-18 stats: 17.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 35% 3pt at Dartmouth (16-17)

Boudreaux is one of the top graduate transfers because of his ability and his second year of eligibility. He was committed to Xavier, but re-opened his recruitment and ultimately chose Purdue. Boudreaux is a great fit next to Matt Haarms in Purdue’s frontcourt as he can rebound at a high level and stretch the floor. He should play both the 4 and 5. The Boilermakers are poised to return to the NCAA Tournament because Boudreaux serves as a quality replacement after losing Vince Edwards and Isaac Haas.

4. Tramaine Isabell PG, Saint Louis

2017-18 stats: 21.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3.4 apg, 34% 3pt at Drexel

Adding Isabell makes Saint Louis the clear frontrunner in the Atlantic Ten. Isabell is one of the top graduate transfers and provides much-needed relief at PG for the Billikens. He is an excellent scorer and will have plenty of opportunities as Jordan Goodwin is also a strong distributor. If Saint Louis can shoot the ball competently, the sky is the limit for this talented squad.

3. Matt Mooney G, Texas Tech

2017-18 stats: 18.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.0 spg, 35% 3pt at South Dakota

Multiple schools that were desperate for a PG and a scoring guard heavily pursued Mooney. He ultimately chose Texas Tech over Northwestern and will be a featured player and the starting PG. He is not a traditional PG so that will be worth monitoring, but at the very least he is an impactful off-guard. A Mooney and Jarrett Culver backcourt is good enough to get the Red Raiders back to the NCAA Tournament.

2. Joe Cremo G, Villanova

2017-18 stats: 17.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.8 apg, 46% 3pt at Albany

Cremo was probably the most sought after graduate transfer and ended up signing with the defending champion Villanova Wildcats. He will step into the starting lineup immediately and provide shooting and shot creation. Villanova has a lot of minutes and shots to offer after losing Donte Divencenzo unexpectedly and Cremo will certainly take advantage of this opportunity to make a major impact.

1. Reid Travis, PF/C, Kentucky/Villanova

2017-18 stats: 19.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 30% 3pt at Stanford

Travis is clearly the best graduate transfer as he is one of the best players in college basketball and has proven this at the high major level. He is a consistent double-double threat who uses his strength and mobility to his advantage. Kentucky and Villanova are the two powers vying for his services and both could really use him. If Travis goes to Kentucky they should be ranked as the top team in the country. Villanova jumps into the top three with him as well. He will definitely have the biggest impact on the sport.

Next: Updated 18-19 Top 25 after NBA Draft Decisions

Clearly, there are a crazy amount of talented graduate transfers who will make a major impact on college basketball. Some of these players will drastically change the trajectory of their team’s season, but every player on this list will be a meaningful contributor.

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