NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Top 25 impact Junior College transfers for 2019-20
24. David Sloan – Kansas State
JUCO school: John A. Logan College
One of the best passers from any Junior College team this past season, Sloan averaged over 10 apg while still scoring over 16 ppg. The JUCO All-American filled up the stat sheets in his two years and is a quality shooter while winning at a high level. The only concern is whether his athleticism translates to the Big 12 level, which is why he’s an under the radar prospect for the Wildcats class.
Sloan will have to rack up the assists next season for Kansas State, who lost their top three passers (Barry Brown, Kamau Stokes and Dean Wade) to graduation. Guards Cartier Diarra and Mike McGuirl play better off the ball while Shaun Neal-Williams is an unproven ball-handler. If the numbers Sloan has shown to put up before can carry with him to the Wildcats then he’ll help keep the team in contention.
23. Javion Hamlet – North Texas
JUCO school: Northwest Florida
The Mean Green have benefitted from JUCO transfers in a big way, with double-digit scorer Roosevelt Smart the current example. They bring in a pair of newcomers in Hamlet, a 6’3 point guard coming off a 17.8 ppg and 6.6 apg campaign. The All-Conference performer is a great scorer who should have a big impact early on in Conference USA.
North Texas has another talented JUCO guard coming in James Reese, a shooting guard who’ll provide offense for a team who lost a trio of double-digit scorers. Hamlet makes the list because of the need for an impact point guard after Ryan Wooldridge went to Gonzaga as a grad transfer. If Hamlet can come in and fill that void, the 21-win team from a year ago will be a contender in Conference USA again.
22. Tajzmel Sherman – West Virginia
JUCO school: Collin College
It was a disastrous season for the Mountaineers last year that ended with a number of departures. Bob Huggins has brought in several newcomers to revamp the culture, led by top-35 high school recruit Oscar Tshiebwe. But with finding guard production most important since James Bolden transferred out, Sherman may end up being the most important newcomer.
The 6’4 shooting guard averaged 25.9 ppg and nearly five rebounds and assists per game last year and was a major target for the Texas-based programs. West Virginia desperately needs his scoring ability and can operate either from long distance or driving to the basket. He’ll get minutes for sure next season but will have to compete with fellow JUCO guard Sean McNeil, as well as returning guards Jermaine Haley and Jordan McCabe. Sherman has a great chance to emerge from the bunch on the perimeter.