NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Top 25 impact Junior College transfers for 2019-20

12. Jonah Antonio – UNLV

JUCO school: South Plains College

Antonio already has D-I experience, averaging double figures as a freshman at Mount Saint Mary’s in 2017-18. He did transfer to South Plains Junior College, where he worked on his efficiency and other aspects of his game. It worked, with the UNLV Rebels offering him an upgrade for the upcoming season.

The 6’5 guard will play a major role for the Rebels next season, considering that they have several rotation players currently sitting due to transfer rules. His ability to spread the floor will be needed as he’s paired with guards Elijah Mitrou-Long and Amauri Hardy. For the team to overachieve next season, he’ll have to be the same sharpshooter from long-range as he’s been.

11. Ryan Murphy – Pittsburgh

JUCO school: New Mexico Junior College

Another player with previous D-I experience, Murphy averaged 6.7 ppg on 40% three-point shooting in 19 games. But he transformed his game at the JUCO level (when healthy) to averaged over 18 ppg. His shooting numbers dipped but he became a much more versatile offensive player, scoring in a variety of ways and not being just a spot-up shooter.

That’s welcome news for a Panthers team who needs more offense outside of guards Xavier Johnson and Trey McGowens. Murphy can be the replacement for Jared Wilson-Frame and be the first guard off the bench, able to play either the point or the off-ball guard spot. If Murphy can develop under head coach Jeff Capel in the same way the other underclassmen have, Pittsburgh will have found a gem in the JUCO ranks.

10. David Nickelberry – Buffalo

JUCO school: Trinity Valley

After leaving Memphis once Tubby Smith was fired, Nickelberry went to Trinity to set himself up for his next NCAA Basketball spot. He performed very well, averaging 15 ppg and showing why as a 6’8 wing he can be a nightmare matchup. He’s still better at slashing to the basket instead of shooting it but now playing in the MAC, Nickelberry will be in an advantageous situation.

Although the Bulls lost Rojas, landing Nickelbery was a big coup for the coaching staff. Four of the team’s top five scorers are gone, providing great an opportunity for the former Tiger to have a major impact right out the gate.