NCAA Basketball: Analyzing grad transfer Brandon Johnson’s 7 finalists

UConn Huskies

The frontcourt has been a glaring weakness for UConn in the past several seasons, not finding any real source of offensive balance from inside. To their credit, forwards Isaiah Whaley and Josh Carlton have steadily improved and were solid this year but with the team moving over to the Big East next season, the Huskies will need to shore up this issue if they want to go dancing.

The issue for Johnson is that both Whaley and Carlton are set to return for their senior seasons, while big man Akok Akok could return in January after suffering a leg injury in February. Tyler Polley’s status is also up in the air after an injury of his own. It’s clear that the Huskies still want to add a big, just missing out on another transfer forward in Dimencio Vaughn. Question is, are the minutes really there for a mid-major newcomer for this team?

Dayton Flyers

With the certain loss of All-American Obi Toppin, the graduation of Ryan Mikesell and the early transfer of Chase Johnson, the Flyers have little of a frontcourt to speak of. Nebraska transfer Jordy Tshimanga is still around but he played just 10 mpg last season and struggled to fit into the system. Johnson would have an easier time fitting in with the Flyers and would be an instant impact player. And with all the attention Dayton will get naturally next season, it could do wonders for his pro prospects.

Minnesota Gophers

Minnesota already landed a transfer recently, grabbing Drake center Liam Robbins. He’s likely to sit out a year, which is why Coach Pitino is still looking to land another frontcourt asset to help replace the departing Daniel Oturu and starter Alihan Demir. They do have Eric Curry but the redshirt junior missed all of last season with a knee injury and his status for 2020-21 isn’t certain. Johnson would have a big role if he picks the Gophers, whether Robbins is eligible for next season or not.