Tre Mitchell, Marcus Carr among top 50 available NCAA Basketball transfers
10. G Justin Powell – Auburn
2020-21 stats: 11.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 4.7 apg
The freshman played in just 10 games this season due to injuries and was healthy for maybe have of them after a head injury early on. But when Powell was healthy, he was putting up some absurd numbers. He had back-to-back games of 26 points and filled up the stat sheets on the boards and in passing. At 6’6, Powell can play and guard multiple positions on the court.
He’s from the Kentucky area so both the Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals could be options, although Powell will have a ton of power conference teams after him. He’ll likely not put up the same level of stats once on a better and more experienced team but Powell’s a starter no question.
9. C Myles Johnson – Rutgers
2020-21 stats: 8.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 bpg
It’s not a coincidence that the Scarlet Knight’s two best years in recent memory were when Johnson was elevated as a starter. He’ll give you a double-double every now and then but is primarily a defensive anchor and shot-blocker inside.
His stats won’t scream top-10 available transfer but there are few power conference centers that are proven commodities. For teams looking for experience in the frontcourt without needing a big role on offense, Johnson would be a great prize to have in the offseason.
8. G Marreon Jackson – Toledo
2020-21 stats: 18.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.9 apg
The reigning MAC Player of the Year has been putting up unreal numbers in the past two years. He’s a career 37% three-point shooter at over six attempts a game and scored in double figures in every single game this past season. Jackson also had two triple-doubles during conference play.
Jackson’s game reminds me of Carlik Jones, who put up similar numbers at Radford before successfully transferring to Louisville and being an All-ACC performer. Look for the former Toledo star to have a similar impact at his own power conference destination.
7. F Noah Gurley – Furman
2020-21 stats: 15.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.5 apg
The junior forward has been one of the better players in the SoCon the past two years, awarded with all-conference honors. Gurley really turned in on in the final four games of this season, averaging 26 ppg and scoring a career-high 30 points in the finale against VMI.
The 6’8 forward can score and defend at a high level and can even spread the floor. Among mid-major forwards entering the portal, Gurley is the one I have the highest confidence in making the transition.
6. G Chris Lykes – Miami
2020-21 stats: 15.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 5.5 apg
Lykes played in just two games this season due to injuries but in the two years prior, he was one of the best guards in the ACC, putting up around 16 ppg. Despite being just 5’7, Lykes is an elite playmaker with the ball and can shoot it at a high clip.
A proven power conference contributor, Lykes will have no shortage of suitors. He’s from the Maryland area so both the Terrapins and Georgetown Hoyas have been linked. But this is one of the best pure scorers currently in the portal, regardless of size so don’t be surprised if a “blue blood” makes a run for Lykes.