Tre Mitchell, Marcus Carr among top 50 available NCAA Basketball transfers
20. G Kadary Richmond – Syracuse
2020-21 stats: 6.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.1 apg
A clear role player off the bench, Richmond showed some real promise when given minutes. He had at least 13 points on five different occasions, along with a season-high 10 assists in a game against North Carolina.
Richmond is a 6’5 wing with playmaking abilities and will need the ball in his hands. The Orange already has that in Joe Girard, so he opted to enter the portal. The former top-100 prospect will have no shortage of suitors at the power conference level, as the right situation could see him grow into a national star.
19. G Fatts Russell – Rhode Island
2020-21 stats: 14.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.5 apg
Russell was an even better scoring in the year prior, averaging 18.8 ppg while making 36% from long range. He’s been an outstanding scorer with the Rams in his four years, including several 30+ point efforts. His shooting numbers took a big dip this season, due to dealing with covid issues and injuries but at his best, should be a top target this offseason.
Plenty of guard-starved teams have already been in contact with Russell, who may opt to stay in the Northeast Region of the United States. His 5’10 size may cause some issues as a power conference point guard on the defensive end but as long as he can produce 13+ ppg, he’ll be a plus-addition.
18. G Xavier Johnson – Pittsburgh
2020-21 stats: 14.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 5.7 apg
The 6’3 guard at times can play like an All-ACC star, including scoring over 20 points and dishing the ball all over the court. But there are also other times where Johnson is turnover-prone and makes really poor decisions.
To Johnson’s defense, he’s never been surrounded by great shooters, which makes his assist numbers all the more respectable. If put into a fast-flowing offense surrounded by good talent, the junior guard can put up some gaudy numbers. But whoever lands Johnson will have to be willing to give him the keys to the offense, and okay with the mistakes to go along with it,
17. G Myreon Jones – Penn State
2020-21 stats: 15.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg. 2.0 apg
The 6’3 guard was the best player for the Nittany Lions this past season, scoring in double figures in all but two games. Jones had a span of four straight 20+ point games, as well as a career-high 29 against Nebraska. He actually shot better from three-point range than he did at two-point range this year.
Assuming Jones doesn’t return to Penn State, he’ll be a highly sought-after shooting guard target for power conference teams. He’s from the deep South, so don’t be shocked if usual suspects such as Arkansas, Auburn, and Alabama make a run at him.
16. F Au’Diese Toney – Pittsburgh
2020-21 stats: 14.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.3 apg
The 6’6 wing/forward has improved every year but took a major leap as a junior in the offensive department. Toney was more efficient from three-point range and showed that he can be a mismatch on the perimeter as well.
Toney’s versatility will be an asset as he looks for a spot elsewhere. Teams such as Arkansas, Xavier, Cincinnati, Arizona, and Wake Forest are all interested, but the Razorbacks stand out, as Toney could fill the role that Indiana transfer Justin Smith has done for them this season.