NCAA Basketball: 10 biggest transfer winners of 2021 offseason so far
By Matt Melton
HM. North Carolina Tar Heels
After losing both Garrison Brooks and Walker Kessler to the transfer portal, the Tar Heels and new head coach Hubert Davis replace them with 4-year Oklahoma starter Brady Manek and Virginia transfer Justin McKoy. This gives the Tar Heels an experienced and reliable forward, as well as a potential break-out candidate with more playing time.
HM. Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers had two of the more underrated pickups of the offseason so far as they added Indiana transfer Armaan Franklin and East Carolina transfer Jayden Gardner. The pair will give Virginia an experienced option in both the back and frontcourt, as well as instant production giving the pair combined to average nearly 30 PPG and 12 RPG last season.
HM. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi State will add to what will already be a talented returning roster two instant impact players in the frontcourt. The Bulldogs added North Carolina transfer Garrison Brooks, as well as Memphis transfer DJ Jeffries, both of whom should step in and start immediately for head coach Ben Howland.
HM. Seton Hall Pirates
The Pirates had two quality pickups in Syracuse transfer Kadary Richmond, as well as American transfer Jamir Harris. Harris averaged 20.5 PPG a year ago in the Patriot League and should step in and contribute immediately, while Richmond has the potential to be one of the best players in the Big East next season.
HM. Kansas Jayhawks
While the Jayhawks will lose a few notable players to the transfer portal, they might’ve hit a home run landing Drake transfer Joseph Yesufu. Yesufu averaged 23.2 PPG during the Bulldogs’ final nine games last season and could be one of the best players in the Big 12 if that carries over. Keep an eye on the Jayhawks as well, they might not be done adding just yet.
HM. UAB Blazers
The Blazers and head coach Andy Kennedy have had a phenomenal start to the offseason as they’ve added four impact transfers. Ole Miss transfer KJ Buffen and Auburn transfer Jamal Johnson both have SEC experience, while South Alabama transfer Tyreke Locure and USF transfer Justin Brown are both experienced mid-major starters. Based on these additions alone, UAB might be emerging as the C-USA favorite in 2021-22.