Big Ten Basketball: Top 20 impact transfers heading into 2021-22 season

No. 17 Sean Sutherlin – Minnesota

When the 6-5 guard committed to Minnesota on Apr. 12, 2021, after averaging just under 13 points and just above nine rebounds per game in the 2019-20 season for New Hampshire, he solidified another starter for the Golden Gophers.

Despite an injury erasing the 2020-21 season, being a graduate transfer, and spending two seasons in junior college prior to New Hampshire, Sutherlin brings a wealth of experience. Returning to his home state to play for a team that is pretty much erasing their own season, Sutherlin will be able to use his athleticism to be a driving threat from the small forward position.

Much like Loewe and Willis, Sutherlin will attack the basket but does not shy away from contact as he attempts over four free throws per game.  Unfortunately, one of Sutherlin’s strengths is dependant upon one of his weaknesses. Sutherlin connects on just 56 percent of his free throw attempts. His ability to take defenders off the dribble and utilize screens will be important, as he attempted just one three-pointer per game and hit just 25 percent of them during the season.

Defensively he will provide maximum effort while his 200-pound frame will enable him to guard small forwards on the perimeter. While Sutherlin will not be a game-changer, new head coach BJohnson will undoubtedly be able to use Sutherlin in whatever role he seems fit. A huge upside is the over nine rebounds Sutherlin pulls down per game, a welcomed contribution for the Golden Gophers from the small forward position.