NCAA Basketball: Top 25 high-major Junior College transfers for 2021-22 season

18. F Brandon Johnson – East Carolina

Junior College: Brunswick College

The 6’8 forward was on one of the JUCO teams with plenty of perimeter depth at Brunswick, which affected his playing time and overall production. Johnson averaged around five points and four rebounds but was efficient overall, shooting 60% from the field and even 42% from three-point range.

What the Pirates are hoping for is a frontcourt prospect with high-level potential as a spacing offensive weapon. He’s not going to replace star forward Jayden Gardner who transferred out but he’ll have a spot in the rotation alongside center Ludgy Debaut and South Carolina transfer Alanzo Frink. As the only shooter on the roster among the forwards, Johnson will be needed to produce to give ECU a chance to be competitive.

17. G Jaeden Zachary – Boston College Eagles

Junior College: Chipola College

One of the best all-around guards from last season, the 6’1 guard was Chipola’s leading passer (4.2 apg) and second-leading scorer (12.5 ppg). Zachary wasn’t much of a volume scorer but efficient when he does shoot. He’s also a quality defender, with seven games of at least five steals, and plays bigger than his listed size.

Boston College lost almost everyone from last season’s rotation, although its leading passer Makai Ashton-Langford is back for the senior season. He, Zachary, and College of Charleston transfer Brevin Galloway will be the key backcourt for the Eagles, with Zachary being the best defender of the bunch. He’ll be a great 6th man option, despite that he and Ashton-Langford would be a fairly small backcourt on the court in the ACC.

16. F Akol Mawein – Oklahoma Sooners

Junior College: Navarro College

The 6’9 forward is one of the most talented frontcourt players in the class, with great defensive/shot-blocking potential. He averaged 12.2 ppg and 5.1 rpg last season and had several games of 20+ points. His athleticism translates to the power conference level, hence why he originally committed to Eric Musselman and Arkansas.

Due to the numerous transfer pickups, Mawein went to Oklahoma and new coach Porter Moser. Their frontcourt has been completely revamped, with stretch forward Tanner Groves and SMU transfer Ethan Chargois. Mawein can play both the four and five-spot on the court and would be the ideal 6th man to come off the bench behind them. At bare minimum, the forward adds needed defense and toughness for the Sooners.