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

9. G Keisei Tominaga – Nebraska Cornhuskers

Junior College: Ranger

After a slow start to this past season at Ranger, Tominaga exploded down the stretch, averaging nearly 20 ppg in the final 10 games. That included 31 points (7/10 from three-point range) against Western Texas, as well as 51 total points in the final two games of the JUCO Tournament. The 6’2 guard is a prolific shooter, making 48% of his three-point attempts with a high average volume of eight a game.

Tominaga is a bucket-getter and is a natural replacement for another former JUCO star in Teddy Allen. However, the late arrival of ANOTHER former JUCO star and Arizona State combo guard Alonzo Verge Jr. could impact his potential minutes, as Trey McGowens is joined by his brother and five-star freshman guard Bryce McGowens. But Nebraska really needs three-point shooting so that alone should warrant playing time for the guard.

8. F Chris Payton – Pittsburgh Panthers

Junior College: Indian Hills

Despite being just 6’7, Payton may have been pound-for-pound the best rebounder in all of Junior College. He averaged a double-double (12.5 ppg and 10.0 rpg) last season, including 16 games of double-digit scoring and 17 in rebounding. He’s a fairly consistent contributor with a face-up game and has good energy and effort that’ll make him an impact transfer at the ACC level.

With Justin Champagnie gone, rebounding is a massive need for the Panthers. Payton can easily lead the team in rebounds next season and will battle Oakland transfer Daniel Oladapo for a starting frontcourt position. If Payton was just a couple of inches taller, he could be even an NBA Draft prospect as well.

7. G Rivaldo Soares – Oregon Ducks

Junior College: South Plains

While head coach Dana Altman has been getting five-star talent from the high school level, he’s also been doing the same at the JUCO level. Soares is going to be compared to Chris Duarte and for good reason, as the All-American wing is an all-around scorer and led South Plains in scoring (15.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg), while also playing with two other guys that are on this list (Gebrewhit and Scott).

The 6’5 guard/wing will get minutes for the Ducks, alongside Jacob Young and De’Vion Harmon. He’s a solid enough shooter but his ability to create his own shot and offense overall will be very important on a team without a proven lead distributor.