NCAA Basketball: 50 under-the-radar mid-major transfers for 2021-22 season
G Jalen Cone – Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (Big Sky)
2020-21 stats: 9.2 ppg and 1.1 rpg
The former four-star prospect was a high-volume shooter at Virginia Tech, primarily from three-point range where he shoots around 70% of his shots from three-point range. When he’s hot, Cone is a potentially lethal scorer but the 5’10 guard’s ball-dominant tendencies make him better off as an undersized off-guard.
The Lumberjacks are probably willing to let him have the ball as much as possible, as they’re replacing leading scorer Cameron Shelton. This team returns a bunch of players but lacks that go-to guy on offense. If Cone can be Shelton while remaining efficient, North Arizona could be a threat in the Big Sky.
G Dru Kuxhausen – Northern Colorado Bears (Big Sky)
2020-21 stats: 11.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg
The Bears went 11-11 overall last season but do return its top four scorers, all of whom averaged at least double figures and will be seniors for 2021-22. But they need some more production, particularly from deep to boost the offense. That’s where Kuxhausen comes in, a 6’0 guard from McNeese State that averaged 13.5 ppg in two seasons.
Kuxhausen is best known for his three-point shooting, making 43% from deep on over a whopping eight attempts a game. When he’s hot, he can singlehandedly change a game and raises the ceiling for Northern Colorado.
G David Beatty – North Carolina A&T Aggies (Big South)
2020-21 stats: 8.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg
The 6’2 guard spent the past three seasons at La Salle, splitting time as both a starter and a 6th man. Overall he was solid, averaging just under double-digits each season. While his efficiency and overall consistency were erratic at times, Beatty is coming off a career-high 36% shooting from three-point range.
I expect these numbers to get better for the 5th year senior, as he’ll be joining star point guard Kameron Langley. He’s the nation’s active leader in assists and will provide Beatty plenty of opportunities to score without needing to create his own offense. With the Aggies going from the MEAC to the Big South, both Langley and Beatty will be needed to make a good impression and be competitive.
F Cory Hightower – Winthrop Eagles (Big South)
2020-21 stats: 13.8 ppg and 6.2 rpg
The 6’7 forward spent his past two seasons at both Western Carolina and Presbyterian, essentially producing the same numbers. He’s a solid all-around player, capable of defending and passing the ball as well. Hightower also is a consistent producer, going for double-digits in 16 of 19 games last season.
After losing its head coach and several key players, Winthrop did a good job adding players, including several transfers. I’d argue that Hightower is the most important, as he’ll be the replacement for last season’s leading scorer and rebounder Chandler Vauldrin. Hightower may not be as good as hi but his all-around skillset is fairly familiar and he and returning forward DJ Burns will be a good frontcourt duo in the conference.
F EJ Anosike – Cal State Fullerton Titans (Big West)
2020-21 stats: 1.7 ppg and 1.9 rpg
Forget about last season at Tennesse, as it was clear that the SEC was too big a leap for the former Sacred Heart star. But when he was in the Northeast Conference, Anoskie averaged around 15.0 ppg and 10.0 rpg in two seasons as a starter. The Northeast and Big West are in the same sphere of talent so it’s a possibility that those gaudy numbers return for the 5th-year senior.
The Titans lost their leading rebounder Josh Hall so Anosike fits right in at the five-spot. And with leading scoring guards, Tray and Dante Maddox (28.0 ppg combined) back as well, Cal State Fullerton could have the best roster in the league and take a large step towards the top. But that’ll depend as to whether Anosike will be closer to the Sacred Heart version or the one at Tennessee.