SEC Basketball: Top 30 impact transfers heading into 2021-22 season
By Matt Melton
6. G Justin Powell – Tennessee Volunteers
Previous School: Auburn
After appearing in only 10 games a year ago at Auburn before suffering an injury, the sophomore joins the Volunteers as one of the top impact transfer guards of the offseason. Despite the fairly limited action a year ago, Powell shined as the Tigers’ starting point guard where he averaged 11.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 4.7 APG while shooting 44.2% from three.
Despite acting as the Tigers’ starting point guard last season in the absence of Sharife Cooper, the 6’6 guard is capable of playing the one-or-two, but will likely spend most of his time at shooting guard with the presence of Kennedy Chandler and Santiago Vescovi. While it is possible that Powell isn’t an immediate starter to begin the year with the Volunteers, the sophomore could potentially force his way into the starting lineup early on.
5. F Oscar Tshiebwe – Kentucky Wildcats
Previous School: West Virginia
After a phenomenal 2019-20 freshman season at West Virginia that included averaging 11.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG, and a Second-Team All-Big 12 selection, Tshiebwe transferred to Kentucky mid-season last year after appearing in 10 games. One of the earliest SEC transfers of the offseason, it was clear very early on that Tshiebwe had the potential to be one of the most impactful.
Likely cemented as a starter in a deep Kentucky frontcourt, Tshiebwe should be one of the top rebounders in the entire SEC, as well as a double-double threat each time he takes the court. When looking at true post players transferring into the conference this season, there are very few, if any, better than Tshiebwe.