It’s been an incredibly long offseason for NCAA Basketball, thanks in part to a brand new rule from the NCAA that players are allowed the transfer one-time without having to sit out a season or require a waiver to become immediately eligible. That, along with an extra year of eligibility has created a ton of player movement, with over 1,500 Division I players leaving for another program.
It included some huge names as well that made some national headlines. It’s next to impossible to cover all of them, especially among the lower-tier mid-majors but many individual transfers have been talked about throughout the offseason in terms of potential impact at their new locations.
This piece will look at the top 50 players in terms of pure impact, both statistically and in the win/loss column. Check out who made it to No. 1!
Honorable Mentions
F Naz Bohannon – Clemson
2020-21 stats: 16.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg at Youngstown State
The 6’6 forward was a four-year starter with the Penguins and now looks to be the replacement for All-ACC forward Aamir Simms in the frontcourt. While Bohannon isn’t as good defensively his versatility offensively will be needed to help provide some scoring production for Clemson, a current area of weakness on paper.
G Gabe Kalscheur – Iowa State
2020-21 stats: 9.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg at Minnesota
The 6’4 shooting guard was one of the best pure shooters as a freshman but has seen his numbers dip each of the last two seasons. The rebuilding Cyclones will need him to be a 40% three-point shooter if they’re going to be competitive in Big 12 play.
G Alfonso Plummer – Illinois
2020-21 stats: 13.6 ppg and 2.2 rpg at Utah
The 6’1 guard isn’t much of a passer but Plummer is a career 40% three-point shooter with the Utes, as well as over six games of 20+ points. He looks to be the ideal 6th Man with the Illini and is instant offense whenever on the court.
F AJ Bramah – Nevada
2020-21 stats: 21.0 ppg and 10.3 rpg at Robert Morris
The 6’7 forward had a breakout season, even if only for 10 games with the Colonials. He’s an athletic and versatile forward that provides even more offense for a Wolf Pack squad that already was returning a lot. He won’t be a 20 and 10 guy but double figures from Bramah will make Nevada fans happy.
C Moussa Cisse – Oklahoma State
2020-21 stats: 6.6 ppg and 6.3 rpg at Memphis
The former five-star prospect was the AAC Rookie of the Year at Memphis but was as raw a prospect in NCAA Basketball, mainly on the offensive end. Cisse will need to improve on his dreadful 32% free throw shooting to warrant more minutes but he’ll give the Cowboys a true five-man and interior presence at the bare minimum.
G Brevin Galloway – Boston College
2020-21 stats: 15.0 ppg and 2.8 apg (4 games) at College of Charleston
The 6’2 guard averaged around 10.0 ppg in two years as a full-time starter and was an All-CAA defender as well. The Eagles are in complete rebuild mode for this season and will rely on the 5th-year senior guard for his experience and two-way ability as a likely starter.
G Fatts Russell – Maryland Terrapins
2020-21 stats: 14.7 ppg and 4.5 apg at Rhode Island
The 5’10 guard has been relied on to be the vast majority of the offense with the Rams but still managed to put up some big numbers of the years when healthy. Russell is an underrated defender as well and gives Maryland a true point guard that can lead the offense while also capable of going for 20 points on any given night.
C Liam Robbins – Vanderbilt
2020-21 stats: 11.7 ppg and 6.6 rpg at Minnesota
Injuries have hampered the 7’1 big man (currently injured as well) but Robbins is an impactful defender, averaging over 2.7 blocks per game in the past two years. He’s a capable double-digit contributor as well and will be a good fit with star Scottie Pippen Jr. if he can remain healthy.