NCAA Basketball: Top 50 impact transfers for 2021-22 season
5. F Dawson Garcia – North Carolina Tar Heels
2020-21 stats: 13.0 ppg and 6.6 rpg at Marquette
The 6’11 big man was as good as advertised as a freshman, leading the Eagles in scoring and rebounding and having a number of 20+ point performances. Garcia was inconsistent at times but the potential is through the room, particularly at the right system.
That very well could be the case with the Tar Heels, where he’ll be paired with star big man Armando Bacot and stretch forward Brandy Manek in the frontcourt, along with Caleb Love and RJ Davis in the backcourt. Opposing defenses can’t focus too much on Garcia this season so don’t be surprised if he ends up as the team’s leading scorer overall.
4. F Quincy Guerrier – Oregon Ducks
2020-21 stats: 13.7 ppg and 8.4 rpg at Syracuse
In the first half of last season, Guerrier was looking like one of the best forwards in the country, producing several games of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. The 6’7 combo forward is versatile and has tremendous offensive potential, especially with an improving three-point shot.
Oregon has the frontcourt and the guards but was lack a wing this offseason before landing the breakout sophomore forward. Guerrier is a go-to scorer and dynamic rebounder and can be a security blanket in case any of the underclassmen frontcourt pieces struggles. The team’s defense also benefits from Guerrier and he has a shot at Pac-12 Player of the Year if the Ducks finish right near the top.
3. F Tre Mitchell – Texas Longhorns
2020-21 stats: 18.8 ppg and 7.2 rpg at UMass
The 6’9 forward has been one of the best skilled frontcourt players in NCAA Basketball in the past two years. Mitchell has shown he can put up 20 and 10 numbers against A-10 competition and power conference foes as well and can play on the perimeter as well. His defense can be inconsistent but playing for a preseason top-5 team should provide the motivation needed for Mitchell to play at a high level all the time.
Among the numerous frontcourt players Texas has added this offseason, Mitchell is easily the best offensive player and can play both center and power forward if needed. His spacing ability and underrated passing skills also will benefit the rest of the lineup and with Marcus Carr and others as the supporting cast, look for the former Minuteman to have an even easier time to produce than when he was in the A-10.
2. F Walker Kessler – Auburn Tigers
2020-21 stats: 4.4 ppg and 3.2 rpg at North Carolina
The former five-star prospect was the “4th” big in the Tar Heels rotation last season and as a true center, didn’t really fit alongside the others. But when given the opportunity for real minutes, Kessler looked like the most promising prospect. The 7’0 center had eight blocks in one game against Notre Dame and had a season-high 20 points against Florida State and its bevy of opposing bigs.
Kessler will now be the clear-cut starting center with the Tigers, paired with five-star power forward freshman Jabari Smith, who on paper is a much better fit in the frontcourt. Kessler’s defensive skills and scoring potential singlehandedly can make Auburn a Final Four threat and NBA scouts will be watching to see what he can do in unlimited minutes this season.
1. G Remy Martin – Kansas Jayhawks
2020-21 stats: 19.1 ppg and 3.7 apg at Arizona State
The 6’0 guard has earned the reputation of being one of the best pure scorers in the country last season. He was part of a very crowded backcourt with no identity or hierarchy, which led to the team’s struggles but Martin still managed to put up great numbers on a consistent basis.
Martin can score anywhere on the court and is streaky from deep but he’s at his best when slashing to the basket and creating for himself and others. And he’s on arguably the most talented roster in the country at Kansas, joining sharpshooter Christian Braun, lead guard Ochai Agbaji, and frontcourt stars, Jalen Wilson and David McCormack.
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Martin may be a defensive downgrade compared to last season’s starting point guard Marcus Garrett but is a major offensive upgrade, as opposing teams aren’t going to be able to focus solely on the former Sun Devil. He isn’t going to be required to go for 20 a game but there will be games where Martin has to produce to get the win. And the three-time All-Pac-12 star has proven time and time again that he’s up to the task. And since I’m a believer that Kansas has the potential to win it all and Martin will have a big part in that, I have to give the top spot to him for this list.