2. Joe Pleasant
The Abilene Christian transfer is one of the most underrated transfer pickups of this busy offseason in college basketball. Pleasant comes over to the Shockers after averaging 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds a game for the Wildcats. At 6’7 231lbs he has the ability to handle the ball and stretch the floor (46.5%), creating a matchup problem for most defenses.
Pleasant most notably knocked off 3rd seeded Texas with two clutch free throws with a second left on the clock in last year’s NCAA Tournament. Despite his great success at Abilene Christian, he will be in a battle for the starting 4 spot with another 6’7 forward in Clarence Jackson.
1. Qua Grant
Qua Grant is a 6’1 transfer guard who comes in from D2, West Texas A&M. He was incredible in his three years there, earning multiple national honors including becoming a D2CCA First Team All-American in 2021. He was awarded this honor after putting up: 22.4 ppg, 8 rpg, and 3.2 apg on his way to leading the Buffs to a national runner-up finish in 2020-21.
Coach Isaac Brown loves his toughness and creativity off the bounce, to go along with his impressive scoring ability. The Shockers have some question marks when it comes to the point guard spot coming into the season and Grant could challenge senior Craig Porter for that title come opening night.