NCAA Basketball: Top mid-major players in 2022 offseason transfer portal

Ali Ali – Akron

6’8″ Sophomore Forward

2021-22 Season: 13.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, 40.7% 3-PT

Top Accolades: 2022 2nd Team All-MAC, 2022 MAC All-Tournament Team

Just about the only thing more unique than Ali Ali’s name in itself would be the difficult shot-making ability he demonstrated all year long. From mid-range step-back jumpers off of one foot, to spinning off-balance contested shots, he can take and make shots that will have defenders shaking their heads like in the photo above.

If you need any proof, just check out the 4-point play that he converted against the 17th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in the season opener. Down 3 with just 0:06 left in the game, he was fouled on a successful three-point attempt and then nailed the free throw to give Akron the lead. If it wasn’t for a Zed Key layup at the buzzer, that insane shot would have helped the Zips pull off the upset.

At 6’8″ with an exceptionally long wingspan and good elevation on his jump shot, it is nearly impossible to disrupt the rhythm of his shot. Shooting 40.7% from distance at that height surely has high major schools interested in the sophomore. He also led Akron in assists this year.

Heading into the MAC Tournament in Cleveland as the 4th seed, Ali Ali stepped up at the most pivotal time of year and helped lead the Zips to upset victories over 1 seed Toledo in the semis and 2 seed Kent State in the championship game to earn the conference’s auto-bid to the NCAA Tournament. Ali averaged 15.7 PPG and shot 70% from deep during the MAC Tournament.

Reports from On3.com indicate that the 6’8″ Ali Ali has been in touch with a litany of power conference schools; including USC, Ohio State, Florida, Arkansas, Virginia Tech, and Marquette to name just a few.