NCAA Basketball: 10 teams that should target Kentucky transfer Bryce Hopkins

BYU Cougars

The BYU Cougars missed the NCAA Tournament last year, settling for the NIT. The team will want to end their time in the West Coast Conference with a bigger impact than the 2021-22 season left.

Forward Gideon George recently declared for the NBA Draft while keeping the door open on a possible return. He started about half of the team’s games last year, averaging 8.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. His loss won’t be as painful as Alex Barcello’s, but it’s significant nonetheless.

The Cougars have had success in the transfer portal before, though, nabbing Barcello, Jake Toolson, Matt Haarms, Brandon Averette, and Seneca Knight in recent years. Mark Pope’s track record suggests he could turn Hopkins into the next great BYU star.

Iowa State Cyclones

Not many teams on this list went dancing this year, which may make them less appealing options for Hopkins. Not only did Iowa State go to the NCAA Tournament, but they still have a chip on their shoulder after surprising many this season.

The Cyclones have a good chance to prove 2021-22 is no fluke. Tyrese Hunter and Gabe Kalschuer should be back, plus TJ Otzelberger is bringing in a solid recruiting class. The future is as bright as its been since the Fred Hoiberg days at Iowa State.

But Iowa State could still use some top-level talent to accelerate the progress made under Otzelberger in Year 1. Bryce Hopkins could prove to be a big difference for the Cyclones…or for any team looking to secure his services this offseason.