NCAA Basketball: Top 26 team transfer winners from 2022 offseason

Outgoing transfers: Tyrese Hunter, Tristan Enaruna, Tre Jackson, Jaden Walker

Incoming transfers: Jeremiah Williams (Temple), Jaren Holmes (St. Bonaventure), Hason Ward (VCU), Osun Osunniyi (St. Bonaventure)

There’s no mistaking how much a loss that Hunter was for them, as he could’ve been the Big 12 Player of the Year next season (and still could be). They lost 6 of 9 rotation players from the Sweet 16 team and needed a big offseason haul. And they went to the Atlantic 10 to get that talent.

The first was to VCU in starting forward Hason Ward. The 6’9 forward doesn’t provide much offensively but is an elite defender and capable shot-blocker. The Cyclones were built on defense last season and Ward helps continue that emphasis.

The key pickups were the duo from St. Bonaventure. Holmes is a 6’4 guard and three-year starter, coming off a season of averaging 13.5 ppg and 3.6 apg. He’s a good scorer and average shooter but his all-around game makes up for it.

The big man Osunniyi is one of, if not the best interior defenders in the country. He’s a 4-time All-Atlantic 10 defender and multi-timer DPOY. The center also has averaged 11.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg in each of the last three seasons and along with Ward forms one of the toughest defensive frontcourts in the country.

And Jeremiah Williams is an underrated pickup for Iowa State at point guard, especially now that Hunter is gone. He averaged just under 10 ppg and 4.2 apg in two years at Temple and is a capable starting playmaker for the Cyclones. They may not score much once again next season but could easily be one of the best defensive units once again.