NCAA Basketball: Top 100 impact transfers for 2022-23 season
60. Ricky Council IV – Arkansas Razorbacks
2021-22 stats (at Wichita State): 12.0 ppg and 5.4 rpg
The lone perimeter transfer this offseason for the Razorbacks, Council was the AAC 6th Man of the Year with the Shockers and even had a 31-point effort last season. The 6’5 guard provides needed experience and someone that can create for himself, taking pressure off of Nick Smith in the backcourt.
59. Andre Kelly – UC-Santa Barbara Gauchos
2021-22 stats (at Cal):13.4 ppg and 8.4 rpg
The 6’8 big man had his breakout season in Year 4, including four games of at least 20 points. Kelly is moving down to the Big West and a Gauchos squad who’s replacing their own four-year starter in Amadou Sow in the frontcourt. Kelly should be able to come in and be an All-Big West performer from day one and his move could be what puts UC-Santa Barara back to the NCAA Tournament.
58. Andre Curbelo – St. John’s Red Storm
2021-22 stats (at Illinois): 7.5 ppg and 3.2 apg
A player that has divided many options, Curbelo is a former top-30 point guard prospect that looked great as a freshman but health and fit derailed his sophomore season. He’s still an elite passer and capable playmaker and joins returning starter Posh Alexander to form a very interesting backcourt. If Curbelo can find a way to become a better shooter and play of the ball more, this could work out well.
57. De’Vion Harmon – Texas Tech Red Raiders
2021-22 stats (at Oregon): 10.8 ppg and 2.1 apg
The 6’3 combo guard was a double-digit scorer at both Oregon and Oklahoma and has steadily improved his three-point shooting, making 37% last season. Harmon will be tasked with running the offense for the Red Raiders and have the ball in his hands a lot. As long as he replicates his past two seasons and fits the defensive scheme, Texas Tech will be good with the senior veteran.
56. Ben Vander Plas – Virginia Cavaliers
2021-22 stats (at Ohio): 14.3 ppg and 6.8 rpg
The 6’8 versatile combo forward gives Virginia plenty of things that they lacked last year including frontcourt scoring outside of Jayden Gardner, an extra passer, and most importantly, a capable three-point shooter. Since the Cavaliers return its entire starting lineup, it’ll be interesting to see how Coach Tony Bennett uses him this season.
55. Emmanuel Akot – Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
2021-22 stats (at Boise State): 10.6 ppg and 2.8 apg
Another versatile transfer, Akot is a 6’8 guard that played some point for Boise this past season. He’s also a very capable three-point shooter and his size and athleticism will make the Hilltoppers’ defense much for formidable. And now that he’s in Conference USA, Akot’s skillset could become even more clear.
54. Sir’Jabari Rice – Texas Longhorns
2021-22 stats (at New Mexico State): 11.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg
Rice was a double-digit scorer in all three years for the Aggies and was named All-WAC each time. There’s nothing elite about this player other than him being above average in every category. Rice is a good defender and shooter and on a Texas team that has a lot of guys that needs the ball, having this 5th-year transfer around that doesn’t need the ball to have an impact is what will help the overall chemistry of the backcourt. But when Rice does get the ball, he’s been effective and consistent.
53. Tyree Appleby – Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2021-22 stats (at Florida): 10.9 ppg and 3.7 apg
The 6’1 guard has been a double-digit scorer in four years at both Cleveland State and Florida. He’s a steady ball-handler that’ll come in and take over for ACC Player of the Year Alondes Williams at Wake Forest and provides needed experience and proven power conference production.
52. D.J. Burns – NC State Wolfpack
2021-22 stats (at Winthrop): 15.0 ppg and 4.5 rpg
The 6’9 forward was the Big South Player of the Year last season, having eight games of at least 20 points. Burns doesn’t space the floor but his size should allow him to be a solid low-post scorer for the Wolfpack. NC State had no frontcourt production last season so if he can become a legit starter and give them solid defense, Burns will end up being a very good pickup.
51. Tanner Holden – Ohio State Buckeyes
2021-22 stats (at Wright State): 20.1 ppg and 7.1 rpg
One of the top scorers in the Horizon League last season, Holden is a 6’6 wing that can score from anywhere on the floor. He gives Ohio State a potential go-to option on offense and his shooting next to McNeil will be a dangerous combo for Big Ten opponents. Holden also is capable of going off in a huge way, such as his 37 points against Bryant in the play-in game of the NCAA Tournament.