NCAA Basketball: 25 underrated transfer pickups for 2022-23 season
Franck Kepnang – Washington Huskies
2021-22 stats (at Oregon): 4.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg
The former five-star recruit had to share the frontcourt with N’Faly Dante, with both splitting the minutes. Kepnang was the one that left but did stay in the Pac-12, now with Washington. They didn’t have any frontcourt production last year but Kepnang, along with Kentucky transfer Keion Brooks, should make a formidable duo of bigs this season.
Max Klesmit – Wisconsin Badgers
2021-22 stats (at Wofford): 14.9 ppg and 2.8 rpg
The loss of Big Ten Player of the Year winner Johnny Davis, combined with veteran shooting threat Brad Davison, makes Wisconsin’s backcourt a question mark coming into this season. Even if sophomore guard Chucky Hepburn does indeed break out, they’ll need another guard to be a double-digit scorer. The most likely is Klesmit, who was an effective shooter in the SoCon and is capable of going off for a big night. If he can knock down some threes consistently at the Big Ten level, the Badgers should be okay on the perimeter.
Cam Hayes – LSU Tigers
2021-22 stats (at NC State): 7.3 ppg and 2.1 apg
The former top-100 prospect started 27 of 55 games in two years at NC State and had his fair share of ups and downs. Other Wolfpack guards also breaking out also limited Haye’s role in the backcourt. He joins an LSU squad that has completely turned over its roster under head coach Matt McMahon, including four other transfer guards.
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On paper, Hayes is best set to play point guard for the Tigers and allow Illinois transfer Adam Miller to play more off-ball. The team has star forward KJ Williams to lead the way but needs the guards to do their part. If Hayes is the guy that plays well on the perimeter, LSU can be a dark horse threat in the SEC.