NCAA Basketball: 10 under-the-radar transfer impacts of 2022-23 season
David Jones – St. John’s Red Storm
2022-23 stats: 14.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.0 apg
The former leading scorer at DePaul has continued where he left off in the Big East, second on the team in scoring and first in rebounding. Jones still isn’t very efficient overall but is making a career-high 31% from three-point range on nearly six attempts. He’s been in double figures in all but two games, including 21 points and 10 rebounds in a season-opening win over Merrimack.
Between him and breakout performer, Joel Soriano, the Red Storm has one of the better frontcourts in the conference. There currently are other issues holding them back, mainly on the perimeter. But Jones has given enough production to almost offset the massive loss to star forward, Justin Champagnie.
Ben Vander Plas – Virginia Cavaliers
2022-23 stats: 7.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 apg
Vander Plas was a star at Ohio, averaging around 14/7/3 as a senior. He’s now the 6th Man at Virginia at around 22 mpg but even still, has had a major impact. He’s given them a spacing option in the frontcourt, along with a versatile defender. He’s also coming up big for the team, including 14 points in the win over Baylor and 20 points against Miami in ACC play.
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Virginia has roughly the same roster it did a year ago, with Vander Plas being the key difference. And although it may not show it too much statistically, it’s been the difference between a team that missed the NCAA Tournament and one currently in the top 25 NCAA Basketball rankings.