NCAA Basketball: Top 20 early transfer portal pickups in 2023 offseason

12. Payton Sparks – Ball State to Indiana

2022-23 stats: 13.3 ppg and 8.7 rpg

Although his numbers were roughly the same in his first two years, Sparks proved to be a bit more efficient, which bodes well for his future in the Big Ten. He’s a true center, listed at 6’9 and 240 pounds. The sophomore had 24 points and 12 rebounds against Missouri State, along with 20 points and 16 rebounds versus Northern Illinois.

Sparks is a needed addition to the Indiana frontcourt, which is losing All-American big man, Trayce Jackson-Davis. The other starter, Race Thompson, also is gone, leaving forward Malik Reneau as the lone key returner. While the Hoosiers will need more depth, Sparks will be serviceable next season as either a starter or backup in the rotation.

11. Ta’lon Cooper – Minnesota to South Carolina

2022-23 stats: 9.8 ppg and 6.3 apg

The former All-OVC guard managed to rack up assists on the worst offense in the Big Ten this season. Cooper had three games of at least 10 assists, including a 16-point and 12-assist game against Nebraska in the conference tournament. He also was a 38% three-point shooter and capable double-digit scorer when he was looking for his own offense.

Cooper goes from one bad offense to another, as South Carolina ranked 339th nationally in scoring, as well as 328th in assists at 11.1 apg. Meechie Johnson led the team in passing at 3.6 apg but he’s in the NBA Draft process and may not return. Whether he comes back or not, the Gamecocks could use a veteran passer to help offset the loss of star freshman, GG Jackson.