NCAA Basketball: Jesse Edwards, TJ Bamba among top 30 transfer pickups of the week
10. Nelly Junior Joseph – Iona to New Mexico
2022-23 season stats: 14.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg
The 6’9 forward has started 82 games in three years for the Gaels, shooting 55% from the field. Joseph was in double figures in 31 of 35 games, including 19 double-doubles (11 straight). The big man went for 27 points and 11 rebounds against Marist, as well as 24 points and 10 rebounds versus St. Bonaventure. Joseph is a good defender and multiple-time All-MAAC forward throughout his career.
New Mexico brings back star guards, Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn, for another year. But they needed someone to replace the likes of Morris Udeze and Josiah Allick in the frontcourt. Joseph is one of the best realistic targets available for the Lobos and the younger Pitino coach was able to peel off a key piece from his father.
9. Jordan Minor – Merrimack to Virginia
2022-23 season stats: 17.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.3 apg
Minor was not only the Northeast Defensive Player of the Year but also Co-NEC Player of the Year this past season. He led the team in both scoring and rebounding, scoring at least nine points in every single game. That includes a trio of 25-point scoring games, along with 13 double-doubles. One of them was a 15-point and 20-rebound performance against Sacred Heart.
Minor is both a perfect and needed fit for Virginia, one of the best defenses each year in NCAA Basketball. They lost its entire frontcourt roster this offseason, including Jayden Gardner and Kadin Shedrick. He’s set to be the focal point of the offense next season while still being responsible to anchor the defense.