Big Ten Basketball: 5 potential hidden gem offseason transfers for 2023-24

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 25: Jamison Battle #10 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers looks on against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half of the game at Williams Arena on January 25, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hoosiers defeated the Golden Gophers 61-57. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

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Valparaiso Beacons forward Ben Krikke Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

There’s always so much to look forward to after an NBA, MLB, or NFL season because of free agency. Now you can add NCAA free agency to that list with the new transfer portal rule. The transfer portal (free agency) might be the most exciting thing about college basketball besides March Madness. The difference between college football’s transfer portal and college basketball’s portal is that college basketball’s portal is full of impactful players who have had previous success in college.

Big Ten Basketball has seen an influx of highly impactful transfers during the portal, with one program nabbing two starters. With most of last season’s All-Big Ten players leaving, there’s certain to be a transfer or two on the awards team after next season. Here’s a look at the Big Ten’s most impactful incoming transfers.

Ben Krikke – Iowa

Iowa picked up big man Ben Krikke from Valparaiso, who averaged 19.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season. Not only is the 6’9″ 240-pounder a scorer, but he’s also an efficient scorer, hitting 55.2% of his shots last season. With Kris Murray leaving for the NBA and Filip Rebraca graduating, Iowa will be missing a go-to player. Two starters return next season in senior Tony Perkins, who averaged 12.3 points per game, and junior Payton Sandfort, who averaged 10.3 points per game, but look for Ben Kriike to be the anchor on offense.

Rayquawndis Mitchell – Penn State

Penn State lost their top three scorers from last season due to graduation, Jalen Pickett, Seth Lundy, and Andrew Funk. In need of instant offense, in comes 6’5″ guard Rayquawndis Mitchell, who averaged 17.4 points and six rebounds a game last season for Missouri-Kansas City. The Nittany Lions are hoping he brings his scoring instinct to the big game.

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