Big 12 Basketball: Each team’s best acquisition out of 2023 transfer portal

Simas Lukosius – 6’8 Guard/Wing – Cincinnati Bearcats

Simas Lukosius makes the leap from the Butler Bulldogs in the Big East to the Big 12 as the Cincinnati Bearcats make their debut in the conference under head coach Wes Miller. Lukosius is an international name out of Lithuania with some upside to keep an eye on as he looks to make an impact in a new conference in 2023-24.

At 6-foot-8, Lukosius poses a ton of matchup problems right away given his length, athleticism and ability to knock down shots on the perimeter. He averaged 11.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.9 apg and 1.0 spg on 37.8 percent from 3-point land and 42.6 percent from the floor this past season for the Bulldogs.

He led Butler in assists (92) and 3-pointers made (59) during his sophomore campaign this past season as he had a breakout season of sorts. He started in all 32 appearances and showed a ton of growth in Year 2 as a college basketball player.

Lukosius set his career-high in points at 28 against Villanova back on Jan. 13 in a 79-71 victory. He showed off his ability to score the ball efficiency, make plays and defend, shooting 9-of-13 from the floor and 5-of-8 from 3-point range while also recording three assists, three steals and two rebounds.

He’s more than just a shot-maker as well. He set his career-high in rebounds in a single game with nine this past November in a big victory over Citadel. His career-high in assists is currently at seven, a mark he set last against Marquette back on Feb. 4 in a 60-52 loss.

He’s a versatile presence that can operate in the backcourt and still defend bigger forwards and is set to make his mark in the Bearcats rotation. He’s one of four transfers that’ll try to make an impact as the Bearcats return six players from last year’s 23-13 finish on the year. Joining a new conference will have its challenges, but look for Lukosius to help smooth things over for his squad.