The college basketball transfer portal helped out many teams last offseason, especially in the Big 12 and SEC. That would explain why ACC Basketball struggled compared to them, as the transfer portal wasn’t as successful for them collectively.
So far, some teams have done well in the offseason in terms of roster building via the portal. Here’s a look at three early winners from the ACC.
Louisville Cardinals
Key incoming transfers
- Ryan Conwell - 16.5 ppg on 41% 3PT at Xavier
- Isaac McKneely - 14.4 ppg on 42% 3PT at Virginia
- Adrian Wooley - 18.8 ppg on 42% 3PT at Kennesaw State
The Cardinals were one of the best shooting teams in college basketball last season, and even without Reyne Smith, they have the pieces to be just as potent again. Conwell and McKneely are proven high-major stars, while Wooley is a 6’5 guard who was one of the best freshmen in the country. These pieces should be enough to keep Louisville as a top contender in the ACC next year.
Miami Hurricanes
Key incoming transfers
- Malik Reneau - 13.3 ppg and 5.5 rpg at Indiana
- Tre Donaldson - 11.3 ppg and 4.1 apg at Michigan
- Tru Washington - 11.1 ppg and 4.0 rpg at New Mexico
New coach Jai Lucas had an empty roster to rebuild, and he’s done a solid job, landing several proven high-major starters. Reneau has shown he can be an all-league guy as the focal point, while Donaldson and Washington can be one of the top backcourts in the ACC. Ernest Udeh Jr., who came over from TCU, is another newcomer to watch as the projected starting center.
Syracuse Orange
Key incoming transfers
- Naithan George - 12.3 ppg and 6.5 apg at Georgia Tech
- Nate Kingz - 11.8 ppg on 45% 3PT at Oregon State
- William Kyle - 2.9 ppg and 1.8 rpg at UCLA
In what will be a big year for Coach Red Autry and the Orange, the team has landed key transfers in the backcourt to pair with JJ Starling. George is a true PG who should pair well with Starling, while Kyle is a former all-defensive big man from the Summit League, providing needed depth at the five-spot. If former four-star prospect Tyler Betsey can give them something on the wings, Syracuse could have a group good enough to make the Big Dance.