24. Josh Dix, Creighton
The silky-smooth Josh Dix had quite the season at Iowa, averaging 14.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG and 2.8 APG for the Hawkeyes last season. Dix’s development over the past three seasons has been fascinating to monitor -- and I have every reason to believe he will only get better, this time, at Creighton.
Dix, who will play alongside transfers Blake Harper (Howard), Nik Graves (Charlotte) and Austin Swartz (Miami FL) in the backcourt, is a consistent three-point threat, knocking down 42.2% of his shots behind the arc last season.
There’s some serious NBA Draft buzz in Dix’s game as he does more than just knock down shots with his long-range. He’s got good size (6-foot-6) for a guard, is a reliable passer and can shoot well off the bounce. Creighton got a good one in Dix.
23. Malik Thomas, Virginia
Malik Thomas. Walking bucket.
First-year UVA head coach Ryan Odom has made some significant splashes in the transfer portal, but none of them will be as important as San Francisco transfer Malik Thomas, who averaged nearly 20.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 2.1 APG for the Dons last season.
The former All-WCC First-Team guard developed into one of the conference’s top shooters last season, shooting 44.4% from the field and nearly 40% from behind the arc. He’s also an explosive downhill guard that can generate offense for himself with a nifty mid-range jumper.
He’s comfortable being the go-to guy offensively. Expect more of the same this season with the Cavaliers as they look to get back into the NCAA Tournament in 2026.
22. Joson Sanon, St. John’s
Joson Sanon, a former four-star recruit, started the 2024-25 season scorching-hot, even leading NCAA Basketball in three-point shooting percentage through the first month at Arizona State.
While he cooled down a bit, Sanon still managed to put up some respectable numbers after reclassifying last season: 11.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, shooting 37% from three.
At first glance, I was skeptical to put Sanon this high, considering the high volume of talented transfers en route to Queens. But I really do believe he’s worthy of this spot because his upside is through the roof.
The 6-foot-5 guard is a natural scorer with a 55% effective field goal percentage off the catch-and-shoot. He glides seamlessly in transition and can drive and get to the rim with ease. With another season under his belt, there’s no question he can become a much more effective finisher. With a 6-foot-7 wingspan, he’s a capable defender on the perimeter -- something that should flourish in a tenacious Johnnies’ defense.
21. Chad Baker-Mazara, USC
Perhaps there is no more polarizing player in college basketball than the long-traveled Chad Baker-Mazara. From Duquesne to San Diego State to Northwest Florida State (JUCO) to Auburn to now USC, the 6-foot-7, lengthy, wiry wing is poised to make an instant impact with the Trojans in 2025-26.
Last season at Auburn, Baker-Mazara averaged 12.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 2.7 APG, shooting 45% from the field and 38.1% from three. He’s a near-40% career shooter from three.
Baker-Mazara is an incredibly efficient offensive weapon and is a ruthless, passionate competitor -- intangibles that do not always show on the stat sheet. He’s an elite FT shooter, can guard anywhere on the perimeter and makes an impact on both ends of the floor. Expect Baker-Mazara to be the X-Factor for the USC Trojans as Eric Musselman gears up to take another one of his notorious year-two jumps.