15. Bennett Stirtz, Drake Bulldogs
The Drake Bulldogs have quickly become college basketball’s feel-good story after a surprising 12-0 start led by first-year HC Ben McCollum, who ran a D2 powerhouse at Northwest Missouri State. While the Bulldogs are no longer undefeated after suffering a 74-70 loss to UIC on Wednesday, Bennett Stirtz -- who followed McCollum from Maryville, Missouri to Des Moines, Iowa -- has made a name for himself as an instant impact transfer this season, especially after his late-game heroics versus Kansas State in mid-December.
WHAT A FINISH IN MANHATTAN!! Bennett Stirtz (@bennett_stirtz) gets the 3 to go with 3.4 left and Drake pulls out the classic 73-70 over Kansas State in OT. Drake’s perfect season is still alive (Video via @MrMatthew_CFB) pic.twitter.com/hI28OOhVC1
— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) December 18, 2024
Stirtz is averaging over 18 PPG. He recently went for 30 points and 12 assists. He’s established himself as among the MVC’s top guards. He’s a top-five player in the country, according to BartTorvik. He’s poised. He’s patient. And he never leaves the floor. He’s everything a coach would want as an instant impact transfer.
14. Norchad Omier, Baylor Bears
Norchad Omier has averaged a double-double in each year he has played. This season is no different. Despite a smaller frame, the 6-foot-7 forward/big has been a terrorizing threat on the glass for the Baylor Bears, averaging nearly 11 rebounds per game. In Baylor’s triumph over Arlington Baptist, Omier put up an absurd stat line: 19 points and 24 rebounds.
While Baylor may have some question marks defensively, its 81-56 win over Utah to open Big 12 play was a nice start. Baylor has the guards and offensive firepower to make headlines. But the impact Omier has had in Waco shouldn’t go unnoticed.
13. Micah Peavy, Georgetown Hoyas
The Georgetown Hoyas have taken palpable strides forward this season. Malik Mack has been a quality sparkplug in the backcourt with Jayden Epps. Freshman Thomas Sorber has been better than advertised. But the key to Georgetown's 11-2 start lies within its glue guy: Micah Peavy.
The Texas Tech/TCU transfer is averaging a well-rounded 13.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 4.2 APG, bringing the intangibles defensively. Georgetown was among the worst-rated P5 defensive teams last season. If you eliminate preseason bias, the Hoyas have the 35th-best defensive efficiency rating in NCAA Basketball this season, according to BartTorvik. That’s not a coincidence with Micah Peavy in the mix.