9. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Maryland Terrapins
The Maryland Terrapins have rediscovered its perimeter pop thanks to its revamped backcourt in transfers Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Selton Miguel and Rodney Rice. While Miguel and Rice have been terrific, Gillespie has been even better despite his struggles versus Washington on Thursday night.
As of Jan. 2nd, the Belmont transfer ranks as the 4th-highest-rated PG in NCAA basketball, according to EvanMiya. And he sports a dazzling 3.26 assist-to-turnover ratio, which places him near the top 10 in the country. Gillespie’s impact as the lead guard in College Park has been key for Maryland’s resurgence -- and also Maryland’s pitfalls. He now looks to get back on track at Oregon on Sunday.
8. Alijah Martin, Florida Gators
Florida’s three-guard backcourt -- which accounts for over 50% of the Gators’ scoring average -- is among the more potent backcourts in NCAA Basketball. And FAU transfer Alijah Martin is at the heart of it all. Martin is averaging 15.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 3.1 APG. And Florida hasn’t lost a game yet.
As SEC play draws near, Todd Golden will need consistent production out of the fifth-year combo guard. If the first two months are a tell-tale sign of what's to come, even brighter things may be on the horizon for Martin, who has been a seamless fit for the undefeated Gators.
7. Lamont Butler, Kentucky Wildcats
When Kentucky landed San Diego State transfer Lamont Butler this offseason, what was evident was his on-ball defensive prowess. After all, he did 2023-24 MWC DPOY honors last season. While many were quick to write off his offensive potential on a team littered with shooters, Butler has shown much more to his game this season in Lexington.
Entering conference play, Butler is shooting a career-best 56% from the field and 42% from three. He went 6-6 from behind the arc and 10-10 from the field to top off a 33-point night in Kentucky’s win over Louisville. Many Kentucky transfers have delivered. But Butler’s offensive improvement in Mark Pope’s high-octane system makes him among the biggest impact transfers this season.