6. Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State Cyclones
Saint Mary’s transfer Joshua Jefferson has been a seamless fit in Ames. You’d be hard-pressed to find a 6-foot-9 forward with quicker hands than Jefferson, who accounted for eight steals in Iowa State’s 79-69 win in Boulder on a ferocious Cyclone squad that forces over 10 steals per game.
Jefferson’s a menace on the boards and has made a major impact offensively as a versatile, three-level scorer. He’s a key reason why Iowa State’s Ken Pom adjusted offensive efficiency has skyrocketed from 52nd last season to 3rd this season. Jefferson’s impact has made the Cyclones a Monday-night threat.
5. Vlad Goldin, Michigan Wolverines
It took some time for the Goldin -- and the terrorizing Goldin/Wolf frontcourt duo -- to find its groove in Ann Arbor, however, December has been (extremely) kind for the 7-foot-1 FAU transfer. While Michigan has plenty of other strong candidates to make this list as instant impact transfers (Tre Donaldson and Danny Wolf, to name a few), Goldin gets the nod here after an impressive month.
Efficiency? Check. Goldin is shooting 68.3% from the field. Rim protecting? Check. Goldin is averaging nearly two blocks per game. Goldin has been a staple down low and has paired nicely alongside double-double machine Danny Wolf. Michigan’s ceiling stays high with Goldin holding down the paint.
4. John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers
Johnny Davis to AJ Storr to John Tonje. The Greg Gard wing factory continues to deliver. Tonje, a transfer from Colorado State and Missouri, has made an instant impact in Madison, averaging 19.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 2.0 APG. While Tonje has cooled off a bit since his scorching-hot start -- such as his 41-point outing versus Arizona -- as teams have attempted to keep him off the free-throw line, there’s no denying Tonje’s impact so far. The Badgers are among the pleasant surprises this season, and the fifth-year combo guard has been a critical factor.