Big Ten Basketball: 10 most under-the-radar transfers for 2024-25 season

Jordan Derkack, Rutgers

After a solid freshman season, Derkack sprung into the national scene during his sophomore year at Merrimack, earning 2023-2024 NEC POY and NEC DPOY honors, averaging a team-high 17 PPG and six RPG while averaging nearly four APG, too. As one of the more well-rounded pieces from the portal, Derkack brings excellent depth in a backcourt headlined by five-star prospect Dylan Harper, Eastern Michigan transfer Tyson Acuff, and Jeremiah Williams, who proved to be an integral piece to Pikiell’s backcourt after being ruled eligible by the NCAA in early February.

Whether Derkack slots in as a backup guard or at the small forward spot, Derkack has the proficient makings to be a big-time piece in a highly-anticipating season for Steve Pikiell & Co.

Rubin Jones, Michigan

Newly-minted Wolverine head coach Dusty May made quite the splash in the transfer portal, landing the eighth-best transfer portal class, according to 24/7 Sports, and could be looking to add one more piece, too. Despite the noise surrounding the high volume of transfers, one name to keep an eye on is Rubin Jones. Jones, who spent the past four years at North Texas under Grant McCasland and Ross Hodge, averaged 12.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG and 3.7 APG last season, earning C-USA all-defensive honors in 2022-23 on a team that ranked 18th in the country in KenPom defensive efficiency that won 31 games and an NIT title.

Jones will complement Ohio State transfer Roddy Gayle JrAuburn transfer Tre Donaldson and returnee Nimari Burnett in the backcourt, giving Dusty May an experienced presence as a defensive-minded shooting guard who shot 41.6% from three who can play well off of ball screens -- an action Dusty May has been keen to implement at Florida Atlantic.