NCAA Basketball: Indiana, Kansas, and Maryland among 10 early 2024 offseason winners
It's been one month since the NCAA Basketball transfer portal opened, with over 1,500 players leaving their respective teams. Including the NBA Draft departures and those who ran out of eligibility, there's a lot of players gone from their original programs.
A month later, hundreds of players have actually committed to teams, with some coming out as early "winners" so far. At this early point in the offseason, where are the biggest winners from the transfer portal/NBA Draft decisions.
Honorable Mention: George Mason Patriots
Despite losing two key starters (Keyshawn Hall and Baraka Okojie), Coach Tonny Skinn has been busy in the portal, landing four projected rotation pieces. The two key ones to watch include double-digit scoring big Giovanni Emejuru, as well as KD Johnson, who averaged around 10 ppg in the past three years at Auburn. Compared to the other A-10 teams, GMU has gotten off to a nice start with the roster building.
HM: NC State Wolfpack
Replacing DJ Burns wasn't going to be easy but the Wolfpack found two capable forwards in the portal that's likely to start. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield was one of the top bigs in the ACC last season at Louisville, while Dontrez Styles was a double-digit scorer at Georgetown. Look for NC State to have a very competitive frontcourt in the league next season.
HM: Gonzaga Bulldogs
Sometimes, not doing much can be fine if your roster is set. And that's the case for Gonzaga, who only lost Anton Watson this offseason and already replaced him with Michael Ajayi, who averaged nearly 20 ppg and 10 rpg at Pepperdine. For now, everyone else, including Graham Ike and Ryan Nembhard, are staying, all but guaranteeing them another top-10 preseason ranking for next season.