The NCAA transfer portal is the new thing in college athletics. Many things come together to make an NCAA basketball off-season, though the transfer portal is at the forefront. Last season, the NCAA saw over 1,000 names enter into college ‘free agency.’ They also granted first-time transfers immediate eligibility with their new school. The new ruling became a hot trend, in which fans saw many talented players moving schools.
This year is no different, with over 1,000 names again entering the cycle. Top-notch talent sits undecided as teams pitch their story in hopes of a chance to land great players. Who are some of these guys? Here are five of the best players who remain without a team.
Nijel Pack- Kansas State
After a career of 53 games in the purple, the soon-to-be junior has decided to switch things up. Pack averaged roughly 15 PPG in his two seasons as a Wildcat. As a sophomore, he averaged 17.4 PPG; while shooting at an efficient rate. Earning All-Big 12 honors this past season, a target sits on his back as soon as he hit the portal. One team will enjoy his shooting ability.
Kendric Davis- SMU
The biggest news from Monday afternoon is the SMU star testing both the transfer and NBA draft waters. A return to the mustangs is still on the table. Davis is a pure scoring guard; who averaged 19.4 PPG this past season. He can pass, shoot, and attack all three levels offensively. A special talent who can show off at a Power Five school.
KJ Willams- Murray State
As a senior, Willams started all 34 games the Racers played this season. A proven scorer inside with his size opens the door for plenty of opportunities. He shoots 56% from inside the arc in his career, 53.8% last season. In his four years at Murray State, Willams can hit the occasional three-pointer, especially in his latter years. Would not be surprised to see him at a big-time school.
Andre Curbelo- Illinois
Those who watched Curbelo in his freshman season might have thought he was the next best thing in college basketball. After making his return, an injury-plagued season put a damper on what could have been. The flashy point guard will get a chance to showcase his talents somewhere other than Champaign. The craftiness with the ball in his hands makes him one of the top point guards in the portal. Everyone has red flags, but Curbello has the raw talent to succeed.
Johni Broome- Morehead State
After two seasons in the Ohio Valley Conference, the sophomore is off to greener pastures. After the two seasons where Broome showcased his talents at a mid-major, high-major coaches will be calling. Standing at 6-10, he is an active forward who has perfected his craft in the paint. The sophomore is an even better rim protector, putting him on a lot of teams’ radars. Broome shows similarities to Walker Kessler defensively, potentially seeing him as Kessler’s replacement if he goes pro.
A lot of high-level talent is swirling around the portal these days. These are just a few of many names that will have a lot of phone calls to answer as the off-season moves along. Other notable transfer names are Terrence Shannon Jr, Courtney Ramey, Tanner Holden, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, and the list goes on and on. Get ready for a crazy couple of months.
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