College Basketball Transfers: Key Players to Watch as NCAA Tournament Approaches

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the NCAA Tournament prepares to kick off on March 24, 2024, college basketball teams have relied heavily on transfer players to reshape their rosters this season. Notable programs like Louisville, Michigan, and Kentucky have thrived with strategic transfers, while teams like North Carolina and Kansas have experienced disappointing outcomes when transfers did not succeed.

This year’s transfer portal has produced unexpected results, demonstrating that the fit between players and teams is increasingly crucial. In light of the ongoing tournament, we revisit and re-rank the top transfers of 2024 based on their contributions to their respective teams.

Texas Tech‘s Oumar Toppin has emerged as a standout player after transferring from New Mexico. In the past month, he has averaged 24.4 points, 11 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, leading him to be named the Big 12 Player of the Year. Toppin’s performance has been instrumental in Texas Tech’s success this season.

Another pivotal transfer is Point Guard Jaden Small, who has become essential for West Virginia after a teammate’s injury. Small has led the team to six significant Quad 1 wins, showcasing his playmaking abilities and scoring prowess. With averages of 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, his impact is undeniable as the team approaches the tournament.

Memphis guard Alex Smith has also dazzled in his first year with the team, earning the AAC Player of the Year award after transferring from Tulsa. Smith’s high-scoring and efficient style has helped lead Memphis to a stellar 26-5 record, finishing 16-2 in conference play. His ability to score in bursts has been vital for the team.

The addition of transfer Jordy Hepburn has been transformative for Louisville, where he quickly became a star. His experience from his previous program, combined with skillful playmaking and defense, led to Hepburn earning the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award. His scoring ability has complemented the Louisville system excellently.

In Michigan, transfer Vlad Goldin has developed a solid reputation through his scoring and rebounding, particularly past midseason. He has averaged 12.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, quickly becoming a consistent contributor to the Wolverines’ offense.

Amidst these success stories, there have also been challenges. Mississippi State recently dropped out of national rankings following two losses, ending a 14-week run in the polls. The Bulldogs find themselves focusing on their upcoming SEC Tournament game against LSU, as they hope to regain momentum before the postseason.

Kentucky‘s head coach Mark Stoops acknowledged the need for improvement following a disappointing season and emphasized his commitment to rebuilding the program. With a top-10 transfer class, Stoops aims to restore the competitive edge in Kentucky football, a sentiment echoed by players reinstating their focus on accountability and growth.

The transfer portal continues to reshape college sports, presenting opportunities for programs to enhance their rosters significantly or face unexpected setbacks. As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the roles of these key transfers will be closely monitored, with their performances possibly determining their teams’ fates in the coming weeks.