Top CBB Impact Transfers

Since the creation of the transfer portal and the adoption of a one-time free transfer, college sports has seen a meteoric rise in players transferring. It’s not just backups looking for more playing time anymore, it includes superstar QBs and elite PGs just looking for a different home. Here, I rank the top seven transfer acquisitions in college basketball.

1. SG Baylor Scheierman to Creighton (from South Dakota State)

Scheierman led South Dakota State to March Madness and contributed to SDSU being the top three-point shooting team in the country. He boosted himself into an exciting prospect for power conference teams, holding offers from blue bloods such as Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas. Ultimately, the 6’6” guard chose to take his talents to Omaha and play for Creighton. With Scheierman in the fold, mixed with the return of key players Ryan Nembhard, Arthur Kaluma, and Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton becomes a legit title contender.

2. PG Kendric Davis to Memphis (from SMU)

After averaging 19 points per game over the last two seasons at SMU, Kendric Davis entered the transfer portal. He’s short, maybe 6’0” on a good day, but he’s an explosive scorer and the reigning AAC Player of the Year. Memphis is losing a lot of talent, but getting an experienced stud in Davis is big for Penny Hardaway.

3. PG Nijel Pack to Miami (from Kansas State)

He wasn’t a known commodity during the 2021-2022 season, largely due to being on a bad Kansas State team, but Nijel Pack is an excellent scorer and a knockdown shooter. Pack averaged 17.4 PPG and was 5th in the country with a 43.6% clip from beyond the arc. After a surprise run in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, Miami could win the ACC behind the duo of Pack and returner Isaiah Wong.

4. C Efton Reid to Gonzaga (from LSU)

The younger brother of Naz Reid, Efton originally followed in his brother’s footsteps by attending LSU. After a lackluster freshman year and the firing of Will Wade, Reid entered the transfer portal looking for a fresh start. Gonzaga was able to acquire his services, a potentially big win for Mark Few. He only averaged 6.3 PPG this past season, but he’s a former five star recruit with versatility in his game down low.

5. SF Terrence Shannon Jr. to Illinois (from Texas Tech)

A staple for the Red Raiders of Texas Tech for the last three years, Shannon seeked a new school to attend for his senior year. There was speculation that he was going to pick Michigan, but he ended up deciding on Illinois. Illinois loses a lot, including elite big man Kofi Cockburn, but Shannon’s athleticism, defense, and experience will help the Illini stay afloat in the Big Ten.

6. PG Jaelin Llewellyn to Michigan (from Princeton)

With the departure of veteran Devante Jones, as well as the surprise transfer from former top recruit Frankie Collins, Michigan was left with a hole at PG. Lucky for Juwan Howard and co., former First Team All-Ivy PG Jaelin Llewellyn chose Ann Arbor as his next destination. This past season, Llewellyn averaged 15.7 PPG and hit on 38.6 of his three point attempts. They hit on one Ivy League transfer (Mike Smith), here hoping that Llewellyn finds success as a Wolverine.

7. PG Mark Sears to Alabama (from Ohio)

Originally from the Yellowhammer State, PG Mark Sears saw an opportunity for greatness in Tuscaloosa. Sears was explosive last season as a Bobcat, averaging 19.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 1.7 SPG. Alabama brings back PG Jahvon Quinerly, but with the losses of Jaden Shackelford and JD Davison, Sears should have a big role for the Crimson Tide.

**note: this list does not include transfers who have yet to commit such as G Malachi Smith or C Kenneth Lofton Jr.

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading! Which transfer do you think will have the biggest impact? Can Baylor Scheierman can lead Creighton to a title? Let me know in the comments!

Don't forget to follow our Instagram, Twitter, and check out the podcast!