Ranking The Top 5 Transfer Players In College Basketball This Season
1. Hunter Dickenson
Michigan - Kansas
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Hunter Dickinson was the #1 transfer prospect this past offseason and has proved himself worthy this season at Kansas after transferring from Michigan. He led Michigan in scoring last year and has continued to be a dominant scoring presence for Kansas. He is currently the second leading scorer averaging 19.3 points not far behind leading scorer Kevin Mculler Jr, who averages 20 points.
His impact at Kansas has been immediate and substantial. His arrival improved Kansas' odds of winning the 2024 NCAA Tournament by a significant margin. Dickinson's presence provided Kansas with a formidable force in the paint, thanks to his scoring and rebounding abilities. His experience and skill set, combined with Kansas coach Bill Self's expertise in utilizing big men, created a powerful dynamic for the team.
The Jayhawks, under Self's guidance, have been known for their effective use of post players, and Dickinson's addition further solidified this approach. He has increased his rebounding from the previous season averaging a team-high 11.3 rebounds a game. His all-around abilities in scoring, rebounding, and defending have made him a key player for Kansas which is currently ranked No. 7 in the country.
2. David Jones
St.John’s - Memphis
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David Jones transferred from St.Johns and has been a standout player this season for Memphis. In the 19 games he's played this season, he's averaging just under 22 points which is top ten in the country not to mention a 60% true shooting average. His field goal percentage is 46.1%, including a 37% success rate from the three-point line.
Additionally, he's been effective at free throws, with an 80.9% free-throw percentage. Jones has also contributed with an average of 6.74 rebounds per game and has shown skills in defense with an average of 1.74 steals per game. Jones's ability to score on all three levels as well as being a solid rebounder raking in just under 7 boards a game standing at 6”6 has earned him significant recognition.
He is currently ranked seventh in KenPom's running National Player of the Year standings and has received in-season All-American honors. He has led No. 19 Memphis to its best season since Derrick Rose played there in 2008.
3. Caleb Love
UNC - Arizona
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After transferring from North Carolina to Arizona, Caleb Love has indeed had a tremendous impact on the Wildcats' basketball program. His transition to Arizona has been marked by significant improvements in his game, evidenced by his impressive averages of 18.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.
Love's scoring prowess has been particularly notable, as he leads the team in scoring. His ability to consistently put up points has been crucial in many of Arizona's victories this season. Moreover, Love has shown improvement in his shooting percentages, becoming a more efficient scorer. While there may have been some dips in his shooting efficiency against ranked opponents, his overall contribution to scoring remains vital for the Wildcats.
Arizona's success this season, with a commendable 15-3 record and a top-10 national ranking, can be partly attributed to Love's performance. His presence has brought a new dynamic to the team, contributing significantly to their strong showing in the competitive college basketball landscape.
4. LJ Cryer
Baylor - Houston
Carter Smith
LJ Cryer's transfer to the University of Houston has been instrumental in their impressive performance in the 2023-24 college basketball season. As a senior guard, Cryer has been leading the Cougars in scoring, averaging 16.3 points per game.
This scoring prowess has been a significant factor in the Cougars' offensive strategy, making him a key player in their lineup. Cryer has also distinguished himself as a three-point shooter. He leads the Big 12 with an average of 3.1 three-pointers per game, showcasing his ability to consistently score from beyond the arc. This skill has been crucial in games, providing the Cougars with an additional scoring threat.
His achievements have not gone unnoticed, as Cryer was named to the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List. Overall, LJ Cryer's impact on the University of Houston has been multifaceted, marked by his scoring ability, especially from the three-point line, and his recognition as a top player in college basketball this season. Houston is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation.
5. Harrison Ingram
Stanford - UNC
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Harrison Ingram's transfer to the University of North Carolina has been a significant boost for the Tar Heels who had a disappointing performance a season ago missing the NCAA tournament. In the current season, Ingram has been a key contributor with averages of 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. These statistics demonstrate his ability to contribute significantly both in scoring and on the boards.
Ingram's performance at North Carolina marks a continuation of his strong play at Stanford, where he averaged 10.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in his last season. At UNC, he has continued to display his versatile skill set, effectively balancing scoring and rebounding. His ability to rebound the ball, as seen in games like the one against North Carolina State when he grabbed 19 boards, underlines his importance to the team.
Ingram's presence on the court is not just about the numbers; his size and versatility make him a challenging matchup for opponents. He can effectively play against both smaller and larger defenders, which adds to his value on the team. He has been a main contributor to a UNC team that is currently ranked No. 3 in the country.
Honorable Mention: Eddie Lampkin
TCU - Colorado
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Eddie Lampkin Jr., who transferred from TCU to Colorado, has improved his performance as the season has gone on and has been the paint presence Colorado had been missing since the departure of Evan Battey. He has led the team in rebounds per game at around 7.5 rpg and has improved his scoring as the season has progressed, currently averaging 10 points per game.
Eddie’s passion on the court is unmatched and when he plays at his best he is hard to stop in the paint. He has been a big reason for Colorado’s 14-5 record through 19 games which is much better than their 8-11 record through 19 games the previous season. He’s also been one of the better passing centers in the nation averaging 2.2 assists. Eddie has provided much-needed depth at center to a Colorado team that looks to be a dark horse come March.