NCAAB · 1 hour ago

ESPN Ranks the Top 25 Transfers in the College Basketball Transfer Portal

John Canady

Host · Writer

25) C Mouhamed Sylla, Georgia Tech
*Transferring from Georgia Tech to West Virginia*

Mouhamed Sylla showed early signs of being a dominant interior presence before injuries cut his season short, but the flashes were more than enough to keep evaluators intrigued. A consistent double-double threat when healthy, Sylla brings size, activity, and a strong presence on the glass. If he can stay on the floor, he has the tools to be one of the more impactful bigs in the portal.

“Sylla’s start to the season showed exactly why there was so much hype around him. He was producing at a high level and impacting games in multiple ways. Health is the biggest factor, because when he’s right, he’s a difference-maker.” - Borzello
1) F Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State
*Transferring from Iowa State*

Milan Momcilovic is the kind of plug-and-play sniper every contender covets, and there wasn’t a more lethal one in college basketball last season. Knocking down nearly half of his looks from beyond the arc while piling up volume, Momcilovic didn’t just space the floor; he warped defenses entirely. At 6-foot-8, his ability to shoot over contests and produce efficiently makes him one of the safest offensive bets in the portal, with clear All-American upside if he returns to school.

“Momcilovic wasn’t just efficient; he was dominant in how he bent defenses with his shooting. You don’t see guys at that size shoot it like that with that level of confidence. He instantly raises the ceiling of whatever team lands him, and there’s a real argument he’s the most impactful offensive transfer available.” - Borzello
2) PF Flory Bidunga, Kansas
*Transferring from Kansas to Louisville*

Flory Bidunga took a massive leap from role player to force in the paint, and now steps into Louisville as one of the most impactful interior presences in the country. His production jump wasn’t just numbers; it was control of the game on both ends. Bidunga anchors the defense with elite rim protection while finishing everything around the rim at a high clip, giving the Cardinals a true foundation piece. If his offensive game continues to expand, this is a frontcourt centerpiece that can carry real weight in March.

“Bidunga’s growth was one of the biggest developments in the country last season. He went from a complementary piece to someone you could run your frontcourt through, especially defensively. Louisville didn’t just replace production, they upgraded in a major way with a player who can anchor everything they want to do.” - Borzello
3) G John Blackwell, Wisconsin
*Transferring from Wisconsin to Duke*

John Blackwell gives Duke exactly what it lacked at times last season, a go-to perimeter scorer who can take over games. After flirting with 20 points per night at Wisconsin, Blackwell arrives in Durham with a more polished offensive arsenal and growing confidence as a playmaker. His improved perimeter shooting only adds another layer, making him a true three-level threat. The question won’t be whether he can score; it’ll be how Duke balances touches with one of the deepest backcourts in the country.

“Blackwell is as explosive a scorer as there is in the portal, and Duke needed that badly. He’s not just a volume guy anymore, either; he’s become more efficient and more complete offensively. If he embraces more playmaking responsibility, he could take another jump at Duke.” - Borzello
4) F Allen Graves, Santa Clara
*Transferring from Santa Clara*

Allen Graves might be the most intriguing upside swing in the portal, a late-blooming forward who forced his way onto NBA radars despite coming off the bench. His combination of length, skill, and shooting touch makes him a modern frontcourt piece that can impact the game in a variety of ways. What stood out most was his ability to rise to the moment, including a statement showing against Kentucky that proved he can carry offensive responsibility when needed.

“Graves is the type of player NBA teams and high-major programs love to bet on. The production per minute jumps off the page, and he showed flashes of being able to take over games offensively. If he gets extended minutes, there’s a real chance he outperforms this ranking.” - Borzello
5) F Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor
*Transferring from Baylor*

Tounde Yessoufou brings instant offense wherever he lands, and few players in the portal can match his scoring instincts. The former five-star wasted no time proving he could produce at a high level, stringing together big performances and showing the ability to take over games in bunches. With his physical tools and natural scoring ability, Yessoufou profiles as a potential pro who can elevate an offense the moment he steps on the floor.

“Yessoufou is just wired to score. It doesn’t always have to be pretty, but he finds ways to put the ball in the basket at a high level. When he gets going, he can change a game quickly, and that kind of shot-making is hard to find in the portal.” - Borzello
6) G Juke Harris, Wake Forest
*Transferring from Wake Forest*

Juke Harris went from a secondary option to one of the most dangerous scorers in the country, and that leap makes him one of the most valuable transfers available. His ability to create his own shot and sustain production at a high volume puts him in rare company, especially after multiple 30-point explosions. Harris isn’t just a breakout story; he’s now a proven bucket-getter who can carry an offense.

“Harris’ jump was massive, and it wasn’t a fluke. He became a true No. 1 scoring option and delivered consistently, even with defenses keying on him. When you can score like that at the high-major level, there’s always going to be demand.” - Borzello
7) G P.J. Haggerty, Kansas State
*Transferring from Kansas State to Texas A&M*

P.J. Haggerty has made a career out of producing, no matter the jersey, and that scoring punch now heads to Texas A&M. A high-usage guard who thrives with the ball in his hands, Haggerty brings instant offense and late-clock shot creation, something every contender needs when games slow down. The Aggies are getting a proven bucket-getter who can control tempo, but his long-term impact will hinge on whether he commits defensively within the system.

“Haggerty’s track record speaks for itself at this point. He’s going to score, he’s going to have the ball a lot, and he’s shown he can do it efficiently. The key is always going to be the other end of the floor, because if he buys in defensively, he becomes a complete difference-maker.” - Borzello
8) F David Bunch, TCU
*Transferring from TCU to Texas*

David Punch is the type of versatile, do-it-all forward that winning teams are built around, and Texas lands one of the more impactful two-way pieces in the portal. Physical and active defensively, Punch fills gaps across the stat sheet while creating matchup problems on the other end. His presence alongside an established interior option should give Texas more balance, particularly with his ability to defend multiple positions and bring toughness every night.

“Punch doesn’t always get the headlines, but he impacts winning in a lot of ways. He defends, he rebounds, he makes plays, and he brings a physical edge that every team needs. Adding that kind of versatility to a frontcourt is a big deal.” - Borzello
9) F Paulius Murauskas, Saint Mary's
*Transferring from Saint Mary's to Arizona State*

Paulius Murauskas reunites with a familiar system and brings proven production, making this one of the more seamless fits in the portal. A consistent offensive piece over the past two seasons, Murauskas has shown he can carry scoring responsibility while contributing across the board. The transition to a more physical league will be worth watching, but his familiarity with the system gives him a head start.

“Murauskas is about as steady as they come, and that familiarity with the system matters. He knows what’s expected and has already produced at a high level within it. The question is how that translates against more athletic, physical competition night in and night out.” - Borzello
10) G Stefan Vaaks, Providence
*Transferring from Providence to Illinois*

Stefan Vaaks emerged as one of the more intriguing freshmen in the country, blending size, skill, and playmaking into a versatile perimeter package. His ability to impact the game as both a scorer and facilitator gives Illinois a foundational piece in the backcourt, especially with turnover at the position. Vaaks’s size and feel make him a natural fit to step into a major role immediately.

“Vaaks showed a lot more polish than people expected from a freshman. The size, combined with his ability to handle and create, makes him really valuable in today’s game. He’s the type of player you can build your perimeter around.” - Borzello
11) C Moustapha Thiam, Cincinnati
*Transferring from Cincinnati to Michigan*

Moustapha Thiam flashed his ceiling late in the season, and few players in the portal can match his combination of size and upside. When he found rhythm, he produced like one of the most dominant bigs in the country, controlling the glass and finishing efficiently. Michigan is betting on that version showing up consistently, which would give them a true difference-maker in the frontcourt.

“Thiam’s late-season stretch showed exactly why there’s so much intrigue around him. When he’s confident and aggressive, he can take over games with his size and touch. The consistency is the next step, but the upside is undeniable.” - Borzello
12) G Jackson Shelstad, Oregon
*Transferring from Oregon to Louisville*

Jackson Shelstad gives Louisville a steady, experienced lead guard capable of running the show from day one. Before injury cut his season short, Shelstad was playing like one of the better guards in his league, blending scoring with playmaking at a high level. His ability to operate in space and control tempo should make him the engine of the Cardinals’ offense.

“Shelstad was playing at a really high level before the injury, and that’s what makes him so appealing. He can score, he can distribute, and he understands how to run a team. Louisville is getting a guard they can trust with the ball.” - Borzello
13) G Isaiah Johnson, Colorado
*Transferring from Colorado to Texas*

Isaiah Johnson wasted no time announcing himself at the college level, delivering big performances from the jump and carrying a heavy offensive load as a freshman. Now stepping into a new situation, he’ll be handed the keys again, but with more structure around him. His scoring instincts are already proven, and the next step will be refining his decision-making within a more demanding system.

“Johnson showed early on that he wasn’t afraid of the moment. He took on a lot of responsibility and produced, which isn’t easy as a freshman. Now it’s about growing within a system and becoming more efficient with those opportunities.” - Borzello
14) G Acaden Lewis, Villanova
*Transferring from Villanova to Miami*

Acaden Lewis brings a dynamic two-way presence to Miami’s backcourt, combining playmaking, scoring bursts, and defensive activity. His ability to pressure the ball and create offense makes him a natural fit for a system that values aggression on both ends. If the perimeter shooting takes a step forward, Lewis has the tools to become one of the more complete guards in the country.

“Lewis impacts the game in a lot of ways, especially defensively, where his activity stands out. Offensively, he can create for himself and others, which is always valuable. The shooting consistency will determine how big that jump is.” - Borzello
15) F Donnie Freeman, Syracuse
*Transferring from Syracuse to St. John's*

Donnie Freeman has long carried high expectations, and flashes of that potential have shown throughout his first two seasons. Now in a new environment, the focus shifts to consistency and staying healthy, because the talent is clearly there. If everything clicks, Freeman can be a major frontcourt weapon who can produce in big moments.

“Freeman has always had the tools, and you’ve seen stretches where he looks like a future pro. The challenge has been putting it together consistently and staying on the floor. If that happens, this could be a huge addition.” - Borzello
16) G Miles Byrd, San Diego State
*Transferring from San Diego State to Providence*

Miles Byrd is one of the premier defensive playmakers in the portal, capable of completely disrupting opposing offenses with his length and instincts. His ability to generate steals and blocks while contributing offensively makes him a valuable two-way piece. In a system built around pressure and chaos, Byrd should thrive.

“Byrd changes games defensively, and that’s something you can’t teach. He creates turnovers, he makes plays, and he sets a tone on that end. If his offensive game continues to develop, he becomes even more impactful.” - Borzello
17) G Neoklis Avdalas, Virginia Tech
*Transferring from Virginia Tech to North Carolina*

Neoklis Avdalas is a long, skilled playmaker who flashes NBA-level tools, even if the consistency hasn’t fully caught up yet. At 6-foot-9, his ability to handle, pass, and create mismatches makes him one of the more intriguing upside bets in the portal. In the right system, with the ball in his hands, Avdalas has a real chance to grow into a primary creator.

“Avdalas is all about upside. The size and skill combination is rare, and you’ve already seen flashes of what that can look like at a high level. It’s just about putting it together consistently, because the tools are absolutely there.” - Borzello
18) G Markus Burton, Notre Dame
*Transferring from Notre Dame to Indiana*

Markus Burton has proven one thing: when healthy, he produces. A dynamic scoring guard who can create his own shot, Burton brings a level of explosiveness that immediately raises the ceiling of a backcourt. The biggest question isn’t talent, it’s availability, because if he’s on the floor, he’s one of the most dangerous guards in the conference.

“Burton’s ability has never really been in question; it’s been about staying on the court. When he’s healthy, he’s a high-level scorer who can take over stretches of games. If he puts together a full season, he’s going to be one of the best guards in the league.” - Borzello
19) C Massamba Diop, Arizona State
*Transferring from Arizona State*

Massamba Diop quickly turned heads with his freshman production, showcasing a blend of size, touch, and defensive presence that translates at a high level. His ability to impact both ends of the floor gives him clear pro upside, and stretches of dominance showed just how difficult he can be to handle inside. As he continues to develop physically, his ceiling remains one of the highest among bigs in the portal.

“Diop was a huge surprise to a lot of people, but once you watched him, it made sense. He has great instincts, he protects the rim, and he can score around the basket. There’s real long-term upside with him as he continues to develop.” - Borzello
20) F Aiden Sherrell, Alabama
*Transferring from Alabama to Indiana*

Aiden Sherrell took a major step forward this past season, emerging as a reliable and productive frontcourt option in high-level competition. His combination of size, mobility, and developing skill makes him a valuable modern big, especially with his ability to step out and stretch the floor. Indiana’s emphasis on size is clear, and Sherrell fits that mold perfectly.

“Sherrell’s growth was important because you started to see him become more comfortable offensively. He’s always had the physical tools, but now the production is catching up. That versatility makes him a really valuable piece.” - Borzello
21) G Terrence Hill Jr., VCU
*Transferring from VCU to Tennessee*

Terrence Hill Jr. proved on the biggest stage that he can take over a game, and that scoring ability now heads to Tennessee. A confident shot-maker who thrives in big moments, Hill brings something the Volunteers have lacked at times, a guard who can create offense when structure breaks down. His performance in March only reinforced his ability to deliver under pressure.

“Hill’s NCAA tournament performance really elevated his profile, because he showed he can do it against high-level competition. He’s not afraid of the moment, and he can create his own shot, which is something teams always need.” - Borzello
22) G Dedan Thomas Jr., LSU
*Transferring from LSU to Houston*

Dedan Thomas Jr. is one of the more polished distributors in the portal, capable of controlling the pace and setting up teammates at a high level. Even in a shortened season, he showed his value as a floor general who can also score when needed. The transition to a more demanding defensive system will be key, but his offensive feel has already been proven.

“Thomas is a true point guard who understands how to run a team. He makes the right reads, he gets others involved, and he can score when the opportunity is there. Adjusting to a new system will take time, but the skill set is there.” - Borzello
23) G Kayden Mingo, Penn State
*Transferring from Penn State to Baylor*

Kayden Mingo burst onto the scene early in his freshman season, showing the ability to score, facilitate, and defend at a high level. His all-around production makes him one of the more complete young guards in the portal, and with the keys to an offense, he has the chance to take another step forward.

“Mingo did a little bit of everything as a freshman, and that’s what stands out. He can score, he can pass, and he’s active defensively. As he gets more consistent, he has a chance to be one of the better guards in his class.” - Borzello
24) G Paul McNeil Jr., NC State
Paul McNeil Jr. developed into one of the premier shooters in college basketball, stretching defenses with deep range and high-volume efficiency. His breakout season showed just how dangerous he can be when he gets into rhythm, and that kind of shooting translates anywhere. Few players in the portal can match his ability to change a game from beyond the arc.

“McNeil’s shooting is elite, plain and simple. When you can make that many threes at that percentage on that volume, you’re going to have a major impact. He’s the kind of player defenses have to account for at all times.” - Borzello
25) C Mouhamed Sylla, Georgia Tech
*Transferring from Georgia Tech to West Virginia*

Mouhamed Sylla showed early signs of being a dominant interior presence before injuries cut his season short, but the flashes were more than enough to keep evaluators intrigued. A consistent double-double threat when healthy, Sylla brings size, activity, and a strong presence on the glass. If he can stay on the floor, he has the tools to be one of the more impactful bigs in the portal.

“Sylla’s start to the season showed exactly why there was so much hype around him. He was producing at a high level and impacting games in multiple ways. Health is the biggest factor, because when he’s right, he’s a difference-maker.” - Borzello
1) F Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State
*Transferring from Iowa State*

Milan Momcilovic is the kind of plug-and-play sniper every contender covets, and there wasn’t a more lethal one in college basketball last season. Knocking down nearly half of his looks from beyond the arc while piling up volume, Momcilovic didn’t just space the floor; he warped defenses entirely. At 6-foot-8, his ability to shoot over contests and produce efficiently makes him one of the safest offensive bets in the portal, with clear All-American upside if he returns to school.

“Momcilovic wasn’t just efficient; he was dominant in how he bent defenses with his shooting. You don’t see guys at that size shoot it like that with that level of confidence. He instantly raises the ceiling of whatever team lands him, and there’s a real argument he’s the most impactful offensive transfer available.” - Borzello

ESPN Ranks the Top 25 Transfers in the College Basketball Transfer Portal

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