The transfer portal has begun to own the college basketball offseason. Sure, there's the coaching carousel and the NBA draft early-entry deadline, but much of the discussion surrounds transfers. Preseason top 25s are dictated heavily by incoming transfers or players who sat out -- everyone who sat out was "the best player in practice," if you weren't aware -- and coaches spend a lot of time scouring the portal for potential recruits.
Part of that process is trying to figure out whether statistics will translate from one level to the next or whether the player has better days ahead after struggling at the previous stop. It's very much an inexact science.
With the NCAA giving a blanket waiver to all transfers earlier this season, more transfers than ever have had a chance to make an impact this season. Have they? Let's highlight some of the most impactful ones, as well as some of those who haven't panned out. (All stats entering Tuesday's games.)
Best of the best
Carlik Jones, Louisville: The buzz for Jones began to build in the offseason, and the former Big South player of the year has lived up to the hype after graduating and transferring from Radford. Jones is averaging 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists, while shooting 37.1% from 3-point range. He also has performed even better in ACC play than in nonconference action, scoring at least 23 points in three of his past four games entering the week. Jones has been arguably the best player in the ACC this season and undoubtedly the most impactful transfer in college basketball.
Mac McClung, Texas Tech: I had some concerns when McClung committed to Texas Tech. Chris Beard's success in Lubbock has been predicated on intense half-court defense and disciplined offense; could McClung adapt after having the ball in his hands a ton at Georgetown? Well, it turns out the Red Raiders have needed McClung's fearless offensive ability more than the Hoyas did. McClung is averaging 17.2 points and has been one of the nation's best late-game players. He had 30 points on Monday against West Virginia and hit the game-winning 3 against Texas earlier this month.
Sam Hauser, Virginia: Hauser was expected to take Virginia's offense to a new level after the Cavaliers had struggles at that end of the floor last season. And after a slow stretch early in the season, Hauser has stepped up and helped the Cavs into the top 10. Over the past six games, Hauser is averaging 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds, and he is shooting 53.2% from the field and 48.7% from 3-point range. The Marquette transfer has proved to be a difficult matchup for opponents, given his size and ability to step outside and make 3s.
Eugene Omoruyi, Oregon: It's been a choppy season for the Ducks; they have only played four games in the month of January, and they just announced another pause on Tuesday. But when they do take the floor, Omoruyi has been a constant for Dana Altman's team. The Rutgers transfer is averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds, and he has dished out at least three assists on five separate occasions. Altman consistently does well on the transfer market, and Omoruyi is the latest proof.
Liam Robbins, Minnesota: As soon as Robbins left Drake last spring, the assumption was that he would end up with the Golden Gophers. Why? His uncle, Ed Conroy, is the associate head coach on Richard Pitino's staff. And it has worked out well for both sides. Robbins is averaging 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks, while also making nearly a 3-pointer per game at a 40% clip. He has been a bit inconsistent in Big Ten play but has also produced some huge performances: 22 points, eight rebounds vs. Michigan; and 27 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, five blocks vs. Ohio State.
Alan Griffin, Syracuse: Griffin's numbers at Illinois didn't jump off the page, but he was pursued by a long list of high-major programs last season -- and taking a closer look, averaging 8.9 points in 18.1 minutes for a Big Ten program is impressive. With a much larger role for Syracuse this season, Griffin has shown why he was a sought-after transfer. He is averaging 15.5 points and 7.2 rebounds and has hit the 20-point mark on five occasions. Earlier this season, he had 28 points and seven boards against Pitt.
James Akinjo, Arizona: Another Georgetown transfer, Akinjo won't play in the NCAA tournament this season after Arizona self-imposed a postseason ban, but he has been one of the best point guards out West for most of the season. He has had his off nights, but he is coming off two games against Remy Martin and Arizona State during which he totaled 40 points and nine assists in two wins for the Wildcats. On the season, Akinjo is averaging 14.3 points and 5.5 assists -- better numbers than he ever averaged for the Hoyas.
Mike Smith, Michigan: Smith's numbers aren't as good as those of some other names in this first category, but he is the starting point guard for the Big Ten favorites and a potential Final Four team. And he has adapted his game from being the focal point of the offense at Columbia to being a distributor first, a transition that previous Ivy League graduate transfers have found difficult. Smith is averaging 8.4 points and 5.6 assists, while shooting 47.1% from 3-point range, after putting up 22.8 points and 4.5 assists last season.
Needed a change of scenery
Colin Castleton, Florida: In two seasons at Michigan, Castleton started one game and played double-digit minutes just seven times. He scored in double figures twice in 46 games. Eleven games into his career in Gainesville, Castleton has been one of the best big men in the SEC. He is averaging 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks -- and those numbers are even better since SEC play began. In his past seven games, Castleton is averaging 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.
Grant Sherfield, Nevada: Sherfield was one of several players to leave Wichita State last spring, but he has had the biggest impact at his next stop. He averaged a respectable 8.1 points last season for the Shockers, but he is up to 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists this season -- while shooting 36.3% from 3-point range. Sherfield has scored at least 20 points in seven of his past eight games, while also dishing out four assists in each of his past seven games.
James Bishop, George Washington: Bishop came out of high school with a reputation as a scorer, capable of huge nights on the offensive end. That didn't come to fruition during his freshman season at LSU, but Bishop moved back closer to home, and he has emerged in a starring role for the Colonials. He is averaging 19.8 points and 5.8 assists, scoring at least 14 points in every game and at least 20 points in nine tilts.
Dalano Banton, Nebraska: Banton was an interesting name on the transfer market a couple of years back. He averaged just 3.4 points during his lone season at Western Kentucky, but pro scouts who watched the Hilltoppers were very intrigued by his size and playmaking ability. Nebraska evidently saw the same thing, and Banton has paid back that interest. The 6-foot-9 Banton is averaging 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
Felipe Haase, Mercer: Haase was a solid player in two seasons at South Carolina, starting eight games as a sophomore. After sitting out last season, Haase is showing off his entire skill set. The 6-foot-9 Chile native is averaging 12.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and is shooting 35.6% from 3-point range. He is coming off a 23-point performance over the weekend against VMI.
Tevian Jones, Southern Utah: Jones was mostly a nonfactor during his two seasons at Illinois, seeing time as a role player as a freshman and then used sparingly during his sophomore season. But he has found a home at Southern Utah and is averaging 18.4 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 36.1% from 3 despite starting just nine of 14 games. And he has helped Southern Utah to second place in the Big Sky standings.
Peter Kiss, Bryant: Kiss started his college career with a stellar freshman season at Quinnipiac, but he wanted to try his hand at a higher level -- and found it difficult. He didn't quite carve out a consistent role at Rutgers in a little more than a season, despite starting 12 games in 2018-19, and went back to the mid-major level this season. It has worked: Kiss is averaging 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 41.5% from 3.
Ahmed Ali, Portland: Ali, a Canada native, impressed at Washington State in 2018-19, starting 24 games and averaging 7.3 points, after transferring in from junior college. But he has taken his game to a new level in the WCC, averaging 18.4 points and 3.0 assists for Portland this season. Ali is coming off a 32-point effort against San Diego, and he went for 19 points against Gonzaga earlier this season.
Dontarius James, Jacksonville: James saw plenty of high-majors pursue him out of high school and ultimately chose Xavier, but he didn't do much in two seasons with the Musketeers, totaling 25 points in 28 games. Now at Jacksonville, James has been dominant up front, averaging 18.0 points and 4.4 rebounds for the Dolphins.
Mid-major breakouts
Michael Flowers, South Alabama: The top-scoring transfer in the country, Flowers has been lighting it up for South Alabama. There was some offseason drama surrounding his eligibility waiver, but he ultimately was cleared to play right away, and Richie Riley has to be happy about that development. Flowers is averaging 22.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists and is shooting 43.3% from 3-point range. He had 32 points against Georgia Southern and 31 points against Appalachian State, and he went for 29 against Auburn earlier this season.
Marcus Shaver Jr., Boise State: Shaver's numbers aren't as impressive as those of some of the other players on this list, but he has been a key piece for a borderline top-25 team and hasn't missed a beat after transferring up from Portland. Shaver is averaging 13.5 points and 5.3 rebounds, while shooting 43.9% from 3-point range. He has hit double figures in seven of his past eight games since returning from a foot injury.
Teyvion Kirk, UIC: Kirk was supposed to suit up for Colorado State this season after starting his career with two campaigns at Ohio -- but Kirk opted to transfer to UIC despite sitting out for the Rams last season. He has been one of the best all-around mid-major transfers this season, averaging 14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.9 assists. Kirk notched a triple-double against Oakland in December and came up two rebounds short of triple-doubles on two other occasions.
Isaiah Washington, Long Beach State: The well-traveled Washington has found success at his third school. He started four games in two seasons at Minnesota, before moving back home and playing at Iona for one season, where he was a solid performer for the Gaels. But Washington has been at his best since going out West to play for the Beach. He is averaging 16.8 points and 4.1 assists while shooting 41.9% from 3. It's worth noting that Washington is one of three members of "Jelly Fam" -- a name given to a group of high school basketball players from the New York area -- to improve this season after transferring, joining Alabama's Jahvon Quinerly and SIU-Edwardsville's Sidney Wilson.
Isiah Brown, Weber State: Brown has made a few stops while trying to find his best level. He started his career at Northwestern and was a quality role player over two seasons, before moving on to Grand Canyon, where he averaged 9.3 points in 30 games. But for his final season, Brown headed to Weber State -- and he is now averaging 18.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Brown is averaging 23.3 points over his past three games.
Mike Nuga, Kent State: Another well-traveled transfer, Nuga went from junior college to Portland State (where he was a double-figure scorer); then he sat out last season, before suiting up for Kent State this season. The Canada native is averaging 19.1 points and 5.5 rebounds, while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range. He has scored at least 15 points in every game this season.
Fardaws Aimaq, Utah Valley: Canadian exports are all over this list, with Aimaq among the most productive players in the country this season. He started five games for Mercer in 2018-19, but he is now the nation's leading rebounder -- by almost three boards per game. Aimaq is averaging 16.8 points and 14.9 rebounds and has the Wolverines unbeaten in the WAC.
Gerrale Gates, Holy Cross: Gates had a solid two seasons at New Orleans, earning Southland freshman of the year honors in 2018-19 and averaging 8.4 points in both seasons. Now in the Patriot League, Gates has been among the league's top frontcourt players. He is averaging 18.3 points and 7.3 rebounds, and has two 20-10 performances in his past three games.
Second-chance stars
TJ Starks, Cal State Northridge: Starks was suspended indefinitely at the start of last season, and he left Texas A&M at the semester break. He has been one of the best players in the Big West this season, averaging 20.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists, while shooting 38.5% from 3. Starks totaled 53 points in his past two games against UC Santa Barbara.
Michael Weathers, Texas Southern: Weathers started his career at Miami (Ohio) then transferred to Oklahoma State, where he was suspended following an arrest. He left the Cowboys' program after 16 games. Weathers resurfaced a few months later at Texas Southern, and he is the latest example of Johnny Jones excelling with transfers. Weathers is averaging 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
Cam Mack, Prairie View A&M: Mack had a tumultuous one season at Nebraska. He was suspended late in the season, then he entered the transfer portal and the NBA draft, withdrew his name from the draft but experienced a very slow recruitment and eventually ended up at Prairie View A&M. Entering the week, he was averaging 14.4 points and 7.4 assists. He has the Panthers on a four-game winning streak.
Zack Bryant, Georgia Southern: Bryant, who was productive during his two-plus seasons at UAB, was dismissed from the Blazers' program after three games last season. Brian Burg landed him as one of several key newcomers for his debut season with the Eagles, and Bryant is leading the team in scoring at 14.4 points.
Grass isn't always greener
Joel Ntambwe, Texas Tech: Ntambwe showed flashes two years ago at UNLV, averaging 11.8 points and 5.5 rebounds and developing some NBA hype during his sit-out season in Lubbock. But Ntambwe played just three games this season for the Red Raiders before leaving the program.
Joshua Morgan, USC: Morgan earned Big West defensive player of the year honors as a freshman at Long Beach State last season, but he has barely been a factor for the Trojans. He became immediately eligible in December, and he has seen nine minutes total in four games. He could still be one for the future for Andy Enfield, however.
Nojel Eastern, Howard: Things haven't gone well for Eastern since leaving Purdue. Following some harsh words publicly from coach Matt Painter, Eastern announced he was heading to Michigan -- but he wasn't admitted into school and ended up at Howard. Earlier this month, Howard announced he was opting out of this season after not playing in a game.
Brycen Goodine, Providence: A former ESPN 100 recruit, Goodine has struggled at two schools in his college career. He averaged 1.9 points in 23 games at Syracuse last season, and he has totaled nine points in eight games with Providence this season.
Dimencio Vaughn, Ole Miss: Vaughn was a unanimous first-team All-MAAC selection last season at Rider and was being counted on to make an immediate impact for the Rebels. Through 13 games for Ole Miss, Vaughn is averaging 1.9 points and 1.8 rebounds.
Kevin Marfo, Texas A&M/E.J. Anosike, Tennessee: These two SEC big men were absolutely dominant at the mid-major level last season. Marfo was the nation's leading rebounder at Quinnipiac, while Anosike put up 15.7 points and 11.6 rebounds at Sacred Heart. Those numbers haven't translated to the high-major level. Marfo is averaging 3.2 points and 4.1 rebounds, with Anosike putting up 2.6 points and 2.8 rebounds.
Patrick Tape, Duke: Much was made of Tape's commitment, then decommitment, then recommitment to Duke. He was highly efficient at Columbia, but he has seen time in just five games this season for the Blue Devils. He has totaled four points and eight rebounds.