Last season, when I wrote about the continuing shift in the balance of power between transfers and freshmen when it came to men's college basketball roster construction, the discrepancy in production was staggering.
Only 17 of the top 100 freshmen were averaging double figures, with 11 of those 17 ranked as top-25 prospects coming out of high school. On the other side, 62 of the top 100 transfers in ESPN's 2022 transfer rankings were averaging double figures.
The numbers tell a similar tale this season. Sixteen top-100 freshmen were averaging double figures when I did my freshman check-in at the midway point of the season; 63 of the top 100 transfers in ESPN's 2023 transfer rankings hit the mark.
To add to that, there are 11 first-year transfers in the starting lineups of the top 10 teams in this week's AP poll. Only Marquette and Duke don't have one. Meanwhile, there are only five freshmen across those 10 lineups -- two of whom come from Duke.
Transfers are making a bigger impact than ever before in college basketball, and at the highest levels of the sport, too.
So let's look at some of this season's notable impact transfers -- as well as some who haven't panned out just yet.
Best of the best
Dalton Knecht, Tennessee Volunteers
A surefire first-team All-American, Knecht has been one of the elite scorers in men's college basketball. Averaging 19.9 points and shooting 39.1% from 3, the former Northern Colorado wing had a five-game stretch in late January that saw him average 31 points per game.
Hunter Dickinson, Kansas Jayhawks
After leaving Michigan following three highly productive seasons, Dickinson has taken his game to new heights in Lawrence. He's averaging a career-high 18.9 points and 11.1 rebounds, while leading all power-conference players in field goals per game.
David Jones drains the 2-point jumper late to give Memphis the win over Wichita State.
The Tigers were in a tailspin for much of the past few weeks, but Jones' game winner against Wichita State might have saved their season. The St. John's transfer is averaging 21.8 points and 6.8 rebounds, making him the highest-scoring transfer this season.
Love and North Carolina parting ways has worked out for both parties. The 6-foot-4 guard has given Arizona a dynamism it lacked last season and is averaging a career-high 18.9 points, while also playing the most efficient basketball of his career.
There were questions on how well Abmas' scoring production at Oral Roberts would translate to the Big 12. He's not putting up 23 every night, but he is averaging 17.7 points and distributing a career-high 4.2 assists. He's also shooting his highest percentage since 2020-21.
Spencer was viewed as the missing piece when UConn landed him in the spring following his departure from Rutgers. He has met those expectations and more. He's averaging 15.5 points and 3.2 assists, while shooting better than 45% from 3. Spencer put up 20-plus in each of his past two games.
After a solid freshman season at St. John's, Storr hit the portal and headed west to Madison. And he has been the catalyst for the best offense of the Greg Gard era, averaging 16.4 points and shooting 44% from the field.
Great Osobor, Utah State Aggies
Osobor was a highly intriguing portal addition last spring due to his incredible per-40 production. He opted to follow Danny Sprinkle from Montana State to Utah State, and his numbers have improved as expected. He's putting up 18.7 points and 9.2 rebounds.
Shahada Wells throws down powerful slam vs. SE Louisiana Lions
Shahada Wells, McNeese Cowboys
The best player on one of the nation's best mid-major teams, Wells has broken out after two seasons at TCU. He's averaging 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.0 steals and is shooting 41.8% from 3-point range. He had 30 at Michigan in December.
Cryer has been inconsistent in Big 12 play, with five games of at least 14 points and five games of eight or fewer points -- but the Baylor transfer still gives Kelvin Sampson a scoring weapon he has lacked at times in recent years. Cryer is shooting 38% from 3 and averaging 15.1 points.
Jaylon Tyson and Fardaws Aimaq, California Golden Bears
It has been a tough season in Berkeley, but the Golden Bears had won five of eight entering Wednesday night, and Tyson and Aimaq are two big reasons. Tyson, who played at Texas and Texas Tech, is averaging 20.0 points and 7.4 rebounds. Aimaq has continued his double-double ways from Utah Valley, tallying 15.3 points and 10.6 boards.
Quincy Olivari, Xavier Musketeers
ESPN's Player of the Week just dropped 43 points in a road win at DePaul -- bringing him to averages of 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds. The Rice transfer is shooting 45.4% from 3 this season.
Isaiah Swope hits the 3-point shot vs. Bradley Braves
Isaiah Swope and Ryan Conwell, Indiana State Sycamores
The Sycamores will be a popular upset pick in the NCAA tournament if they get there, with Swope and Conwell leading the way. Swope is averaging 18 points and shooting 40.4% from 3-point range, while Conwell is averaging 15.7 points and 5.1 rebounds and shooting 39.1% from 3.
Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco Dons
Mogbo has been one of the breakout stars nationally, going from 8.0 points and 7.0 boards at Montana State to a bona fide WCC star with the Dons, putting up 15.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists. The 6-8 forward has posted eight double-doubles in his past 10 games.
Marcus Domask, Illinois Fighting Illini
Following an inconsistent opening month of the season, Domask has been one of the best transfers in the Big Ten. He's averaging 15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists and is capable of huge performances: 33 points vs. Florida Atlantic, 32 points vs. Northwestern, 26 against both Purdue and Maryland.
Others: Josh Oduro, Providence Friars, Tre Mitchell, Kentucky Wildcats; Javian McCollum, Oklahoma Sooners; Zyon Pullin and Walter Clayton Jr., Florida Gators; Isaac Jones, Washington State Cougars; Arthur Kaluma and Tylor Perry, Kansas State Wildcats; Tramon Mark, Arkansas Razorbacks
Zach Edey dives on a loose ball, then passes ahead to Lance Jones for a Purdue layup.
Benefiting from a change of scenery
Lance Jones, Purdue Boilermakers
Jones' scoring numbers are actually down from what they were at Southern Illinois, but he has been the missing piece for a Purdue team fighting for a national championship. He has provided a huge boost defensively, is shooting 36.4% from 3 and has been a quality secondary ball handler. He's averaging 13.0 points, too.
Pierre Brooks, Butler Bulldogs
Thad Matta struck gold in the portal last spring. DJ Davis, Jahmyl Telfort and Posh Alexander have all made an impact, but Brooks has been the biggest surprise. He averaged just 3.6 points at Michigan State last season but is now putting up 16.0 points and 4.4 rebounds and is shooting 42.3% from 3.
Harrison Ingram, North Carolina Tar Heels
A highly touted recruit coming out of high school, Ingram didn't quite hit his stride at Stanford. In Chapel Hill, though, Ingram has been a key cog for the ACC favorite. He's averaging 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds and shooting 42.3% from 3, and is a reliable third option for Carolina.
Keshad Johnson gets up for the beautiful dunk
Keshad Johnson, Arizona Wildcats
Johnson wasn't known as a scorer during his time at San Diego State, but Tommy Lloyd wanted his team to get tougher and more athletic -- and Johnson as his power forward fit that mold. He scored double figures in each of his first 10 games and is averaging 11.4 points and 6.0 rebounds, both career highs.
Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Considered a five-star recruit in high school, Sallis was a role player at Gonzaga, never averaging more than 4.5 points. He has found a home in Winston-Salem and is one of the best scorers from the portal, averaging 17.9 points and shooting 39% from 3.
Ware was viewed as a potential lottery pick before arriving at Oregon but had an inconsistent freshman season and left Eugene for Bloomington. The 7-foot center has returned to his high school form, averaging 14.8 points and 9.1 rebounds while shooting 42.9% from 3.
Samuel was a consistent piece at Seton Hall for four seasons but is seeing the biggest role of his career in Gainesville, and his production has risen across the board. He's now averaging 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and is shooting 57.7% from the field -- all career highs.
Tanner Holden, Wright State Raiders; Ali Ali, Akron Zips; and Jordan Ivy-Curry, UTSA Roadrunners
These players shouldn't come as a surprise. In 2021-22, Holden averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 rebounds at Wright State, Ali put up 13.9 points at Akron and Ivy-Curry scored 13.9 points at UTSA. After struggling at Ohio State and Butler, respectively, Holden and Ali returned to their former schools. Holden is now at 16.3 points and 6.3 boards, while Ali is averaging 15.7 points. Meanwhile, Ivy-Curry went from 10.3 points at Pacific to 18.8 at UTSA.
PJ Haggerty, Tulsa Golden Hurricane
There's not a player who has improved his scoring production more than Haggerty, who put up 2.8 points in six games at TCU last season but is now at Tulsa and averaging 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Others: Joe Toussaint, Texas Tech Red Raiders; Olivier Nkamhoua, Michigan Wolverines; Jayden Epps and Dontrez Styles, Georgetown Hoyas; Jamir Watkins, Florida State Seminoles; Tamar Bates, Missouri Tigers; DJ Horne, NC State Wolfpack
Jalen Cook gets the hoop and the harm
Late arrivals providing a boost
He wasn't eligible until 10 games into the season, but the Tulane transfer is leading the team in scoring at 15.5 points and has hit the 20-point mark on three occasions -- including last weekend in a blowout win over Arkansas.
RaeQuan Battle, Kerr Kriisa and Noah Farrakhan, West Virginia Mountaineers
The Mountaineers have struggled for most of the season, but they did get a shot in the arm when Battle, Kriisa and Farrakhan were cleared to play. Battle is the team's leading scorer at 15.6 points per game, while Kriisa (11.8 PPG) and Farrakhan (9.9 PPG) have also been key contributors.
A two-time transfer from Mississippi State and Georgia Tech, Smith wasn't eligible until mid-December but is averaging 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists for a team fighting for the NCAA tournament. In six games as a starter, he's up to 15.8 points, 6.7 boards and 7.0 assists.
RJ Luis Jr., St. John's Red Storm
Luis didn't make his debut until Nov. 25 and then missed another month before returning just before Christmas after dealing with hand and shin injuries. But he has been a key part of Rick Pitino's rotation, averaging 9.6 points and 4.3 rebounds despite a down few weeks.
Efton Reid rocks the rim with powerful dunk
Efton Reid III, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The Demon Deacons won the first seven games in which the Gonzaga transfer was eligible, a stretch that included two double-doubles and four double-figure scoring outings. His numbers have slowed down, but Reid is still averaging 8.8 points and 8.6 boards.
Adam Miller, Arizona State Sun Devils
He started 29 games as a freshman at Illinois, then started all 33 games for LSU last season. This season, he has started all 13 games in which he has been eligible for ASU and is averaging 10.5 points and 3.2 rebounds.
Brandon Murray hits the basket Texas A&M Aggies
Brandon Murray and Moussa Cisse, Ole Miss Rebels
Cisse was cleared to play a few games before Murray, but while neither has lived up to the expectations set by their previous production, they've provided high-level depth for an NCAA tournament-caliber team. They've also both shown flashes, including Cisse going for 12 points and four blocks against Auburn and Murray having eight points and eight boards against Texas A&M.
Bonham spent two seasons at VMI, then transferred to Florida, where he struggled, before opting to rejoin his former coach, Dan Earl, at Chattanooga. It's been great for Bonham and the Mocs, as the point guard is averaging 17.2 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Others: Aziz Bandaogo, Cincinnati Bearcats; Tyree Ihenacho, North Dakota Fighting Hawks; Sean Durugordon, Siena Saints; Keylan Boone, UNLV Rebels; Joe Bamisile, VCU Rams; David Green, Rhode Island Rams; Andre Curbelo, Southern Miss Golden Eagles; Primo Spears, Florida State Seminoles; Bradley Ezewiro, Saint Louis Billikens; Keyon Menifield Jr., Arkansas Razorbacks
Tyon Grant-Foster gets the hoop and the harm
Mid-major breakouts
Tyon Grant-Foster, Grand Canyon Lopes
One of the most inspiring stories in men's college basketball, Grant-Foster started his career at Kansas before transferring to DePaul, where he played one half of one game before collapsing and needing to be resuscitated. He's now averaging 19.0 points and 5.6 rebounds for the first-place Lopes.
While Dayton's DaRon Holmes II gets most of the national attention from the Atlantic 10, King has the Spiders tied with the Flyers atop the standings. He's averaging 19.1 points and 4.1 rebounds after being a double-figure scorer at East Tennessee State and Siena.
Duke Miles, High Point Panthers
High Point looks like a real threat in Alan Huss' first year at the helm, and it's his use of the portal that has turned the Panthers around so quickly. Miles is the best, but Kezza Giffa and Kimani Hamilton have also been key. Miles is averaging 19.1 points and 3.6 assists and had a three-game stretch in January with at least 23 points in each one.
Yohan Traore, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
A top-30 recruit coming out of high school, Traore was barely a factor at Auburn as a freshman. But he has found new life out west and is putting up 15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds for UCSB, with at least 20 points in five games this season.
Noah Reynolds drives to the basket for the easy lay-in.
Noah Reynolds, Green Bay Phoenix
First-year head coach Sundance Wicks did well to get Reynolds out of the portal -- and the pair has the Phoenix atop the Horizon League standings. Reynolds is averaging 19.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists and has put up 30-plus points on five occasions.
KK Robinson, Little Rock Trojans
Robinson started his career at Arkansas before transferring to Texas A&M and barely played at either SEC school. He opted to transfer back home to Little Rock and is now averaging 15.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Trojans.
Robert McCray V, Jacksonville Dolphins
McCray V is another former high-major player who transferred down and is having major success. The 6-4 guard went from 1.9 points in 4.1 minutes in 2021-22 at Wake Forest to 16.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in nearly 29 minutes this season for the Dolphins.
Saint Thomas knocks down the trey
Saint Thomas, Northern Colorado Bears
Thomas has exploded after spending two seasons at Loyola Chicago, where he averaged 3.2 points and 3.1 rebounds with five starts total. At Northern Colorado, Thomas is a double-double machine, averaging 20.3 points and 10.0 rebounds.
KyKy Tandy, Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Tandy spent four seasons with Xavier, but after two solid campaigns to start his collegiate career he faded to the back of the rotation. He has recharged with the Gamecocks, now averaging 18.6 points and shooting nearly 40% from 3.
Others: Tai'Reon Joseph, Southern Jaguars; Daniel Batcho, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs; Keyshawn Hall, George Mason Patriots; Xander Rice, Monmouth Hawks
Nicolas Timberlake makes a great defensive play for the steal
Grass isn't always greener
Nicolas Timberlake, Kansas Jayhawks
After being one of the best players in the CAA the past three seasons, Timberlake transferred up to the Jayhawks. He had 13 points in the opener but has struggled for consistent minutes in the three months since, averaging 3.4 points in 10.7 minutes.
Isaac Mushila, New Mexico Lobos
A double-double machine the past two seasons at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Mushila departed after coach Steve Lutz left for Western Kentucky. He has been on the bench for most of Mountain West play, though, averaging 2.0 points and 3.2 boards in 9.8 minutes.
Ellis had the ultimate green light last season at Louisville, averaging 17.7 points and playing 36.0 minutes. He started the first four games of this season and three games in January, but it's been a roller coaster otherwise. He's averaging 5.6 points.
Essam Mostafa, TCU Horned Frogs
Mostafa was a highly productive scorer and rebounder at Coastal Carolina, averaging a double-double in his final season and putting up 12.6 points and 9.4 rebounds over three years. He has struggled in Big 12 play, averaging 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds.
Jackson Paveletzke, Iowa State Cyclones
Paveletzke averaged 15.1 points on 39.3% 3-point shooting as a freshman at Wofford before going to Iowa State. While the Cyclones are a top-15 team nationally, Paveletzke has seen his minutes fall off dramatically in Big 12 play. He's averaging 4.4 points.
Connor Vanover, Missouri Tigers
After inconsistency over his first three seasons at California and Arkansas, Vanover seemed to find a home at Oral Roberts last season, averaging 12.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks. But after Paul Mills left for Wichita State, Vanover hit the portal -- and is now averaging just 3.9 points in 11.6 minutes.