NCAAB · 1 year ago

Predicting Landing Spots for the Top 5 Available CBB Transfers

David Connelly

Host · Writer

5. Ken Evans Jr.
Evans showed a ton of resilience ahead of the 2023-24 season. After suffering an ankle injury that hindered much of his offseason, Evans mentions that he spent much of the summer watching film to get better and prepare for the upcoming season. It paid dividends as Evans became SWAC Player of the Year and dominated the conference all season. Teams should also be impressed with his stronger showings in the non-conference play against more vigorous opponents. The Mississippi native poured in 20 or more points against Missouri, Georgetown, Gonzaga, and Northwestern last season.

Syracuse, Mississippi State, West Virginia, Minnesota, and St. John's have seemingly come and gone as opportunities for Evans. FAU has emerged late as a contender for his talents, a school desperate to land some talent after being gutted in the offseason.

2023-24 Stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.9 APG
1. Coleman Hawkins (Illinois)
Coleman Hawkins declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility, though most believed his college days were behind him. His surprise return to the college ranks makes him undoubtedly the top player left in the portal. He provides a highly versatile player who contributed significantly to the Illini’s success. He can score both in the post and from the perimeter, rebound, defend effectively using his length, and offers solid playmaking. His lively personality and playful social media presence make him a beloved figure among fans but a thorn in the side of opponents.

The frontrunners to land Hawkins so far have been rumored to be North Carolina and Louisville. He has also ruled out any sort of return to Illinois with a farewell post during his draft process.

2023-24 Stats: 12.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.7 APG
2. Jamir Watkins (Florida State)
In late April, Jamir Watkins declared for the NBA Draft, seemingly committed to that path. But just prior to the deadline, Watkins turned right around and chose to return to college hoops for one more season. For those familiar with Leonard Hamilton's tenure at Florida State, Watkins fits the profile of the athletic wings Hamilton often recruits. He excels as a defender and possesses raw potential that excites scouts with his high ceiling. Like many pure athletes at the collegiate level, Watkins needs to improve his shooting to elevate his game. If he can enhance his career three-point shooting average of 32.7%, there's no limit to where this rising senior's game could lead him.

Watkins has since lifted his "do not contact" tag after withdrawing from the draft process, and Michigan has pounced on him right away. The Wolverines will host him for a visit this week.

2023-24 Stats: 15.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.8 APG
3. Arthur Kaluma (Kansas State)
ArthurKaluma, one of our top 20 transfers last season, met expectations for Kansas State in 2023-24. The Massachusetts native set career highs in points, rebounds, and assists as a vital player on a team that was in the NCAA Tournament conversation for much of the season. However, his efficiency remains an area for improvement; Kaluma has a career shooting average of 43% from the field and averaged 2.8 turnovers per game last season. To secure a role at a prestigious program and achieve success at the next level, he must enhance these aspects of his game.

It's well documented that Coach Cal wanted Kaluma at Kentucky last season, so that'd put Arkansas as the slight favorite for him as we're early in his process. He also seems prepared to give the NBA a fair chance, so it could be until after the combine until we get any sort of information on Kaluma's front.

2023-24 Stats: 14.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 APG
5. Wooga Poplar (Miami)
While Wooga Poplar improved in some aspects and took on a bigger role in 2023-24, he didn't quite take the big-time leap most were expecting. That, combined with an incredibly disappointing season from the Hurricanes, led to ten consecutive losses to close out the season, forcing most players out of the program come portal time. Poplar is still a raw talent with a 6'10" wingspan on just a 6'5" frame, giving him the physical tools to be a potential steal from the portal. While boasting his length, he is still capable of knocking down jump shots as a 38 percent three-point shooter and converting 87 percent of his free throws over the past two seasons.

Kansas, Duke, and Arkansas originally headlined an impressive list that has reached out to Poplar, per Adam Zagoria. But since, Villanova has emerged as a real frontrunner in the race with some rumors that he's already committed to the Wildcats. If the right head coach can get their hands on him, his growth could be exponential during his senior season.

2023-24 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.1 APG
5. Ken Evans Jr.
Evans showed a ton of resilience ahead of the 2023-24 season. After suffering an ankle injury that hindered much of his offseason, Evans mentions that he spent much of the summer watching film to get better and prepare for the upcoming season. It paid dividends as Evans became SWAC Player of the Year and dominated the conference all season. Teams should also be impressed with his stronger showings in the non-conference play against more vigorous opponents. The Mississippi native poured in 20 or more points against Missouri, Georgetown, Gonzaga, and Northwestern last season.

Syracuse, Mississippi State, West Virginia, Minnesota, and St. John's have seemingly come and gone as opportunities for Evans. FAU has emerged late as a contender for his talents, a school desperate to land some talent after being gutted in the offseason.

2023-24 Stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.9 APG
1. Coleman Hawkins (Illinois)
Coleman Hawkins declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility, though most believed his college days were behind him. His surprise return to the college ranks makes him undoubtedly the top player left in the portal. He provides a highly versatile player who contributed significantly to the Illini’s success. He can score both in the post and from the perimeter, rebound, defend effectively using his length, and offers solid playmaking. His lively personality and playful social media presence make him a beloved figure among fans but a thorn in the side of opponents.

The frontrunners to land Hawkins so far have been rumored to be North Carolina and Louisville. He has also ruled out any sort of return to Illinois with a farewell post during his draft process.

2023-24 Stats: 12.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.7 APG

Predicting Landing Spots for the Top 5 Available CBB Transfers

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