College Basketball Transfer Portal Top 5 Available Players

5) Ken Evans, Jr., Jackson State

Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Evans exemplified true grit. Nursing an ankle injury that limited his training, Evans turned to film study to sharpen his game, a strategy that proved immensely rewarding. His dedication to understanding the nuances of basketball facilitated a robust recovery and propelled him to SWAC Player of the Year—a testament to his dominance throughout the season.

Evans's prowess wasn't confined to conference play; he also shone brightly against top-tier non-conference opponents. The Mississippi native consistently lit up the scoreboard, dropping 20-plus points in clashes against Power Conference caliber foes like Missouri, Georgetown, Gonzaga, and Northwestern.

While schools like Syracuse, Mississippi State, West Virginia, Minnesota, and St. John's have drifted from the picture, FAU has made a late surge as a serious contender for Evans’s talents. After a tough offseason that left them scouting heavily for new blood, FAU seems poised to make a significant move to secure this resilient guard, hoping he can be a transformative presence for their program.

2023-24 Stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.9 APG

2) Jamir Watkins, Florida State

Former Team: Florida State (ACC) | New Team: TBD

National Championship Odds: Florida State +20000

In a surprising twist late in April, Jamir Watkins declared for the NBA Draft, signaling a potential shift to a professional career. However, merely a week later, he pivoted (slightly) by entering the transfer portal, hinting at a possible reconsideration of his collegiate options. Watkins fits the mold of a player that Leonard Hamilton, Florida State's, consistently seeks an athletic wing known for formidable defense and possessing raw talent that tantalizes NBA scouts with his potential. Like many athletically gifted collegiate players, Watkins's level of development hinges on enhancing his shooting skills. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 32.7%, refining this aspect of his game could drastically elevate his play. If Watkins can boost his shooting accuracy, his senior year could set a new trajectory for his basketball career.

SportsGrid CBB Transfer Portal Ranking: No. 33 Overall

5 Landing Spots for Jamir Watkins

2023-24 Stats: 15.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.8 APG

3) Arthur Kaluma, Kansas State

Former Team: Kansas State (Big 12) | New Team: TBD

National Championship Odds: Kansas State +8000

Kaluma was highlighted as a top-20 transfer last season, and he certainly lived up to that billing at Kansas State in the 2023-24 season. The Massachusetts native set personal bests in season averages for points, rebounds, and assists, proving to be a vital component of a team in contention for an NCAA Tournament spot for much of the season. However, despite these achievements, efficiency remains his Achilles' heel. Kaluma's career shooting percentage sits at just 43% from the field, and he averaged 2.8 turnovers per game last season.

For Kaluma to solidify his role at a prestigious blue-blood program and potentially potentially succeed at the professional level, he must address these areas of concern. Enhancing his shooting efficiency and reducing turnovers are crucial steps to elevate his game and fully realize his potential as a standout player.

SportsGrid CBB Transfer Portal Ranking: No. 75 Overall

5 Landing Spots for Arthur Kaluma

2023-24 Stats: 14.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 APG

4) Adou Thiero, Kentucky

Former Team: Kentucky (SEC) | New Team: TBD

National Championship Odds: Kentucky +3000

In the 2023-24 season, Adou Thiero made a significant leap, securing a spot in Kentucky's starting lineup, a notable change from his limited role as a freshman. His perseverance paid off, with Coach Cal entrusting him with a starting position in 19 out of his 25 games last season. However, with Calipari's exit, Thiero is poised to be among the numerous talents exiting Lexington, potentially shaking up the market. Coming from Pennsylvania as a top-three recruit, Thiero possesses the potential to make a substantial impact wherever he lands next, provided the environment suits his skill set.

SportsGrid CBB Transfer Portal Ranking: No. 90 Overall

5 Landing Spots for Adou Thiero

 2023-24 Stats: 7.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.1 APG

4) Wooga Poplar, Miami (FL)

Former Team: Miami (ACC) | New Team: TBD

National Championship Odds: Miami +6500

While Wooga Poplar showed some development and assumed a larger role in the 2023-24 season, he didn't achieve the breakout performance many had hoped for. This was part of a broader challenging season for the Hurricanes, which saw the team suffer through a tough streak of ten consecutive losses to close out the year. The disappointing season triggered a wave of departures from the program during the transfer portal period.

Despite these setbacks, Poplar still exhibits significant potential. With a 6'10" wingspan on a 6'5" frame, he possesses the physical tools that make him a compelling prospect in the transfer market. His basketball skills, particularly his shooting ability, further underscore his potential; Poplar has managed to hit 38 percent from beyond the arc and 87 percent at the free-throw line over the last two seasons. These attributes suggest that with the right development and system, Poplar could yet emerge as a standout player.

SportsGrid CBB Transfer Portal Ranking: No. 117 Overall

5 Landing Spots for Wooga Poplar

5) Ken Evans, Jr., Jackson State

Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Evans exemplified true grit. Nursing an ankle injury that limited his training, Evans turned to film study to sharpen his game, a strategy that proved immensely rewarding. His dedication to understanding the nuances of basketball facilitated a robust recovery and propelled him to SWAC Player of the Year—a testament to his dominance throughout the season.

Evans's prowess wasn't confined to conference play; he also shone brightly against top-tier non-conference opponents. The Mississippi native consistently lit up the scoreboard, dropping 20-plus points in clashes against Power Conference caliber foes like Missouri, Georgetown, Gonzaga, and Northwestern.

While schools like Syracuse, Mississippi State, West Virginia, Minnesota, and St. John's have drifted from the picture, FAU has made a late surge as a serious contender for Evans’s talents. After a tough offseason that left them scouting heavily for new blood, FAU seems poised to make a significant move to secure this resilient guard, hoping he can be a transformative presence for their program.

2023-24 Stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.9 APG