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Our favorite college basketball transfer portal fits of 2023: Part 2 – 247Sports
Some big names in college basketball have found new homes via the transfer portal this offseason. And while there are plenty of players with new programs to be excited about, there were a few stars who stood out from the rest and caught our attention. This prompted 247Sports to ask our analysts to share their favorite transfer portal move and to explain why they think this new school will be a great fit for said player.
Here are the seven moves that we think are among the most exciting transitions in college basketball, as of April 20.
Jesse Edwards to West Virginia is one that I feel has seemingly gone under the radar.
He didn’t enter college with a lot of fanfare and wasn’t particularly good his first few seasons. Because of that, the massive strides he’s taken over the last two seasons have been a little overlooked.
247Sports currently has him ranked as the No. 4 overall in our transfer portal rankings and I feel he’s going to be a true difference maker. Looking around the Big 12, not a lot of programs are going to have a near seven-footer who can move, rebound and protect the rim like Edwards can. On top of everything else, I think Edwards has a lot more to his game on the offensive end than finishing lobs and cleaning up junk around the rim.
In Morgantown, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if he shows off more touch and diversity on the offensive end of the floor. There are still portal additions to be made, but where things stand as of today, Edwards is probably the best big man in the Big 12 conference.
— Eric Bossi, 247Sports Director of Recruiting
Gradey Dick was not Kansas’ best player last season, but the dazzling 5-star freshman may have been the most important piece of the Jayhawks’ offense. Kansas was at its deadliest last year when Dick was feeling it from downtown. With Dick off to the 2023 NBA draft, Bill Self needed a sharpshooter to replace him.
Enter Nick Timberlake.
The Towson veteran is the best catch-and-shoot sniper in the transfer portal, shredding the nets at a 43% clip last season which rated in the 90th percentile nationally, per Synergy. Kansas flexed its muscles by beating out UConn and North Carolina for Timberlake. And most importantly, Timberlake should have no issues playing with anyone in the country. This includes a certain highly touted transfer from Michigan who just so happens to be coming to Kansas for a visit in a few days.
If Timberlake is Kansas’ fourth-best player next season, then that’s a first-world problem. But there’s plenty of upside, too. He’s a grand slam addition for the Jayhawks.
— Isaac Trotter, 247Sports National Writer
Oklahoma brought in one of the true prizes of the transfer portal in Javian McCollum.
The combo guard ranks as the No. 10 overall transfer to hit the market this offseason and will provide Oklahoma with another weapon to pair alongside Milos Uzan.
McCollum may not possess the physical gifts of a Big 12 or SEC guard, but his skill set makes him a lethal shot maker and a dynamic playmaker. Not to mention he still has two years of eligibility left.
Similar to Grant Sherfield’s role in 2022-23, McCollum will get ample opportunities next season to operate out of ball screens. He will also provide the Sooners with a high volume scoring punch via his impressive playmaking.
— Travis Branham, 247Sports Recruiting Analyst
Nimari Burnett isn’t even the most high profile combo guard to transfer to Ann Arbor this season. That honor belongs to former Tar Heel Caleb Love. But while Love has been “streaky dynamism” personified, Burnett can make Michigan better by simply being consistent.
It’s not that Burnett lacks ability. The former McDonald’s All-American was 247Sports’ No. 38 overall player in the 2020 class. And he’s been limited by injuries to this point; Burnett suffered a torn ACL that cost him the 2021-22 season, then had two injuries this past season — including wrist surgery that cost him more than a month. In that respect, Burnett represents untapped potential and a high-ceiling swing for a Wolverines squad that is looking for added star power. Burnett is on his third college team, but unlike many players in that circumstance, we have yet to have a chance to see him full go for a full season.
Despite his injuries, the steadiness of Burnett’s game comes from his ability to be a defender and his skills as a catch-and-shoot threat. Teams are always looking for 3-and-D players. And whether Burnett does that as a starter or a key reserve for the 2023-24 Wolverines, it’s a role that Michigan needs to be filled.
He’s shown his ability to do this at Alabama. Burnett scored 18 points in 23 minutes and made 5-of-6 shots (all 3-pointers) early in the season against Jacksonville State. Then, after coming back from wrist surgery, he scored 29 points in a combined 36 minutes in back-to-back games against Vanderbilt and LSU, making 7-of-14 3-pointers in the process.
Burnett isn’t locked into a 3-and-D role. He’s shown some positive flashes in a small sample size as a pick-and-roll ball-handler. But his ability to fill that role right off the bat, and potentially build from there, makes him a great fit for a rebuilding Michigan team.
— Kevin Flaherty, 247Sports National Writer
I’m think Chance Westry will be a great fit for Syracuse.
Obviously, he didn’t live up to expectations at Auburn, but the Orange could be a better home for him. He has the type of positional size that Syracuse has typically valued in the backcourt. And if Red Autry decides to stick with the program’s trademark zone, then Westry should be a defensive weapon.
Offensively, he has upside as a big lead guard and should get opportunities to play with the ball in his hands similar to the way Judah Mintz did this year. Of course, Mintz’ status for next season will have a lot to do with how significant the immediate opportunity is. But whether it is this year or next, Westry looks poised to replace Mintz as the team’s primary lead guard.
— Adam Finkelstein, 247Sports Director of Scouting
North Carolina State can provide a very good opportunity for Kansas transfer MJ Rice.
Rice, a former Top 40 prospect and McDonald’s All-American, saw limited opportunity for the Jayhawks, averaging just 2.2 points and 1 rebound per game last season. And with several forwards leaving NC State via the transfer portal, Rice has a chance to come in and see immediate playing time for the Wolfpack.
Rice made his name by creating mismatches offensively. Rice is a big guard who can play either the two or three. Additionally, his strong frame and skill set allows him to play through contact while also being a consistent scoring threat.
I believe Rice’s relationship with head coach Kevin Keatts will be the key to his success. Keatts already understands the Durham native’s game which should allow Rice to be comfortable and aggressive from day one.
— Dushawn London, 247Sports Recruiting Analyst
I believe Jace Carter‘s recent commitment to Texas A&M will be a great move for everyone involved.
With Dexter Dennis graduating, Carter should be able to provide a perimeter scoring and rebounding option for the Aggies. He also has a winning approach to the game and his play style exudes the toughness Buzz Williams values on a daily basis.
Although he is coming from the Missouri Valley Conference, he should be able to adjust to the SEC and immediately contribute to a team looking to build on an impressive 2022-23 season.
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