The transfer portal deadline has passed, signaling the end of a hectic six-week stretch in college basketball. The cutoff at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on May 1 marked the last chance for players to enter the portal and be eligible for the upcoming season, with some high-profile names waiting until the final hours to make their move.
Two notable additions to the portal were Minnesota’s all-Big Ten freshman Cam Christie and Florida State’s star Jamir Watkins. Both players are currently exploring the NBA Draft, but their portal entries suggest that if they decide to return to college basketball, they’ll be suiting up for different schools next season. They’re both top-50 talents in the rankings, providing significant intrigue for college programs seeking talent on the perimeter.
Among other noteworthy names entering the portal on the deadline day were Arkansas forward Trevon Brazilie and Samford big man Achor Achor. Both players have the physical attributes and skills that attract attention. Like Christie and Watkins, Brazilie and Achor are also testing the NBA Draft waters.
Players who made it into the portal by the May 1 deadline have time to choose their new destination ahead of the 2024-25 season. Those participating in the NBA Draft process have until May 29 to withdraw and return to college.
Here are some of the top transfers and their new schools:
1. **Johnell Davis** (FAU to Arkansas): Davis was instrumental in FAU’s 2023 Final Four run. He averaged 18.2 points in 2023-24 and shot 41.4% from beyond the arc. If he opts to stay in college, he’ll join Arkansas, where he’ll play for first-year coach John Calipari.
2. **Tucker DeVries** (Drake to West Virginia): DeVries is a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. The 6-7 wing averaged 21.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 2023-24. He is joining West Virginia, where his father, Darian DeVries, has taken the head coaching job.
3. **Norchad Omier** (Miami): Omier is an undersized but tenacious big man, known for his aggressive rebounding and high-efficiency shooting. In 2023-24, he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game with a nearly 60% shooting accuracy from the field.
4. **AJ Storr** (Wisconsin to Kansas): Storr emerged as a significant scoring threat for Wisconsin, averaging 16.8 points in the 2023-24 season. He brings size and versatility to Kansas, where he could become an even more efficient scorer alongside other playmakers.
5. **Kadary Richmond** (Seton Hall): Richmond was a standout for Seton Hall, leading the team in scoring with 15.7 points per game and providing solid defense. His versatility as a two-way player makes him a valuable addition for any team with championship aspirations.
6. **Jeremy Roach** (Duke to Baylor): Roach is a veteran point guard with experience playing for Duke under both Mike Krzyzewski and Jon Scheyer. He averaged 14 points per game in 2023-24, shooting nearly 43% from beyond the arc. Roach brings leadership and steady playmaking to Baylor, where he’ll likely fill the void left by RayJ Dennis.
These transfers are expected to have a significant impact on the landscape of college basketball in the upcoming season, with many teams gaining experienced players capable of making an immediate difference.
