Rating faculty basketball’s prime dedicated transfers: Arizona’s James Akinjo heading to Baylor

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James Akinjo was the 2019 Large East Freshman of the Yr and a 2021 First-Workforce All-Pac-12 honoree. Now the 6-foot-1 guard is shifting on to a 3rd main faculty basketball convention. Akinjo introduced Friday that he is transferring to Baylor after stints at Georgetown and Arizona.

Although Akinjo might have a waiver for instant eligibility since he is already transferred as soon as, he’ll be an impression participant for the Bears each time he does swimsuit up. The previous top-100 prospect led Arizona in scoring and assists within the 2020-21 season whereas demonstrating an improved exterior shot.

Akinjo will merely be the newest in a rising line of transfers to swimsuit up at Baylor after the Bears rode the contributions of switch guards MaCio Teague, Davion Mitchell and Adam Flagler to the 2021 nationwide title.

New gamers are getting into the portal every day and others are selecting their new properties. Retaining observe of all of the motion is a headache for school coaches whose full-time jobs are devoted largely to roster administration. However for frequent followers, retaining tabs on all of the strikes may be practically unimaginable. For the sake of simplifying that activity, we’ve got compiled an inventory right here of the game’s prime dedicated transfers.

These rankings are shifting and increasing over time to accommodate new commitments and unintentional omissions from a crop of nicely over 1,000 Division I gamers who’re on the transfer. However for now, this is a look at how issues on the prime transfers who’ve dedicated to new faculties for the 2021-22 season.

1. Walker Kessler

Old fashioned: North Carolina | New college: Auburn

Kessler received off to a gradual begin at UNC on account of COVID-19 protocols that put him behind a couple of different high-quality bigs within the rotation. However as soon as Kessler received an opportunity to shine late within the season, it grew to become clear why he was ranked the No. 22 general prospect within the Class of 2020 within the 247Sports Composite. For instance, the 7-footer scored 20 factors on 9-of-10 capturing in a season-high 24 minutes throughout a win over Florida State on Feb. 27. There’s a faculty basketball star — and potential future NBA participant — ready to blossom inside that lanky body at Auburn.

Old fashioned: Georgetown | New college: Maryland

Wahab was a key drive in Georgetown’s run via the Large East Match as he started enjoying one of the best basketball of his two-year faculty profession. Now Wahab and his 6-11 body are headed to a Maryland group that was clearly undersized final season.

Old fashioned: California | New college: San Diego State

Bradley is a bucket-getter who’s constructed like a linebacker. He has been filling up field scores within the Pac-12 for 3 seasons with a profession 3-point capturing proportion of 40.2% and likewise makes use of his physicality to succeed in the free-throw line with regularity.

4. Timmy Allen

Old fashioned: Utah | New college: Texas

Allen is a first-team All-Pac-12 performer who has been a gentle scorer and rebounder in 82 profession begins for the Utes. The 6-6 ahead additionally averaged 3.9 assists per sport this previous season. At his top, he must develop a greater exterior shot with a purpose to enhance his NBA attraction. Within the meantime, he’ll be a key participant wherever he lands.

5. James Akinjo

Old fashioned: Arizona | New college: Baylor

Akinjo averaged 15.6 factors and 5.4 assists on 40.8% 3-point capturing at Arizona this season after transferring in from Georgetown. The 6-1 guard will probably want a waiver for instant eligibility at Baylor. However each time he does swimsuit up for the Bears, you may relaxation assured he’ll be an impression participant. Nobody is healthier at taking switch guards and turning them into nationwide stars than Baylor coach Scott Drew.

Old fashionedNorth Carolina | New college: Mississippi State

Brooks had a disappointing 2020-21 season after he was a drive within the 2019-20 season. However the 6-10 ahead could have a terrific likelihood to be an all-SEC performer throughout his tremendous senior season at Mississippi State. His father is an assistant coach, and Brooks ought to assist elevate the Bulldogs after they completed 8-10 within the SEC this season.

7. Liam Robbins

Old fashioned: Minnesota | New college: Vanderbilt

Robbins started his faculty profession at Drake within the midst of a bodily transformation that noticed him evolve from pudgy, unranked prospect into one thing of an fascinating challenge for a mid-major college. By the top of his sophomore 12 months with the Bulldogs, he was among the finest gamers within the Missouri Valley Convention. He handled foul bother and a nagging ankle damage with Minnesota this previous season, however his sport translated nicely to the Large Ten when he was on the court docket. Although already 22, Robbins could have two season of eligibility remaining.

Old fashioned: East Carolina | New college: Virginia

Gardner is a 6-7 ahead who averaged 18 factors per sport in three seasons at ECU whereas working nearly solely contained in the arc. He is additionally rebounder who ought to be capable to produce at a excessive stage in a harder convention.

Old fashioned: Pittsburgh | New college: Indiana

Indiana is getting a participant who has averaged 13.7 factors, 4.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 steals per sport throughout 81 profession begins at an ACC college. Johnson is barely a profession 33.6% exterior shooter and has been turnover-prone. However he grew as a distributor this season, and if first-year Indiana coach Mike Woodson can forged him within the right position, he will probably be a useful contributor for the Hoosiers subsequent season.

10. Myreon Jones

Old fashionedPenn State | New collegeFlorida

Jones led Penn State in scoring this previous season as a junior and is a profession 37.6% 3-point shooter who takes excellent care of the basketball. He was an All-Large Ten honorable point out who will probably be tasked with serving to substitute the manufacturing of Tre Mann.

Old fashionedDavidson | New collegeKentucky

Grady grew to become the sixth participant in Davidson historical past to succeed in the two,000 level mark this season The 6-6 guard is a profession 36.6% 3-point shooter on 656 makes an attempt, and he shot a career-best 38.2% on a career-high 6.9 makes an attempt this season. Kentucky wants extra capturing, and Grady ought to be capable to present some.

12. Earl Timberlake

Old fashioned: Miami | New college: Memphis

Timberlake performed solely seven video games for Miami as a freshman after arriving because the No. 35 participant within the 2020 class. First, he was slowed by an ankle damage, after which he was dominated out for the season in February on account of a shoulder damage. If he can regain his bodily kind, Timberlake needs to be a starter for a Memphis group with with NCAA Match aspirations in coach Penny Hardaway’s fourth season.

Oscar Tshiebwe was off to stellar freshman season earlier than leaving West Virginia
USATSI

Old fashionedWest Virginia | New college: Kentucky

Tshiebwe is a basic large man with little offensive vary however the muscle and talent to do harm within the paint. He was nice for West Virginia as a freshman earlier than the paint received too crowded. The No. 31 prospect from the Class of 2019 will probably be a giant assist for Kentucky.

Old fashioned: South Dakota | New college: Arkansas

Umude racked up greater than 1,500 factors in his four-year South Dakota profession and averaged 21.5 factors this season. That was second within the Summit League behind Oral Roberts star Max Abmas. Deciphering how Umude’s prolific offensive numbers would translate to an influence convention is hard since he is only a profession 34.2% 3-point shooter. Nevertheless, his 6-6 body, high quality rebounding and attention-grabbing manufacturing from this previous season are robust to disregard. Plus, Arkansas coach Eric Musselman is aware of what he is doing within the switch sport.

15. Myles Johnson

Old fashioned: Rutgers | New college: UCLA

Johnson emerged as one of many Large Ten’s finest shot blockers this season whereas serving to Rutgers to its first NCAA Match victory since 1983. He isn’t a lot of an offensive weapon, however his protection and rebounding are interesting, and his dimension is precisely what UCLA wants.

Old fashioned: Kansas Metropolis | New college: Florida

McKissic led Kansas Metropolis in scoring at 17.2 factors per sport this season, however protection is definitely his calling card. The 6-3 guard was the Summit League’s Defensive Participant of the Yr. Not unhealthy for a participant who additionally hit 42.9% of his 3-point makes an attempt.

17. Kadary Richmond

Old fashioned: Syracuse | New college: Seton Corridor

Richmond performed stable two-way basketball off the bench for Syracuse as a freshman after getting into as a top-100 prospect within the Class of 2020. The 6-5 wing possesses nice upside and will probably be a drive for Seton Corridor if his 3-point shot continues to develop.

Old fashioned: Miami | New college: Arkansas

Lykes performed simply two video games within the 2020-21 season as he battled an ankle damage. However the 5-7 guard has a 92-game physique of labor from Miami that implies he’ll transition to the SEC with no downside. Lykes averaged 16.2 factors as a sophomore and 15.4 as a junior whereas bettering his 3-point capturing from 31.8% to 38.1%.

19. Oumar Ballo

Old fashionedGonzaga | New college: Arizona

Ballo appeared in 24 video games for Gonzaga this season however averaged simply 6.3 minutes per sport because the Bulldogs employed a lean rotation. With the Zags’ entrance court docket set to stay crowded, the previous top-100 heart is following Tommy Lloyd to Arizona, the place he ought to play a a lot bigger position.

Old fashionedCreighton | New college: Texas

Bishop’s position and productiveness elevated every of his three seasons at Creighton, and he made an extremely environment friendly 68.1% of his pictures on 6.7 makes an attempt per sport within the 2020-21 season. He performed as an undersized heart for the Bluejays and thrived in that position due to his athleticism.

Old fashioned: Northeastern | New college: Michigan State

The CAA Defensive Participant of the Yr was an offensive star for Northeastern as nicely. His two-way sport and distributing skill should make him a starter for the Spartans subsequent season.

22. Nimari Burnett

Old fashioned: Texas Tech | New college: Alabama

Burnett got here to Texas Tech because the No. 34 general participant within the 2020 recruiting class however left in January after simply 12 video games. The 6-4 guard did not do a lot within the 17.7 minutes per sport he performed with the Purple Raiders, however his standing as a former McDonald’s All-American suggests he might nonetheless become a terrific faculty participant.

Old fashioned: Pittsburgh | New college: Arkansas

The 6-6 guard took his offense to a brand new stage within the 2020-21 season by averaging 14.4 factors in 16 video games for the Panthers. Toney additionally improved his 3-point capturing to a serviceable 34%. His improved offensive sport and dimension on the wing ought to make him match for Arkansas’ type.

Old fashioned: Toledo | New college: Arizona State

Jackson gained MAC Participant of the Yr honors after averaging 18.1 factors, 6.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists for a Toledo squad that gained the league’s common season title. In 127 video games over 4 years with the Rockets, Jackson has racked up 1,817 profession factors, and he ought to be capable to assist an Arizona State group seeking to rebound after a disappointing season.

Old fashioned: Florida | New college: Louisville

Louisville ranked 330th nationally in 3-pointers made per sport (5.4) and 303rd in proportion (30.8%), so the addition of Locke is a godsend for the Cardinals. The previous top-100 prospect is a profession 40.4% 3-point shooter on 538 profession makes an attempt. That’s unquestionably his major talent, and it is one Louisville desperately wants.

Old fashionedRhode Island | New college: Maryland

Russell struggled to make pictures in his senior season at Rhode Island amid some nagging accidents, however the 5-10 level guard can ease again on the throttle some at Maryland and tackle extra of a distributor position. If he can recapture the 35.7% 3-point capturing mark he posted as a junior, he’ll be an amazing assist for the Terrapins.

27. Caleb Mills

Old fashioned: Houston | New college: Florida State

Mills dedicated to the Seminoles in January after showing in simply 4 video games for Houston this season. He was the AAC Preseason Participant of the Yr after averaging 13.2 factors for the Cougars as a freshman, nevertheless it’s potential he might find yourself as simply one other cog in Leonard Hamilton’s deep rotation.

28. Justin Powell

Old fashioned: Auburn | New college: Tennessee

Powell performed simply 10 video games as a freshman at Auburn earlier than a concussion ended his season. However the former three-star prospect regarded like a budding star at instances as he shot 44.2% from 3-point vary whereas additionally accumulating 6.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists per sport. He should not have any downside carving out a task at Tennessee.

29. Brady Manek

Old fashioned: Oklahoma | New college: North Carolina

Manek racked up 1,459 factors whereas averaging double figures in every of his 4 seasons with Oklahoma. The 6-9 ahead is a profession 37.4% 3-point shooter with a pleasant offensive sport who figures to play a key position for a UNC group that’s shedding quite a bit from its frontcourt.

Old fashionedMissouri | New collegeLSU

The 6-2 junior began all 26 video games for Missouri this season as a junior and averaged 13.6 factors per sport. Nevertheless, he shot a career-low 38.6% from the ground and is only a profession 33% 3-point shooter. Pinson is able to scoring in bunches when scorching, although, and he needs to be a useful participant as long as he isn’t requested to be the first distributor for his new group.

Old fashioned: Memphis | New collegeUSC

Ellis supplied up flashes of offensive greatness in two seasons at Memphis, comparable to when he scored 27 factors towards Houston within the AAC Match this 12 months. The previous top-40 prospect from the Class of 2019 improved his 3-point capturing as a sophomore and may very well be extra of a major scoring possibility at USC.

32. Micah Peavy

Old fashioned: Texas Tech | New college: TCU

A top-50 prospect from the 2020 class, Peavy began 25 video games for Texas Tech as a freshman. Although he tried simply three 3-pointers the whole season, Peavy may very well be a stable faculty participant for years to come back due to his physicality and flexibility.

33. DJ Jeffries

Old fashionedMemphis | New college: Mississippi State

Jeffries confirmed large promise as a freshman earlier than a knee damage ended his season after 19 video games. He averaged 25.6 minutes per sport this season however wasn’t fairly in a position to recapture his earlier manufacturing. Nonetheless, there’s a lot to love concerning the body and sport of this 6-7 former four-star prospect who can rating in any respect three ranges.

Old fashioned: Sam Houston State | New college: SMU

Nutall made 37.2% of his 3-point makes an attempt as a junior this season and led Sam Houston State with 19.3 factors per sport. The AAC is not referred to as an offensively explosive league, and Nutall ought to assist the Mustangs put some factors on the board.

Old fashioned: Furman | New college: Alabama

At 6-8 and with a confirmed 3-point shot, Gurley ought to be capable to play a number of positions for the Crimson Tide and assist present the ground spacing that’s essential to success in Alabama’s 3-point heavy system. After redshirting his first 12 months at Furman, he’ll be a fifth-year junior who brings veteran manufacturing.

36. Phlandrous Fleming

Old fashioned: Charleston Southern | New college: Florida

Fleming is Florida’s second switch dedication who was each his group’s main scorer and the defensive participant of the 12 months in his outdated league, becoming a member of Kansas Metropolis’s Brandon McKissic in that class. Fleming’s accolades got here within the Large South, the place he averaged 20.1 factors and 1.8 steals this previous season for Charleston Southern.

Old fashioned: Indiana | New college: Virginia

Franklin hit 42.4% of his 3-pointers and averaged 11.4 factors per sport for Indiana as a sophomore and needs to be an instantaneous contributor for a revamped Virginia squad. He also needs to slot in nicely with the Cavaliers’ defense-first emphasis.

Old fashioned: Drake | New college: Kansas

With star wing ShanQuan Hemphill restricted by damage and place to begin guard Roman Penn out with a damaged foot, Drake turned to Yesufu late within the season, and he delivered. After enjoying a bench position for the primary season and a half of his profession, the explosive 6-foot guard averaged 23.2 factors in Drake’s ultimate 9 video games and turned in among the finest dunks of the NCAA Match in a First 4 victory over Wichita State.

39. AJ Bramah

Old fashioned: Robert Morris | New college: Arizona State

Bramah averaged 21 factors and 10.3 rebounds in 12 video games in 12 video games this season as a 6-7 wing. Predicting how that manufacturing will translate to the Pac-12 for a participant with no exterior shot is hard, however you may’t blame Arizona State for taking a swing.

Old fashioned: Georgia | New college: Dayton

Camara’s utilization improved significantly as a sophomore this previous season, and the 6-8 ahead responded by making 55.3% of his 2-point makes an attempt. His exterior shot stays a piece in progress, however Camara’s athleticism and prowess on the boards make him a pleasant addition for Dayton.

41. Kyler Edwards

Old fashioned: Texas Tech | New college: Houston

Edwards hit 41.8% of his 3-pointers this season whereas beginning 26 video games for the Purple Raiders. With three years of expertise below his belt, together with 12 factors scored within the 2019 nationwide title sport, Edwards is a confirmed commodity within the combo guard slot who defends nicely and may be capable to assist a Houston program that depends closely on transfers.

Old fashioned: Indiana | New college: Windfall

Durham averaged a career-best 11.3 factors as a senior for Indiana. After capturing 38% from 3-point vary up to now two seasons, he ought to present a pleasant enhance for a Windfall squad that ranked 261st nationally in 3-point proportion at 32% this previous season.

Old fashioned: Marshall | New college: Louisville

West handed out six assists per sport and hit 40.8% of his 3-pointers for Marshall this season. A Louisville group that wants extra shooters snatched him up rapidly.

Old fashionedDuke | New college: Oklahoma

As a three-star prospect within the Class of 2017, Goldwire was by no means anticipated to be a star. As an alternative, he developed right into a dependable position participant in 4 years with the Blue Devils. The 6-2 guard is a stable defender, as evidenced by the truth that he averaged 2.2 steals per sport this season, and he might tackle an elevated offensive position with the Sooners.

Old fashioned: South Alabama | New college: Washington State

Washington State will probably be Flowers’ third collegiate cease after he developed right into a stable scorer at Western Michigan after which led the Solar Belt in scoring at South Alabama this previous season. Flowers could not get 15.3 pictures per sport with the Cougars like he did this season, however he is an environment friendly 3-point shooter who will present WSU with a pleasant offensive enhance.

46. Marcus Williams

Old fashioned: Wyoming | New college: Texas A&M

The 6-foot-2 Williams was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Yr after averaging 14.8 factors and 4.3 assists for a group that made a serious turnaround below first-year coach Jeff Linder. He will probably be a key a part of Buzz Williams’ efforts to get Texas A&M circled.

Old fashionedJapanese Washington | New college: Oklahoma

Putting an excessive amount of emphasis on a single sport is a scouting pitfall, but when Groves is half the participant he gave the impression to be in Japanese Washington’s loss to Kansas within the NCAA Match, then he can contribute on the high-major stage. The 6-9 junior went off for 35 factors within the loss and averaged 17.2 factors for the season. He’s a 37.6% profession 3-point shooter.

48. Cole Swider

Old fashioned: Villanova | New college: Syracuse

Swider is a former top-50 prospect with three seasons of high-level expertise, primarily as a reserve at Villanova. As a stretch 4 who hit 40.2% of his 3-point makes an attempt, Swider ought to match nicely in Syracuse’s offensive system. He’ll want to choose up his rebounding price whereas enjoying in coach Jim Boeheim’s zone protection.

Old fashioned: Boston Faculty | New college: Arizona State

After main Boston Faculty in scoring this season, Heath is headed to Arizona State. Heath wants to enhance his assist-to-turnover ratio and capturing effectivity, however he is proven the flexibility to attain towards high quality opposition.

50. Paul Atkinson

Old fashioned: Yale | New college: Notre Dame

The Preventing Irish need assistance on the inside, and Atkinson ought to be capable to present some. The 2019-20 Ivy League Participant of the Yr is an environment friendly inside scorer.

51. Davion Warren

Old fashioned: Hampton | New college: Memphis

Warren scored 21.2 factors per sport for Hampton this season on 16.4 pictures per sport and certain will not come near both of these numbers at Memphis. However the 6-6 is a flexible participant who needs to be a pleasant addition for an already menacing protection.

52. Jaemyn Brakefield

Old fashioned: Duke | New college: Ole Miss

Brakefield was the No. 42 general participant within the Class of 2020 however logged simply 12.5 minutes per sport for a subpar Duke group as a freshman. Maybe a contemporary begin will assist the 6-8 ahead unlock the potential that largely remained dormant as he struggled for taking part in time this previous season.

Old fashioned: Penn State | New college: Ohio State

Wheeler made the Large Ten all-defensive group after averaging 1.8 steals for Penn State as a senior and was additionally the Nittany Lions’ assists chief. He isn’t a lot of a scorer, however he is developed right into a serviceable 3-point shooter, and Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann Wheeler play sufficient to know he can contribute for the Buckeyes.

Old fashioned: Boston Faculty | New college: East Carolina

Tabbs has been via a knee damage that compelled him to overlook the 2019-20 season, and he performed simply 12 video games this season earlier than receiving a suspension for violation of COVID-19 protocols. But when he is wholesome, Tabbs may very well be an all-conference performer within the AAC after averaging 13.9 factors as a freshman within the 2018-19 season.

Old fashioned: Colorado | New college: George Mason

After averaging 9.3 factors on 40% 3-point capturing in his senior season at Colorado, Schwartz is reuniting with former Buffaloes assistant Kim English as English begins his head teaching profession. Schwartz is a bodily wing who may very well be in for a giant season within the A-10.

Old fashioned: George Washington | New college: Minnesota

Battle is among the many incoming envoy at Minnesota that will probably be tasked with serving to first-year coach Ben Johnson flip issues round. The 6-7 ahead shot 36.3% from 3-point vary in two seasons at George Washington and upped his scoring common to 17.3 factors this season.

57. David Jenkins Jr.

Old fashioned: UNLV | New college: Utah

With prime exterior shooter Alfonso Plummer shifting on, new Utah coach Craig Smith wanted so as to add a 3-point shooter. He discovered one in Jenkins, who’s a profession 41.7% 3-point shooter in two seasons at South Dakota State and one at UNLV.

58. Devin Askew

Old fashioned: Kentucky | New college: Texas

Contemplating how Johnny Juzang morphed from a task participant right into a star after leaving Kentucky after one season, it is value questioning what Askew may accomplish in a brand new setting. His freshman season with the Wildcats was tough, however Askew is a former top-40 prospect who reclassified to enter faculty early. He might nonetheless blossom into an all-conference participant over time.

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