The 50 best players in college basketball’s transfer portal

Written By Aaron Torres

Well people, we've reached that magical time of the spring on the college hoops calendar.

The games have ended and Michigan is your national champion.

But now, the real fun begins: It's portal season baby!

That's right, with the portal now in full swing, it's time to release our list of "Best Players" in the portal.

To be clear, this list is ever-evolving and fluid, combining both players who are still in the portal and those who have already committed to other schools.

Still, it's designed to give you a snapshot of who is available, who is off the board and what it means for the 2026-2027 college basketball season.

Now, let's get to our "Best Players Available" list.

1) Flory Bidunga, F/C, Kansas (committed to Louisville)

Bidunga is a pretty industry-consensus No. 1 player in the portal. And while you know I don’t like to go with group think in general, this is one where the consensus is right: Bidunga is the best player to have entered the transfer portal so far.

The 6’10 forward blossomed into one of the best big men in college hoops this year and I would argue, the most improved player anywhere in the country. On the season, Bidunga averaged 13.3 points per game, nine rebounds per contest and 2.6 blocks per game, earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Early in the portal cycle, Bidunga made the semi-shocking move to pick Louisville over other suitors like Michigan, Duke and others and instantly gives Louisville the interior toughness they lacked last season. He technically declared for the NBA Draft as well, although given what Louisville will reportedly pay him next season, it seems unlikely he will seriously pursue the professional ranks.

The Cards officially have their bedrock down low.

2) John Blackwell, G, Wisconsin

Put simply, Blackwell is just not the type of player you traditionally see enter the portal, as a superstar player, straight from a successful high-major team.

Therefore, what is Wisconsin’s loss is the portal’s gain, as the 6’4 guard will now transfer after averaging 19.1 points , 5.1 rebounds per game, all while shooting 38.9 percent from behind the three-point arc. And it’s not like Blackwell padded his stats against inferior competition either, as he scored 31 in a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal win over Illinois, with another 22 in an NCAA Tournament loss to High Point.

Blackwell is reportedly down to six schools, Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Illinois, Louisville and UCLA, with an early May commitment on the docket. It’ll be interesting to see if he sticks with that date as portal spots, role and NIL money fill up fast.

3) Juke Harris, F, Wake Forest

A big, 6’8 wing, Harris was one of the true breakout surprises of college basketball this season.

A year after averaging just 6.1 points in 19 minutes of play, Harris became a star at Wake Forest, averaging over 21 points per game, on 33 percent three-point shooting. He also averaged a very solid 6.5 rebounds per game from the wing spot, earning the ACC’s “Most Improved Player” this season.

Unfortunately as these things go, he is now in the portal and visited Michigan the first weekend visits were allowed, before meeting with new UNC coach Michael Malone over the weekend.

4) Milan Momcilivic, F, Iowa State

Outside of Bidunga, Momcilivic might be the most recognizable name in the portal, as a three-year starter on an Iowa State team that is seemingly always in contention in the Big 12 and twice made the Sweet 16 during his time in Ames.

Now, instead of coming back for Year 4 in Ames, he’ll instead enter the portal while also entering the NBA Draft.

It seems like the draft is the priority, but if he does come back, someone will get one of the best shooters in all of college basketball. Last season, Momcilivic averaged just under 17 points per game while hitting a staggering 48.9 percent from three. What’s even crazier is he hit that clip while also leading college basketball in total three point makes with 136 in 2025-2026.

While Momcilivic certainly lacks in other areas (he can struggle on the defensive end), the shooting alone will make him one of the most coveted players available.

Like all the other players who have entered the draft and portal, it’ll be interesting to see if he makes it all the way through the draft process. Or if someone in college makes him an offer he simply can’t refuse.

5) Massamba Diop, C, Arizona State

While we may have Diop rated higher than some other services, the simple truth is: It’s basically impossible to find guys this big, and this athletic, who have also proven to be productive at the high-major level.

Originally from Senegal, the 7’1 Diop was phenomenal in his freshman year at Arizona State, averaging 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

With Bobby Hurley now gone from Arizona State, Diop elected to hit the portal, where the early whispers are that his recruitment is largely between St. John’s and Gonzaga.


6) Donnie Freeman, F, Syracuse

While so many of the players on this list are late-bloomers and mid-major stars, Freeman has been a known commodity since his early high school days.

The 6’8 forward is a former McDonald’s All-American, who largely lived up to the billing in his two years at Syracuse. While there wasn’t a lot of team success for the Orange, it’s hard to blame Freeman, who led Syracuse in scoring and rebounding this season with 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

At this point, the only thing holding Freeman back is his three-point shot, which came in around 30 percent this year.

If he can find a consistent stroke from behind the line, we could be talking about him as a 2027 first round NBA Draft pick.

7) Paulius Murauskas, F/C, Saint Mary's

After originally beginning his career at Arizona, Murauskas found the right spot for him the last two years at Saint Mary’s, playing the role of a true power forward in Randy Bennett’s system.

This season he averaged 18.4 points per game and 7.6 rebounds, earning All WCC honors. That included a 26-point, 8 rebound effort against Santa Clara in the West Coast Conference tournament.

Admittedly, as a fourth year player Murauskas is largely a finished product and probably doesn’t have “star in a power conference” written all over him.

But if you’re looking for a hyper productive big man, who’s been through the wars in college hoops, he’s your guy.

8) PJ Haggerty, G, Kansas State (committed to Texas A&M)

Our first player who is officially off the board, Haggerty committed to Texas A&M just a few days after the portal opened.

At this point, we know who Haggerty is, good and bad. He is a pure bucket-getter who has proven an ability to put the ball in the basket everywhere he goes, averaging 23 points per game on 35 percent three-point shooting this year. And while Kansas State didn’t win a lot of games with him this season, it’s hard to say that you can’t win with him, as Memphis won 30 times with Haggerty on their roster in the 2024-2025 season.

What will be fascinating is to see how his high-scoring approach fits into Bucky McMillan’s fast-paced system. It doesn’t feel hyperbolic to think that Haggerty could lead the country in scoring next season.

9) Isaiah Johnson, G, Colorado (committed to Texas)

Another player who came off the board early, Johnson was one of college basketball’s best stories in 2025-2026.

A 6’1 guard from Southern California, Johnson was the 184th ranked player in the class of 2025 yet burgeoned into a star in his one year at Colorado. This season he averaged 16.9 points and three assists per game as a freshman, all while shooting nearly 38 percent from three. And you can’t say he didn’t put up numbers against elite competition, as he went off for 28 points, three rebounds and five assists in a regular season finale against Big 12 champion Arizona.

He will now head to Austin, where he will be the floor general of what should be a preseason Top 25 Texas squad.

10) Robert Wright III, G, BYU (returning to BYU)

Because Wright was such a big part of the portal discourse, we’ve decided to keep him on this list even though he’s returning to BYU.

And boy did the Cougs get a good one… again.

On the season, he averaged over 18 points per game and 4.6 assists per game, while shooting 41 percent from behind the three point line.

He should take on an even bigger role in what is quickly becoming an intriguing BYU roster. He’ll be joined by five-star Bruce Branch and Kentucky transfer Collin Chandler, who you’ll see later on this list.

11) Jackson Shelstad, G, Oregon (committed to Louisville)

Another star point guard is on the move after Shelstad left Oregon after three seasons in 2026.

The 6’1 guard appeared in only 12 games because of injury, but still managed to average 15.6 points and 4.9 assists per game in those appearances. A season ago he averaged just under 14 points and three assists per game for a Ducks squad who made the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Shelstad became the second half of Louisville’s early portal haul and will team up with Flory Bidunga for one of the most lethal inside-outside combinations in college basketball next season.

12) Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara

You’ve either got to be a true college basketball sicko or NBA Draft nut to know Graves’ name, but in hoops circles, he is a guy that basketball people truly love.

After redshirting as a freshman in 2024-2025, he was solid this season at Santa Clara, averaging 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in just 22 minutes of play, to go along with nearly two steals and a block per game as well. He also shot 41 percent from behind the three-point arc at 6’9, earning All WCC first team honors despite the limited playing time.

Viewed by some as a long-term NBA Draft prospect, Graves has entered the NBA Draft, while also entering the portal as well.

If he comes back to school, expect Duke and LSU (he’s from Louisiana originally) to be his primary suitors.

13) Stefan Vaaks, G, Providence College (committed to Illinois

A personal favorite of yours truly, Vaaks is one of those guys that popped consistently for a bad Providence College team.

Originally from Estonia, Vaaks was a true star for the Friars this year, as a big guard who averaged 15.8 points, 3.2 assists and 35 percent from three as a freshman in the Big East. He also had some of his best games against the Friars’ toughest competition, including 23 points and five assists against St. John’s in the Big East Tournament, and 25 points and four assists with five three-pointers made against Villanova earlier in the season.

Of course for as good as his offensive game is, it is worth noting that his defense needs a lot of work. Almost like Luka Doncic in the NBA, you have to build the perfect team around him to mask his defensive deficiencies, but his offense is so good it makes it worth it.

And the good news for Vaaks is he found a near-perfect landing spot committing to Illinois, where his play-making immediately replaces Keaton Wagler and his defensively liabilities should be covered up by what is expected to be one of the biggest frontlines in college basketball.



14) Acaden Lewis, G, Villanova (committed to Miami)

It was right around this time last year that Lewis - a former four-star, Top 30 or so guard in high school - decommitted from Kentucky and enrolled at Villanova.

It was a move that worked out very well for the lefty, who had the ball in his hands from Day 1 at Villanova and thrived. Again, as a freshman, Lewis averaged 12.2 points per game and 5.3 assists per game, earning All-Big East second team honors and helping the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament.

He is now headed to Miami, where he will be the lead guard and ball-handler on what could potentially be a Top 20 team in the country heading into next year.

15) David Punch, F, TCU (committed to Texas)

Like Juke Harris and Isaiah Johnson above him, David Punch is another unfortunate reality of the new era of college hoops. After being identified as an under-recruited star by TCU as the 127th ranked player in the class of 2024, he broke out this season and will now hit the portal.

Welcome to college hoops in 2026!

Punch truly was one of the most underrated players in the Big 12, averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. That included a 24-point, 10 rebound performance in a narrow Big 12 Tournament loss to Kansas, and a 16-point, 13 rebound effort in the Horned Frogs NCAA Tournament opening win over Ohio State.

He is now headed to Texas, where he will team up with Matas Vokietaitis on one of college basketball’s best frontcourts in 2026-2027.

16) Sananda Fru, F/C, Louisville

Fru is an interesting case study of a player who was solidly productive last season, but also drove the fan-base who rooted for him (Louisville) somewhat crazy in the process.

Still, what can’t be denied is that Fru is a 6’11 load in the paint, who averaged 9.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game this season, and did it in just 19 minutes of play per game.

While his offensive game is limited to within five feet, there simply aren’t that many guys his size, with his athleticism and length available.

It’ll also be interesting to see what kind of numbers he puts up if given a bigger role a season from now.

17) Markus Burton, G, Notre Dame (committed to Indiana)

Burton was limited to just 10 games because of injury in 2025-2026, but a year ago was one of the best pure scorers in college basketball, averaging 21.5 points per game for the Irish. He also shot well over 37 percent from three and scored a staggering 23.5 points per game in ACC play (again, during the 2024-2025 season).

Admittedly you’ve got to take the good with the bad, and at 6’0 he can be a bit of a defensive liability.

But simply put, Indiana had no one who could make plays with the ball in his hands last year like Burton can, and he should be a fun watch in Bloomington in 2026-2027.

18) Somto Cyril, F/C, Georgia (committed to Miami)

Basically take the exact same things I said about Fru, change the name to Somto Cyril and you’ve basically got your write-up here.

Heading into his fourth season of college basketball, Cyril isn’t much of a scorer, but the one thing he does well is block shots at an insane clip. He led the SEC in the category this year, averaging 2.2 per game, to go along with just under 10 points and six rebounds per game.

Ultimately not every key guy in the portal has to be a 20-point per game scorer, and there simply aren’t many better rim protectors and low-post players available than Cyril.

He was a great early-portal snag by the Miami Hurricanes who need help in the frontcourt after the graduation of star Malik Reneau.

19) Aiden Sherrell, C, Alabama

Last off-season Nate Oats made retaining Sherrell a priority early, but unfortunately this year, the calls of the portal - and the money that will go to an established big man - were too much to turn down for Sherrell.

A legit 6’11 center, Sherrell was one of the most versatile bigs in the sport this year. He averaged 11.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. But of all the bigs in the portal, he might be the best combination of skilled (he made about 34 percent of his threes, on 80 attempts this season) with a defensive presence that allowed him to average 2.2 blocks per game.

Originally from Michigan, he has been linked to the Michigan schools and a few others.

Transparently it’ll be interesting to see where he lands, as Oats’ system seemed like the perfect one to accentuate his unique skill-set.

20) Dedan Thomas Jr., G, LSU (committed to Houston)

A year ago, Thomas was one of the first big stars off the board, committing to LSU early after spending two years at UNLV.

Fast-forward to 2026 and he is again off the board after one season in Baton Rouge.

In Thomas’ defense he was everything that LSU could’ve asked for when they signed him a year ago, as he averaged 15.9 points and 6.5 assists, with the Tigers going 12-4 in games in which he played. Unfortunately a January foot injury cost him the rest of his season, and maybe Matt McMahon his job, as the Tigers went just 3-13 in games he didn’t play.

Assuming he’s healthy Thomas is one of college basketball’s most productive guards, and he’ll certainly have a stage to showcase it. He has committed to Houston for his final season of college basketball.

21) Terrence Hill Jr., G, VCU

Put simply, Hill is one of the most dynamic lead guards available in this portal cycle.

Despite serving as the Rams’ sixth man this season, the 6’3 guard earned All A-10 first team honors, scoring 15 points per game on over 37 percent three-point shooting. And he saved his best game for college hoops’ biggest stage, going off for 34 points, five rebounds and five assists in the Rams’ stunner versus North Carolina in the opening round of the tournament.

Given the list of schools he’s hearing from, it’s hard to argue that Hill isn’t one of the most in-demand players in the portal.

22) Moustapha Thiam, C, Cincinnati

Thiam is far from a finished product, but at 7’2 when it clicks, he’s as unique as any player in college hoops.

On the season, Thiam averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, pretty solid numbers in the Big 12. But he really did play his best late, scoring double-figures in eight of the Bearcats final nine games. That included an unforgettable 28 point performance in Cincinnati’s win over Kansas at Phog Allen Fieldhouse and 18 and 16 in a Big 12 Tournament loss to UCF (ironically, where he began his career).

Like so many others on this list, the dearth of true five-men on this list should make him one of the most well-compensated players on this list.

It’ll be fascinating to see where he ends up.

23) Neo Avdalas, G, Virginia Tech (committed to North Carolina)

Avdalas has maybe the most over-told story in the portal, but let’s tell it one more time anyway.

A year ago Avdalas was seen as a legitimate first round NBA Draft prospect and decided to try his hand at college basketball rather than stay overseas. He immediately became an early season darling, with a 33-point performance against Providence College that briefly had him shooting up draft boards. He eventually came back down to Earth, but still had a solid freshman season, averaging 12 points and nearly five assists for the Hokies this season.

While Avdalas isn’t super athletic and his shot needs work (31 percent this year) he is a college mismatch, as a 6’9 lead guard.

Once the portal opened, he became the first commit of new UNC coach Michael Malone, where the presumption is that he’ll have the ball in his hands Day 1 in Chapel Hill.

24) Elyjah Freeman, F, Auburn

Freeman was a buzzy D2 portal name a year ago, who had offers from virtually every major power conference team before ending up at Auburn.

And while the stats don’t blow you away, he largely lived up to expectations in Year 1 as a high-major player averaging 9.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in the SEC.

At 6’8 with athleticism and touch, he simply has tools you can’t teach and now a year of high-major basketball under his belt.

It will be fascinating to see if he can continue to grow at his next spot.

25) JP Estrella, F, Tennessee (committed to Michigan)

Admittedly, I liked Estrella this season but didn’t love him, but we’re going to go ahead and give him the Dusty May bump here.

If Dusty May prioritizes you as a big man in the portal, honestly what does my opinion even matter?

Still, Estrella is a unique, versatile player standing at 6’11 with athleticism down low. He averaged a little over 10 points and five rebounds per game this season, with a double-double (14 points and 10 rebounds) in the Vols NCAA Tournament opener against Miami (OH).

Ironically, his final game was against the Wolverines in the Elite Eight and not particularly good (seven points, seven rebounds) but May and Co. must have seen enough on tape to move quickly once he hit the portal.

26) Alex Wilkins, G, Furman

Wilkins is the mid-major guard du jour of the 2026 portal, the small school player everyone can’t help but love.

And it’s with good reason.

At 6’5 he is effective with the ball both on and off the ball, averaging 17.8 points and 4.7 assists for the Paladins this season. That included an incredible 21-point effort against UConn in the NCAA Tournament, where he made 4 of 8 from behind the arc.

Wilkins has a bit of work to do in the shooting department (he shot just 32.8 percent this year) but he has the size and skill-set to thrive at the high-major level a season from now.



27) Jalen Haralson, G, Notre Dame

A year ago Haralson committed to the Irish as a five-star, McDonald’s All-American and one of the highest-ranked recruits in program history.

And while the team didn’t find individual success, it’s hard to blame Haralson too much for the team’s flaws.

As a freshman in the ACC, the 6’5 wing averaged 16 points and just four rebounds with 2.6 assists per game.

His shot (20 percent from three) is the only thing keeping him from being an NBA Draft pick a year from now.

28) Jeremiah Wilkinson, G, Georgia (committed to Arkansas)

Wilkinson does one thing, and one thing extremely well: My guy puts the ball in the basket!

The 6’1 guard originally from Georgia, transferred into UGA this season and immediately became one of the SEC’s most explosive scorers. On the year he averaged 17.1 points on over 35 percent three-point shooting, with multiple 30 point games. That included a 30-point performance against Saint Louis in the NCAA Tournament, in a game where he was one of the few Bulldogs who showed up ready to play.

After entering the portal, Wilkinson is now headed to Arkansas where he should be part of a fun and explosive backcourt that will include five-star Jordan Smith Jr., and could also include Meleek Thomas who is currently testing the NBA Draft waters.

Offensive explosiveness will NOT be an issue for the Razorbacks next season.

29) Ace Glass, G, Washington State

Here is your first player who I am admittedly just much higher on than most of the college basketball world.

Glass is a unique story. He was once committed to Buzz Williams at Texas A&M, but when Williams left, rather than re-commit to a new high-major school, he decided to drop down a level to Washington State. There he became a bona-fide star, averaging 16 points on 34 percent three-point shooting, earning WCC Freshman of the Year a season ago.

Now, after one season in the mid-major ranks he will look to cash in at the high-major level.

He will be a steal for the right team who gets him.

30) Zoom Diallo, G, Washington

Diallo’s first name perfectly applies to his game, as a lightning quick guard who averaged nearly 16 points and five assists in the Big Ten this year at Washington.

He doesn’t shoot the three ball that well (31 percent) but other than that, does a lot of things you want to see from a point guard in this modern era.

What’s interesting is, what’s next.

He was seemingly down to Arizona and Kentucky. Then Arizona took two guards (one of which you’ll read about in a minute) and Kentucky has zeroed in on Robert Wright III.

We now get to wait to see where he lands next.

31) Karter Knox, G/F, Arkansas (committed to Louisville)

Forgive me, but I’m (almost) always going to bet on pedigree and NBA upside, and because of it, I’ve got to slot Knox here.

A former McDonald’s All-American, Knox was once committed to John Calipari at Kentucky and then followed him to Arkansas. He was one of the key cogs on Calipari’s first run to the Sweet 16 in Fayetteville, averaging eight points per game on 38 percent three-point shooting. He played some of his best games late, including 20 points against Texas Tech in the Sweet 16 and 16 points against St. John’s in a Round of 32 win.

After testing the draft waters and nearly staying in last spring, Knox’s numbers dropped as injuries and a lack of defined role torpedoed his sophomore campaign.

He now gets a fresh start on what should be a loaded Louisville team, alongside Bidunga and Shelstad.

If it all clicks, he could be an NBA Draft pick at this time next year.

32) Derek Dixon, G, North Carolina (committed to Arizona)

Dixon "only" averaged 6.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, but if you watched North Carolina you know he was one of their best players late.

The 6’5 guard made his impact when it mattered most, with several big games late. That included 17 points vs. Duke to end the regular season, 16 vs. Clemson and 11 points, 5 rebounds and six assists in an NCAA Tournament loss to VCU.

If you needed further proof on just how good he is, just know that Michael Malone tried to keep him at UNC.

And that Tommy Lloyd hand selected him to replace Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley as Arizona’s starting point guard next year.

33) Najai Hines, F, Seton Hall

Najai Hines is the class toolsy, potential-filled big man that every team covets in the portal.

At a legitimate 6’10 and 265 lbs., he had a solid freshman year at Seton Hall, averaging 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, along with over two blocks per game. Incredibly, he did all that in just 19 minutes played per game.

Because of it, you can see why so many schools tried to get him into the portal and why he will be paid handsomely because of it.

He could be a legitimate Zuby Ejiofor-ish type five-man in a year or two, with the right coaching and development.

34) Collin Chandler, G, Kentucky (committed to BYU)

Originally a BYU commitment out of high school, Chandler followed Mark Pope to Kentucky for each of the last two seasons.

And while Year 1 was a semi-wash with Chandler coming off a Mormon mission, Year 2 he turned into a very valuable piece for the Wildcats. On the year he averaged 9.7 points on over 41 percent shooting from behind the three-point arc. That included several big games, including 18 points a piece in wins over Oklahoma and Texas during SEC play.

After two years in Lexington however Chandler decided to go home to Utah.

He should naturally plug into the wing spot vacated by former All-Big 12 guard Richie Saunders.

35) Miles Byrd, G, San Diego State (committed to Providence)

Byrd’s offensive stats don’t jump out at you (10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game) but it’s on the defensive end where he makes his mark. Byrd averaged nearly two steals per game for the Aztecs this year, earning Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.

As we said with Somto Cyril above, it’s not all solely just about putting the ball in the basket but the other side of the court as well, and Byrd might have been the best perimeter defender available in the portal this spring.

He was the first commitment of the new era for Bryan Hodgson at Providence.

36) Magoon Gwath, C, San Diego State (committed to DePaul)

Remember, how we just mentioned that Miles Byrd was the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year this season?

Well, two seasons ago it was Gwath, who also earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors in 2024-2025 as well.

There must be something in the water in San Diego.

Bottom line is that Gwath kind of feels like the forgotten man of this portal cycle. A year ago he entered early and was coveted by all the big-name schools, before he eventually decided to return to San Diego State. This year, he had a productive, but injury-plagued 2025-2026 season, but still managed to average 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in just 19 minutes of play per game. And if you needed to see just how impactful he could be, look no further than the Mountain West Tournament, where he went for 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks vs. New Mexico and then 12 points, eight rebounds and a block the next day against Utah State.

Once in the portal, Gwath made the semi-stunning move to commit to DePaul, and if healthy could be the best defensive five-man in the Big East next year.

37) Bryson Tiller, F, Kansas

You could argue that of every player on Kansas involved in the on-again, off-again, will-he-play-or-won’t-he drama surrounding Darryn Peterson, Tiller got the worst of it all.

Early in Big 12 play when Peterson was playing limited minutes, Tiller thrived. He had a 21-point, 8 rebound game vs. BYU in January, and also tallied 18 points and eight boards vs. then No. 1 Arizona in a thrilling Big Monday win.

But as Peterson came back Tiller’s role fluctuated and we didn’t really see the best version of him down the stretch.

He is now looking for a new home and has plenty of suitors, as a 6’11 guy who can play in the paint or beat you by stepping out and hitting a three.

In the right system, he could develop into an NBA five-man.

38) Keanu Dawes, F, Utah

After beginning his career at Rice, Dawes spent the last two years at Utah, where he carved out a nice niche as a tough, hard-playing four man.

This past season was his best yet, averaging 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, rattling the rim with a bunch of thunderous dunks. His three-point shot also rounded out to a respectable 31.5 percent, shooting over 37 percent from behind the three-point arc in Big 12 play.

Ultimately he is just your old school, hard-playing four-man, the kind of player every team could use.


39) Paul McNeill, G, NC State

McNeill was one of college basketball’s breakout stars nationally, going from a little over six points per game for NC State in 2024-2025, to nearly 14 points per game in his only season under Will Wade this past season.

Specifically, McNeill is an electric three-point shooter who hit nearly 44 percent from behind the three-point arc this season, including an ACC record 11 three-pointers made vs. Texas Southern back in December.

40) Alvaro Folgueiras, F/C, Iowa

Folgueiras was a major portal coup at this time last year, who had an up-and-down one season in Iowa City, capped by an epic NCAA Tournament run for the ages. He had arguably the biggest play of the Hawkeyes Sweet 16 win over Nebraska and averaged nearly 15 points per game in the first three games of the Big Dance.

But thanks to an inconsistent role (in part because of his inconsistent defense) Folgueiras is back in the portal.

Put simply, you won’t find many guys with his offensive gifts at 7-feet tall, even if you do have to deal with defensive shortcomings.

41) Jaylen Petty, G, Texas Tech (committed to UCLA)

Jaylen Petty was an energy-giving bucket getter for Texas Tech this year, averaging 9.9 points per game while taking most of his field goal attempts from beyond the three-point arc.

Ultimately, there’s no doubt he can score, putting up 24 points vs. Akron in the NCAA Tournament, 18 in a win over Houston and 20 earlier in the season against Houston as well.

The question is, does he do much else other than hit threes, and is… umm… UCLA the right system for him?

And that last part is the interesting one.

Look, we love the player, but does “undersized guard who takes more than 50 percent of his shots beyond the three-point arc” scream “Mick Cronin player” to you?!

We’re not saying it can’t work.

Just that it will be interesting to monitor.

42) Eric Reibe, C, UConn

A former McDonald’s All-American, Reibe largely served as a back-up to Tarris Reed this year and was expected to be the Huskies starting five man in 2026-2027.

But in this portal world we live in, he was simply offered money he couldn’t turn down if he entered the portal.

Now he will look for a fresh start after averaging 5.9 points and 3.3 rebounds a season ago. That included some big games when his number was called, including a 15-point performance against Arizona when Reed was out with injury.

There is still a lot of rough edges to remove, but you simply can’t find too many guys with his size and skill-set in the portal.

43) Kayden Mingo, G, Penn State

Mingo is one of the more interesting players in the portal for a number of reasons.

On the court he is a hard-playing lead guard, who averaged 13.7 points per game and 4.3 assists per contest on an otherwise forgettable Penn State team. His three-point shot needs work (just 24.4 percent) but no one can question his effort between the lines.

What makes things interesting is that he is also the older brother of five-star, 2026 recruit Dylan Mingo.

Dylan Mingo was originally committed to North Carolina before parting ways with the school earlier this week.

Considering both brother’s playing styles are so similar, it’s hard to know if they are a package deal or not.

44) Jamier Jones, F, Providence College (committed to Missouri)

While Stefan Vaaks is the former Providence College Friar getting all the portal love, don’t sleep on just how good Jones was as a freshman in the Big East either.

A former Top 40 recruit, he averaged just under 12 points per game while shooting 35 percent from behind the three-point arc this season.

Jones had a couple huge games, including a 23-point performance against Villanova and 20-point effort against UConn and could outplay this ranking next year at Missouri.

45) Dai Dai Ames, G, Cal (committed to Tennessee)

There’s nothing flashy about Ames’ game, he’s simply a hard-playing lefty guard, who gets downhill and attacks the basket.

Having played at three schools in three years, Ames had his best season this past year at Cal where he averaged just under 17 points per game.

He should seamlessly step into the role vacated by Ja’Kobi Gillespie as Tennessee’s lead guard next season.

46) Christian Hammond, F, Santa Clara (committed to NC State)

While Allen Graves was the high-level NBA Draft prospect on Santa Clara’s NCAA Tournament team this year, Hammond was its most consistent player.

The 6’6 guard originally from Colorado averaged just under 16 points per game, while shooting nearly 40 percent from the field. That included some big games late, including 24 points in a WCC Championship game loss to Gonzaga.

He now heads to Raleigh, where he’s the first big pick-up of the Justin Gainey era at NC State.

47) Tyler Lundblade, G, Belmont (committed to Tennessee)

Because Lundblade is a grad transfer, and because his former coach (Casey Alexander - now at Kansas State) left early, Lundblade was one of the first big names to come off the board in the portal.

And with good reason.

The 6’5 guard was the Missouri Valley Player of the Year this year, averaging 15.6 points on over 40 percent shooting from three.

Considering he only had one big season, and the fact that Belmont didn’t face a single high-major team this season, it’s hard to know just how effective he’ll be translating up to the next level.

But even if he’s just a consistent off-the-ball scorer, he’ll bring great value to another loaded Vols squad.

48) Samet Yigitoglu, C, SMU (committed to Indiana)

Like so many players on this part of the list, you know what you’re getting with Yigitoglu.

He’s a big, 7’2 center who does most of his damage in the paint. To his credit, he isn’t a plodding big, but quick with soft touch for a player in his size after averaging nearly 11 points and eight rebounds at SMU this season.

In the rugged Big Ten he will be a perfect fit for Indiana, which lacked a true five-man this past season.

49) Kwame Evans Jr., C, Oregon (committed to Villanova)

Evans was a one-time five-star, projected one and done talent in the class of 2023. While he never reached that ceiling in three years at Oregon, he did become a solid and serviceable college big man.

This season was his best, where he averaged over 13 points and seven rebounds per game.

He’ll now go to Villanova, where he’ll be the starting five-man on a retooling Wildcats roster.

50) Mo Sylla, F/C, Georgia Tech (committed to West Virginia)

A former Top 15 prospect in the class of 2025, you’re betting largely on upside with Sylla - who was limited to just 16 games in his one college season due to injury.

Still, in those 16 games Sylla showed flashes of what he can be, averaging just under 10 points, with seven rebounds and over one block per game in just 21 minutes of play.

His numbers and time on the floor noticeably ticked down as Georgia Tech transitioned to ACC play, so we’ll see how it translates when asked to play a full season in the rugged Big 12.




Aaron Torres
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