247Sports introduces its initial top 25 players in the college basketball transfer portal, headlined by a glut of bigs.
Travis Branham
More than 650 players have entered the college basketball transfer portal since it opened Monday, March 18. So far, the vast majority of transfers are coming out of the mid and low-major ranks. That will soon change following the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
247Sports has been rating and analyzing players since the portal floodgates opened, but for the first time today we're formalizing a Top 25 rankings. Once again, the portal will be full of impact big men. Let's break down the best players.
1. Maxime Raynaud, C, Stanford Cardinal
2023-24 Stats: 15.5 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.0 APG
Rating:97
Eligibility:One season remaining
Stanford is owning the transfer portal rankings at the moment after the firing of Jerod Haase. The Cardinal has had several hit the portal, but no one is more exciting thantheir big-man Maxime Raynaud.
The French big man stands 7-foot-1 and has made significant strides in his development with each passing year. Not only does he have has great size, but he's also very skilled. Raynaud is an offensive weapon that can be used in a variety of ways and in the right system.
Hewas named the Pac-12's Most Improved Player and received All-Conference second-team honors.
2. Cliff Omoruyi, C, Rugerts Scarlet Knights
2023-24 Stats: 10.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.9 BPG
Rating:97
Eligibility:One season remaining
On the other side of the big-man spectrum is Clifford Omoruyi. He is by no means an offensive weapon, but he is a defensive menace with his size, length, strength and athleticism.
Omoruyi is the top rim protector in the portal, so far, and among the best in all of college basketball. He can move his feet, run the floor, elevate high above the rim and wreak havoc on opponents in the paint.
He's taking an official visit to St. John's (who are considered to be the leader in the clubhouse) in the near future.He'll come off the board quick ifRick Pitinocan continue to impress him.
3. Kobe Johnson, SF, USC Trojans
2023-24 Stats: 10.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.3 APG
Rating:96
Eligibility:One season remaining
It was a very disappointing season for the USC Trojans after bringing in a heralded recruiting class with some key returners. One of those returners was Kobe Johnson(the younger brother of former Duke Blue Devil, Jalen Johnson). He was one of the only consistent bright spotsfor the Trojans this season as hecontinued to build his case as one of the top perimeter defenders in the country.
The 6-foot-6 wing is an impressive athlete with good basketball instincts. He can defend multiple positions on the perimeter and he continues to improve in the half-court. He shot 31% from 3, but his mechanics suggest he could improve that next season. Also, he's showing the ability to slash and pass off the dribble.
Johnson earned Pac-12 All Defensive Team honors this season for a second time.
4. Kanaan Carlyle, CG, Stanford Cardinals
2023-24 Stats: 11.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.7 APG
Rating:95
Eligibility: Three seasons remaining
Kanaan Carlyle didn't get to start his season until December. But when he got his chance, he wasted no time in making an impact.
He's a former four-star recruit that has long been one of the best athletes and better scorers in his recruiting class. He's a tough and aggressive guard who is at his best in the open floor. As his decision-making and shot-making can continue to improve, having three seasons still to play will certainly play into his favor.
For any team in need of a dynamic guard that can score, Carlyle will be in high demand.
5. Brandon Garrison, C, Oklahoma State Cowboys
2023-24 Stats: 7.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 BPG
Rating:95
Eligibility:Three seasons remaining
The first McDonald's All American to enter the transfer portal this cycle was Brandon Garrison, after the firing of Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton.
Garrison is a very physically gifted big-man who plays impacts the game on the glass and on defense. He's raw and limited on offense, but he has been improving on that side of the court. And with three years to play, Garrison can bring an immediate impact to any team in the country.
6. Andrej Stojakovic, SF, Stanford Cardinal
2023-24 Stats: 7.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.9 APG
Rating:95
Eligibility:Three seasons remaining
Coming in just outside the top-5 is another Stanford transfer,Andrej Stojakovic.
He's a former McDonald's All American and the son of NBA star Peja Stojakovic. The 6-foot-7 wing, like his father, is a dynamic shot-maker. But, he has plenty more to his bag. Stojakovic has shown an advanced scoring package in the past, but has needed time to get stronger and find his rhythm at the college level.
With three years to play, there's a lot to like about what Stojakovic can become. Whoever lands Stojakovic is immediately getting a shooter who, in time, can become a dynamicshot-maker.
7. Michael Ajayi, SF, Pepperdine Wave
2023-24 Stats: 17.2 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.9 APG
Rating:95
Eligibility:One season remaining
Pepperdine was loaded with talent out west this past season, but none were better than junior forward Michael Ajayi.
Ajayi is a 6-foot-7 forward who made his way to Pepperdinefrom the junior college ranks. In his first season of Division I basketball, he posted 17 double-double which tied for the twelfth-most double-doubles in the country. Ajayi is a versatile and strong forward who makes shots from 3, rebounds at a high level and is very comfortable scoring off the dribble.
8. Amari Williams, C, Drexel Dragons
2023-24 Stats: 12.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.8 BPG
Rating:94
Eligibility:One season remaining
Amari Williams made his way to the United States from England. And since making his arrival at Drexel, Williams has tallied three Defensive Player of the Year honors in the CAA Conference.
He's a 6-foot-10 big man with length and an impressive frame. But althoughhe's an impact defender and rebounder, he's not the best of scorers. Still, he can clean up on the glass and finish around the rim on offense. However, his best offensive attribute is his ability to pass the basketball.
9. Dug McDaniel, PG, Michigan Wolverines
2023-24 Stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.7 APG
Rating:94
Eligibility:Two seasons remaining
Juwan Howard it out at Michigan and his players are in the portal — particularly his point guard,Dug McDaniel.
He may be small, but McDaniel has a lot of game. Under Howard, McDaniel has made progress as a shooter and scorer. The 5-foot-9 guard put up numbers on a bad team in the Big Ten this season. And while his numbers may drop next year, heshould be making a bigger impact on the win column for his next program.
10. Jevon Porter, PF, Pepperdine Wave
2023-24 Stats: 16.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.0 BPG
Rating:93
Eligibility: Two seasons remaining
Another talented member of Pepperdine, Jevon Porter hit the portal after the firing of Lorenzo Romar.
He's a former four-star recruit and is the younger brother of Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets. Porter is a 6-foot-11 stretch big-man with plenty of skill and upside. He can step out and make shots from 3, can attack his man off the dribble, and with some added strength, he can become a bigger force in the paint.
11. Tarris Reed, C, Michigan Wolverines
2023-24 Stats: 9.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.4 BPG
Rating:93
Eligibility:Two seasons remaining
Another Wolverine of note in the portal is Tarris Reed, a 6-foot-9 center that was a former top-50 recruit.
Reed is a big and burly post prospect with good hands and touch.He can score on the low block and rebound his area. And with two years left to play,high-major programs will finda lot to like about him.
12. JP Pegues, PG, Furman Paladins
2023-24 Stats: 18.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.8 APG
Rating:93
Eligibility:One season remaining
Furman had a stud point guard in JP Pegueswho has decided to take his game to a different level. He’s a skilled point guard with a good feel and IQ for the game. Pegues is a dynamic scorer and playmaker out of ball-screens who can comfortably make shots off the ball. In the right system, Pegues can be an immediate impact starter for a high-major program.
13. Mekhi Mason, SG, Rice Owls
2023-24 Stats: 14.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.8 APG
Rating:93
Eligibility:Two seasons remaining
Mekhi Mason is the latest in a series of impressive Rice players to hit the portal. He possesses outstanding physical toolswhich makes him a3-level scorerwho impacts the game on both ends of the court.
Mason was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team in 2022-23.
14. Frankie Fidler, SF, Omaha Mavericks
2023-24 Stats: 20.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.6 APG
Rating:93
Eligibility: One season remaining
Frankie Fidler is a 6-foot-7, skilled wing who really knows how to score the ball. And if there is anyonewhodraws comparisons to Dalton Knecht so far, it's Fidler.
He isn't the caliber of player as Knecht. But his size, skill, shot-making and 3-level scoring is what fuels the comparisons. He will bring value to a high-major program next season.
15. Malik Dia, PF, Belmont Bruins
2023-24 Stats: 16.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.2 APG
Rating:93
Eligibility:Two seasons remaining
Sometimes, you have to go down a level to make your way back to the top. That was the case for Malik Dia who started his career at Vanderbiltbefore transferring down the street to Belmont.
He was able to find his footing, his game and his confidence during hisone season with the Bruins. Now, he will be back in the high-major ranks next season. He's a big and long stretch-four with a very soft touch on his jumper. But, he can also rebound and score in the post.
16. Jordan Sears, PG, UT Martin Skyhawks
2023-24 Stats: 21.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.5 APG
Rating:93
Eligibility:One season remaining
Jordan Sears is a First-Team All-Ohio Valley Conferenceplayerwho is a dynamic guard.
He's not the biggest, but his strength, length and athleticism allow him to play bigger than he is. He scores from all3 levels and he can get a head of steam going to the rim quickly with his quick burst.
17. Nana Owusu-Anane, PF, Brown Bears
2023-24 Stats: 14.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.1 APG
Rating:93
Eligibility:One season remaining
One of the top power forwards in the portal is Nana Owusu-Anane out of Brown.
He is a strong, physical and high motor forward with a nice face-up game. He's comfortable putting the ball on the ground, he makes an impact on the glass, is a willing passer and he will even make an occasional jumper.
18. Houston Mallette, SG, Pepperdine Wave (Alabama Commit)
2023-24 Stats: 14.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.4 APG
Rating:92
Eligibility:One season remaining
The first transfer off the board was Houston Mallette, another impact player out of Pepperdine.
Mallette isa sharp-shooter who will fit into Alabama's system. He's also a viable playmaker in ball-screens. And with his age and experience, he's a nice addition for the Crimson Tide.
19. Bensley Joseph, PG, Miami Hurricanes
2023-24 Stats: 9.6PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.5 SPG
Rating:92
Eligibility:One season remaining
Miami lost a starter and a 3-year contributor to their program when Bensley Joseph entered the portal.
He is a long, tough and hard-nosed point guard who brings utility to the court. Joseph drilled 36.4% of his 3s this season and started in 27 games.
20. Mikeal Brown-Jones, PF, UNC Greensboro Spartans
2023-24 Stats: 18.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.1 APG
Rating:92
Eligibility:One season remaining
Mikeal Brown-Jones played to his potential this season at UNC Greensboro. He's a strong, physical and athletic four-man who imposed his will this season. He can attack off the dribble, make shots off the catch and clean up theboards and defense.
21. Sincere Parker, SG, St. Louis Billikens
2023-24 Stats: 15.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.9 APG
Rating:92
Eligibility:One season remaining
High-majors in need of a scorer are going to be looking hard at Sincere Parker out of St. Louis. The Billiken transfer is a physically strong shot-maker who has loads of confidence.
22. Dakota Leffew, SG, Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers
2023-24 Stats: 17.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.9 APG
Rating:92
Eligibility:One season remaining
One low-major transfer that 247Sports is very intrigued by is Dakota Leffew.
He's listed at 6-foot-5 and is a skilled 3-level scorerwho hit more than 75 threes this season. Also, he's more than just a shooter. He can create and score out of isolations and ball-screens.
23. Koren Johnson, SG, Washington Huskies
2023-24 Stats: 11.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.7 APG
Rating:92
Eligibility:Two seasons remaining
After Mike Hopkins was fired, Koren Johnson decided to hit the portal. He was named the Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year this season and the sophom*ore guard can really get buckets. With two years left to play, a high-major program can make the most of his scoring ability. And with improved decision making, he can make a big jump in his development.
24. Darlinstone Dubar, PF, Hofstra Pride
2023-24 Stats: 17.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.7 APG
Rating:92
Eligibility:One season remaining
Hofstra is on a hot-streak of producing impact transfers after Aaron Estrada hit last year. This year, it's Darlinstone Dubar's turn.
He's a long stretch forward who drills shots off the catch from deep. He had some big performances this season but none were more notable than his 24-point, 8-rebound outing against Duke.
Like Dia, Dubar went down a level. Now, he is making his way back up the ranks after starting his career at Iowa State.
25. Josh Cohen, C, UMass Minute Men
2023-24 Stats: 15.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.7 APG
Rating:91
Eligibility:One season remaining
Rounding out the top-25 is UMass big-man Josh Cohen. He entered the portal last year and after a productive year in the A-10. Now, he's on the move again. He proved that his skill and size can translate in a highly competitive environment. He will be able to contribute to a high-major team with his size and skill inside.
