April 9, 2026Updated 4:43 pm EDT
Michigan just won the national championship with five starters who began their careers elsewhere. College free agency has become an integral part of roster building, and the ability to make quick assessments on players is as important as ever.
At The Athletic, we try to give insightful, researched analysis of the best players available, using film, occasional input from coaches or NBA scouts and our own prior knowledge to shape our scouting reports and rankings. We consider remaining eligibility, positional scarcity — so wings with size and bigs are more valuable than a scoring guard — and the ability to contribute to winning. Counting stats matter, but they’re not everything.
These rankings will be continuously updated, with more players entering the portal by the hour. We will also look for players we may have missed and may make some changes to rankings based on new information.
Here are the best of the best available in 2026:
Position Center Forward Guard Wing
Availability Committed In Portal Signed
Pre-commitment Team Alabama Arizona State BYU Belmont Cincinnati Colorado Duke Furman Georgia Kansas Kansas State NC State North Carolina Notre Dame Oregon Penn State Providence Saint Mary’s San Diego State Seton Hall Syracuse TCU Tennessee VCU Villanova Virginia Tech Wake Forest Wisconsin
Post-commitment Team Michigan Providence Tennessee
Loading
Try changing or resetting your filters to see more.
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 235
Bidunga is the best player in the transfer portal and will likely remain the best player when the dust settles. The Big 12’s Defensive Player of the Year has a real case as the most versatile defender in college basketball. The Congolese big man plays hard all of the time and set the tone for Kansas this season with that constant source of energy. He can slide with guards in a variety of ball-screen coverages, from straight switches to blitzes or hard hedges. Or, he can play in drop and does a solid job of swallowing up drivers by using his long arms. Bidunga led the Big 12 in blocks at 2.6 per game. Bidunga was definitely in my personal top three defenders this season.
Offensively, things are more complicated. Bidunga knows his role and only took nine shots per game this season. He’s an elite offensive rebounder who creates chances for himself. As a post player, Bidunga’s go-to move is a lefty hook shot from within six. By and large, he does take advantage of his opportunities at the rim. Just don’t expect to call on him to do more than that. His hands can let him down occasionally, and while he’s not a selfish player, I wouldn’t say that he diagnoses the court quickly.
Bidunga is also declaring for the draft. He’s seen as a potential late first-round or early second-round pick, with questions about his offensive fit and size as a center. If he does decide to return to school, he’ll very likely make at least double what he’d be projected to get in the NBA next season.
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 235
Bidunga is the best player in the transfer portal and will likely remain the best player when the dust settles. The Big 12’s Defensive Player of the Year has a real case as the most versatile defender in college basketball. The Congolese big man plays hard all of the time and set the tone for Kansas this season with that constant source of energy. He can slide with guards in a variety of ball-screen coverages, from straight switches to blitzes or hard hedges. Or, he can play in drop and does a solid job of swallowing up drivers by using his long arms. Bidunga led the Big 12 in blocks at 2.6 per game. Bidunga was definitely in my personal top three defenders this season.
Offensively, things are more complicated. Bidunga knows his role and only took nine shots per game this season. He’s an elite offensive rebounder who creates chances for himself. As a post player, Bidunga’s go-to move is a lefty hook shot from within six. By and large, he does take advantage of his opportunities at the rim. Just don’t expect to call on him to do more than that. His hands can let him down occasionally, and while he’s not a selfish player, I wouldn’t say that he diagnoses the court quickly.
Bidunga is also declaring for the draft. He’s seen as a potential late first-round or early second-round pick, with questions about his offensive fit and size as a center. If he does decide to return to school, he’ll very likely make at least double what he’d be projected to get in the NBA next season.
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 200
Harris was one of the better pure wing scorers in the nation, drilling a bevy of incredibly difficult shots due to the lack of help he had around him this season. But more than just the sheer volume, it was the way Harris scored that has NBA scouts highly intrigued. Harris got to the line an awful lot, averaging 7.1 free throw attempts per game largely off of straight line drives. Harris also started to show some real dexterity as a ball-screen scorer who could create his own momentum or could be used in dribble-hand-offs to attack. On top of that, Harris also showed real talent for hitting shots off screening actions, drilling 40 percent of his 3s in that situation, as well as making 12 midrange jumpers.
Yes, Harris needs to improve the way he sees the court as a passer and decision-maker. He took an awful lot of tough shots this season, often when teammates were open. Additionally, the amount of offensive load seemed to wear on him defensively, as he wasn’t always the most engaged off-ball defender. But if you put him next to better talent around him, I’m betting we see Harris average fewer than 20 points, but his efficiency will skyrocket.
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 200
Harris was one of the better pure wing scorers in the nation, drilling a bevy of incredibly difficult shots due to the lack of help he had around him this season. But more than just the sheer volume, it was the way Harris scored that has NBA scouts highly intrigued. Harris got to the line an awful lot, averaging 7.1 free throw attempts per game largely off of straight line drives. Harris also started to show some real dexterity as a ball-screen scorer who could create his own momentum or could be used in dribble-hand-offs to attack. On top of that, Harris also showed real talent for hitting shots off screening actions, drilling 40 percent of his 3s in that situation, as well as making 12 midrange jumpers.
Yes, Harris needs to improve the way he sees the court as a passer and decision-maker. He took an awful lot of tough shots this season, often when teammates were open. Additionally, the amount of offensive load seemed to wear on him defensively, as he wasn’t always the most engaged off-ball defender. But if you put him next to better talent around him, I’m betting we see Harris average fewer than 20 points, but his efficiency will skyrocket.
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 200
One half of the highest-scoring backcourt in the country, Blackwell will hit the transfer portal and look for a new home after a third-team All-Big Ten season in what was the most loaded conference in college basketball. Blackwell is a proven big-game player; in the last two seasons, in his three NCAA Tourney games, Blackwell is averaging 20.7 points per game while shooting efficiently from the field. He’s morphed into a high-volume sniper from distance, drilling 38.9 percent from 3 on over seven attempts per game this season. He’s absolutely lethal off of the catch and on the move, hitting 44.2 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s this year, showing the ability to make them in spot-ups, off of hand-offs or off screens. He’s also absolutely lethal as a trailer. I also think he can be physical and tough on defense when it’s required.
What are the downsides? Well, Blackwell has never really turned into a point guard, which means that you’re probably going to have to play him next to a real ballhandler to get the most out of your lineups, which also means the team could be a touch smaller when he’s on the court. Having said that, Blackwell is a proven high-major all-conference player, and those players are in short supply. He will be paid handsomely for the certainty he provides an organization that pays him.
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 200
One half of the highest-scoring backcourt in the country, Blackwell will hit the transfer portal and look for a new home after a third-team All-Big Ten season in what was the most loaded conference in college basketball. Blackwell is a proven big-game player; in the last two seasons, in his three NCAA Tourney games, Blackwell is averaging 20.7 points per game while shooting efficiently from the field. He’s morphed into a high-volume sniper from distance, drilling 38.9 percent from 3 on over seven attempts per game this season. He’s absolutely lethal off of the catch and on the move, hitting 44.2 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s this year, showing the ability to make them in spot-ups, off of hand-offs or off screens. He’s also absolutely lethal as a trailer. I also think he can be physical and tough on defense when it’s required.
What are the downsides? Well, Blackwell has never really turned into a point guard, which means that you’re probably going to have to play him next to a real ballhandler to get the most out of your lineups, which also means the team could be a touch smaller when he’s on the court. Having said that, Blackwell is a proven high-major all-conference player, and those players are in short supply. He will be paid handsomely for the certainty he provides an organization that pays him.
Grade
High-Major All-Conference Upside
Ht: 6-1Wt: 183
Wright is capable of being a primary scorer, and that could be what he desires. He is one of the best downhill drivers in the sport and has the speed to get into the paint often. He’s best when he can get his shoulder into his defender near the basket to create space for himself to get off a shot. He is undersized and does get his shot blocked a lot around the basket. He’s always looking to score, and passing is usually a backup plan.
Wright made strides this year as a 3-point shooter, making 57 at a 41 percent clip after shooting just 34.9 percent as a freshman.He benefited from playing with AJ Dybantsa and shot 45.7 percent on spot-ups. He may not get as many catch-and-shoots as he got again in his career. Defensively, he has good lateral quickness and the strength to be a good point-of-attack defender if he wants to be. I’m not sure the effort is always there.
The floor is high for Wright overall. He is going to put up numbers. The next step for him is he needs to show he can win at a high level.
Ht: 6-1Wt: 183
Wright is capable of being a primary scorer, and that could be what he desires. He is one of the best downhill drivers in the sport and has the speed to get into the paint often. He’s best when he can get his shoulder into his defender near the basket to create space for himself to get off a shot. He is undersized and does get his shot blocked a lot around the basket. He’s always looking to score, and passing is usually a backup plan.
Wright made strides this year as a 3-point shooter, making 57 at a 41 percent clip after shooting just 34.9 percent as a freshman.He benefited from playing with AJ Dybantsa and shot 45.7 percent on spot-ups. He may not get as many catch-and-shoots as he got again in his career. Defensively, he has good lateral quickness and the strength to be a good point-of-attack defender if he wants to be. I’m not sure the effort is always there.
The floor is high for Wright overall. He is going to put up numbers. The next step for him is he needs to show he can win at a high level.
Grade
High-Major All-Conference Upside
Ht: 6-9Wt: 240
The box score stats for Punch won’t blow you away. But the key is not the big numbers; it’s the diversity of skillset that he brings to the table. Punch is a terrific 4 man in college basketball who does a little bit of everything. It starts on the defensive end where Punch carries his 240-pound frame well and is a physical defender who can switch onto opposing perimeter players and be an aggressive rim protector. He blocked 1.9 shots and grabbed 1.3 steals per game, due to great effort and terrific hand-eye coordination.
On offense, Punch was TCU’s leading scorer by getting out in transition, attacking downhill off of the catch, and through quick post-ups against switches. He’s sharp in the dunker spot, and can even occasionally break down a player off the bounce if it’s a mismatch by driving downhill. He grabs two offensive rebounds per game, too. I thought it was malpractice that he didn’t make the All-Big 12 team this year.
Ht: 6-9Wt: 240
The box score stats for Punch won’t blow you away. But the key is not the big numbers; it’s the diversity of skillset that he brings to the table. Punch is a terrific 4 man in college basketball who does a little bit of everything. It starts on the defensive end where Punch carries his 240-pound frame well and is a physical defender who can switch onto opposing perimeter players and be an aggressive rim protector. He blocked 1.9 shots and grabbed 1.3 steals per game, due to great effort and terrific hand-eye coordination.
On offense, Punch was TCU’s leading scorer by getting out in transition, attacking downhill off of the catch, and through quick post-ups against switches. He’s sharp in the dunker spot, and can even occasionally break down a player off the bounce if it’s a mismatch by driving downhill. He grabs two offensive rebounds per game, too. I thought it was malpractice that he didn’t make the All-Big 12 team this year.
Grade
High-Major All-Conference
Ht: 6-4Wt: 195
The nation’s No. 4 scorer this past season, Haggerty is one of the best pure bucket-getters in the entire country. Nearly 64 percent of his field goal attempts coming in the paint this season, and he converts 72.1 percent of his shots around the basket, per CBB Analytics. His best skill, though, is drawing contact. In three full college seasons, he has taken a staggering 776 free throws and will likely end his career in the top 10 in the history of the sport in that statistic.
Haggerty is on his fifth Division I school in five years. He has only impacted winning once, helping 2025 Memphis earn a No. 5 seed, but those Tigers lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. His efficiency has dropped sharply against top competition at both Kansas State and Memphis. Per CBB Analytics, Kansas State was better this season with him off the floor.
Ht: 6-4Wt: 195
The nation’s No. 4 scorer this past season, Haggerty is one of the best pure bucket-getters in the entire country. Nearly 64 percent of his field goal attempts coming in the paint this season, and he converts 72.1 percent of his shots around the basket, per CBB Analytics. His best skill, though, is drawing contact. In three full college seasons, he has taken a staggering 776 free throws and will likely end his career in the top 10 in the history of the sport in that statistic.
Haggerty is on his fifth Division I school in five years. He has only impacted winning once, helping 2025 Memphis earn a No. 5 seed, but those Tigers lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. His efficiency has dropped sharply against top competition at both Kansas State and Memphis. Per CBB Analytics, Kansas State was better this season with him off the floor.
Grade
High-Major All-Conference
Guard
In Portal
Kansas State
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 170
Shelstad was a three-year starter for the Ducks while playing as an Oregon native for his home state’s team. He suffered a hand injury in December that sidelined him for the new year, but he was well on his way to a potential All-Big Ten season. You could look at the 39.1 percent field goal percentage this year and be worried, but he’s been a consistent finisher despite his size at Oregon. He upped his 3-point volume immensely this season, and a 1-for-11 game from distance against Auburn held down his percentages.
Shelstad is a terrific floor general and was a tremendous late-game creator, drilling multiple huge late-game shots to carry the Ducks to wins. He’s undeniably one of the best guards available and will be sought after by the highest-level programs seeking a guard who can calm things down, limit turnovers, and create shots.
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 170
Shelstad was a three-year starter for the Ducks while playing as an Oregon native for his home state’s team. He suffered a hand injury in December that sidelined him for the new year, but he was well on his way to a potential All-Big Ten season. You could look at the 39.1 percent field goal percentage this year and be worried, but he’s been a consistent finisher despite his size at Oregon. He upped his 3-point volume immensely this season, and a 1-for-11 game from distance against Auburn held down his percentages.
Shelstad is a terrific floor general and was a tremendous late-game creator, drilling multiple huge late-game shots to carry the Ducks to wins. He’s undeniably one of the best guards available and will be sought after by the highest-level programs seeking a guard who can calm things down, limit turnovers, and create shots.
Grade
High-Major All-Conference
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 225
The Lithuanian skilled 4 man has just gotten progressively better throughout every season of his career, culminating in him being the best player on an NCAA Tournament team at Saint Mary’s this past year who averaged 18 points and 7.6 rebounds per game this past season while shooting 48 percent from the field on one of the slowest-paced teams in the country. Randy Bennett used him very effectively as a mid-post scorer who could exploit less-gifted players on the block with his size or speed, and as a triple-threat catch-and-shoot weapon.
Murauskas will fit best in a slower offense that grinds out possessions and relies on strong decision-making with effective movement to get him loose. Teams that run sets regularly as opposed to read and react offenses should look into Murauskas, as he could challenge for an All-American berth as a senior in the right location.
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 225
The Lithuanian skilled 4 man has just gotten progressively better throughout every season of his career, culminating in him being the best player on an NCAA Tournament team at Saint Mary’s this past year who averaged 18 points and 7.6 rebounds per game this past season while shooting 48 percent from the field on one of the slowest-paced teams in the country. Randy Bennett used him very effectively as a mid-post scorer who could exploit less-gifted players on the block with his size or speed, and as a triple-threat catch-and-shoot weapon.
Murauskas will fit best in a slower offense that grinds out possessions and relies on strong decision-making with effective movement to get him loose. Teams that run sets regularly as opposed to read and react offenses should look into Murauskas, as he could challenge for an All-American berth as a senior in the right location.
Grade
High-Major All-Conference
Forward
In Portal
Saint Mary’s
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 210
The Estonian native came to college basketball this season and was exceptionally productive as a jumbo guard for the Friars. There is very little that Vaaks isn’t capable of as a playmaker at that size. His dribble, pass and shoot abilities are quite real, even if he’s still working through how to utilize all of his tools. He’s dynamic in ball-screens, can drill shots off movement where he’s a volume gunner taking nearly nine attempts per game, and can also throw passes. It’s not hard to squint and see NBA upside.
The issue? Vaaks might have been the worst defensive player in the Big East. He consistently got beaten off the bounce, and his engagement levels weren’t at the level they consistently needed to be at. He was a major reason Providence had one of the worst defenses in high-major basketball, and the Friars were six points worse per 100 possessions on defense with him on the court. The team that recruits him will need a strong defensive infrastructure. With that said, expect a significant high-major program to bet on his ceiling, where he could easily turn into an all-conference player as soon as next year.
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 210
The Estonian native came to college basketball this season and was exceptionally productive as a jumbo guard for the Friars. There is very little that Vaaks isn’t capable of as a playmaker at that size. His dribble, pass and shoot abilities are quite real, even if he’s still working through how to utilize all of his tools. He’s dynamic in ball-screens, can drill shots off movement where he’s a volume gunner taking nearly nine attempts per game, and can also throw passes. It’s not hard to squint and see NBA upside.
The issue? Vaaks might have been the worst defensive player in the Big East. He consistently got beaten off the bounce, and his engagement levels weren’t at the level they consistently needed to be at. He was a major reason Providence had one of the worst defenses in high-major basketball, and the Friars were six points worse per 100 possessions on defense with him on the court. The team that recruits him will need a strong defensive infrastructure. With that said, expect a significant high-major program to bet on his ceiling, where he could easily turn into an all-conference player as soon as next year.
Grade
High-Major All-Conference
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 190
Undoubtedly one of the best two-way wings to hit the transfer portal this cycle. Byrd has been on the NBA’s radar for the last two years due to his disruptive defensive play and willingness to take 3s. He won the Mountain West’s Defensive Player of the Year award this past season due to his quickness, length and hand-eye coordination, flying around the court in help situations and averaging 1.9 steals to go with 1.2 blocks per game. Any defense in the country will be drastically helped by his presence, as he’s capable of guarding across the perimeter spectrum from 1 through 3 with ease.
The bigger questions come on offense. Byrd has always been a very willing shooter. However, he’s never really made shots. He’s a career 30.5 percent 3-point shooter on 400 attempts in his career. San Diego State’s offense is rather archaic, and many of these shots end up being a bit more contested than normal. He’s also not all that strong and can struggle to deal with contact on his drives. But if a team has high-level creators, Byrd could flourish on offense with some offseason improvement and be one of the best two-way wings in the country.
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 190
Undoubtedly one of the best two-way wings to hit the transfer portal this cycle. Byrd has been on the NBA’s radar for the last two years due to his disruptive defensive play and willingness to take 3s. He won the Mountain West’s Defensive Player of the Year award this past season due to his quickness, length and hand-eye coordination, flying around the court in help situations and averaging 1.9 steals to go with 1.2 blocks per game. Any defense in the country will be drastically helped by his presence, as he’s capable of guarding across the perimeter spectrum from 1 through 3 with ease.
The bigger questions come on offense. Byrd has always been a very willing shooter. However, he’s never really made shots. He’s a career 30.5 percent 3-point shooter on 400 attempts in his career. San Diego State’s offense is rather archaic, and many of these shots end up being a bit more contested than normal. He’s also not all that strong and can struggle to deal with contact on his drives. But if a team has high-level creators, Byrd could flourish on offense with some offseason improvement and be one of the best two-way wings in the country.
Guard
Committed
San Diego State
Providence
Ht: 7-2Wt: 250
Thiam played his freshman season at UCF and then transferred to play his sophomore year at Cincinnati. He helped the Bearcats finish 10th in adjusted defense and is a presence with his length. Offensively, he’s more raw. He’s best as a cutter and roller when he can just catch and finish. He’s capable of making a jumper, but he’s a little too trigger-happy and very streaky. It’s an awkward release, and he’s shot 29 percent from 3 in two seasons, averaging two attempts per game.
With his back to the basket, he struggles to hold his ground and can get pushed off his spot. He can always get his shot off with either a jump hook or turnaround, but he’s not super efficient — 0.88 points per possession on post-ups, per Synergy. He gets in trouble when he tries to back his man down, often losing his dribble in those scenarios. But the defense is real, and he was productive for Cincy.
Ht: 7-2Wt: 250
Thiam played his freshman season at UCF and then transferred to play his sophomore year at Cincinnati. He helped the Bearcats finish 10th in adjusted defense and is a presence with his length. Offensively, he’s more raw. He’s best as a cutter and roller when he can just catch and finish. He’s capable of making a jumper, but he’s a little too trigger-happy and very streaky. It’s an awkward release, and he’s shot 29 percent from 3 in two seasons, averaging two attempts per game.
With his back to the basket, he struggles to hold his ground and can get pushed off his spot. He can always get his shot off with either a jump hook or turnaround, but he’s not super efficient — 0.88 points per possession on post-ups, per Synergy. He gets in trouble when he tries to back his man down, often losing his dribble in those scenarios. But the defense is real, and he was productive for Cincy.
Center
In Portal
Cincinnati
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 180
Hill couldn’t have asked for a better spotlight on him than his Round of 64 game against North Carolina, where the 6-foot-3 guard dominated the Tar Heels in front of the world with 34 points, five rebounds and five assists that included a massive run during the team’s 19-point comeback in the second half. But that wasn’t all Hill did this season. He was a first-team All-Atlantic-10 as a dynamic scorer. He drilled 37 percent of his six 3-point attempts per game this season both of the pull-up and catch-and-shoot variety.
He is more combo guard than lead, but he’s so explosive as a scorer that teams with good wings and bigs who can pass could make it work. He’s a good ball-screen playmaker, but I actually like him best off of the catch, where he can knock down shots from distance or attack off of the bounce. I love the way he uses the threat of his shot to attack defenders.
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 180
Hill couldn’t have asked for a better spotlight on him than his Round of 64 game against North Carolina, where the 6-foot-3 guard dominated the Tar Heels in front of the world with 34 points, five rebounds and five assists that included a massive run during the team’s 19-point comeback in the second half. But that wasn’t all Hill did this season. He was a first-team All-Atlantic-10 as a dynamic scorer. He drilled 37 percent of his six 3-point attempts per game this season both of the pull-up and catch-and-shoot variety.
He is more combo guard than lead, but he’s so explosive as a scorer that teams with good wings and bigs who can pass could make it work. He’s a good ball-screen playmaker, but I actually like him best off of the catch, where he can knock down shots from distance or attack off of the bounce. I love the way he uses the threat of his shot to attack defenders.
Ht: 6-1Wt: 170
Johnson toiled in relative obscurity at Colorado, but his tremendous shot-making and complementary skills make him an enticing upside play after a highly productive freshman campaign. He shot well on catch and shoot attempts (75th percentile, per Synergy) and dribble jumpers (85th percentile) while doing both at a fairly high volume, and his easy lefty stroke certainly passes the eye test. He also lived at the free throw line, ranking 110th nationally in fouls drawn per 40 minutes. He knows how to invite contact and earn free points.
The question is whether Johnson can handle being a full-time point guard at the power conference level or if he is an undersized combo guard. He was excellent as a scorer in ball screens (88th percentile), but he is wired more to get his own shot than to create for others. If he cannot hold up as a point guard, his size and subsequent defensive limitations will limit his overall effectiveness.
Ht: 6-1Wt: 170
Johnson toiled in relative obscurity at Colorado, but his tremendous shot-making and complementary skills make him an enticing upside play after a highly productive freshman campaign. He shot well on catch and shoot attempts (75th percentile, per Synergy) and dribble jumpers (85th percentile) while doing both at a fairly high volume, and his easy lefty stroke certainly passes the eye test. He also lived at the free throw line, ranking 110th nationally in fouls drawn per 40 minutes. He knows how to invite contact and earn free points.
The question is whether Johnson can handle being a full-time point guard at the power conference level or if he is an undersized combo guard. He was excellent as a scorer in ball screens (88th percentile), but he is wired more to get his own shot than to create for others. If he cannot hold up as a point guard, his size and subsequent defensive limitations will limit his overall effectiveness.
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 205
NBA scouts are genuinely intrigued by Able, who has decided to declare for the draft in addition to hitting the portal. Why would they be interested in a freshman who shot 41 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3? Honestly, it’s fairly easy to dismiss the inconsistencies of his freshman season while placing some blame on what seemed to be a total mess in Raleigh this year under Will Wade, where the team was talented but never seemed to gel. For his part, Able got better as the year went on, averaging 10.3 points while shooting 43 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3 in his final 12 games.
He clearly has terrific touch and can hit shots from all three levels of the court, and at 6-6, he has the exact kind of size that you’re looking for from a guard. Beyond that, I actually liked his defensive engagement and intensity, as he seemed to have great timing jumping passing lanes, averaging 1.2 steals in just 21 minutes per night. Essentially, from a scouting perspective with Able, everything looks the way it’s supposed to look, and scouts were left wondering throughout the year why Will Wade didn’t play him more consistently. I’m betting on a big leap in his new environment, wherever that may be.
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 205
NBA scouts are genuinely intrigued by Able, who has decided to declare for the draft in addition to hitting the portal. Why would they be interested in a freshman who shot 41 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3? Honestly, it’s fairly easy to dismiss the inconsistencies of his freshman season while placing some blame on what seemed to be a total mess in Raleigh this year under Will Wade, where the team was talented but never seemed to gel. For his part, Able got better as the year went on, averaging 10.3 points while shooting 43 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3 in his final 12 games.
He clearly has terrific touch and can hit shots from all three levels of the court, and at 6-6, he has the exact kind of size that you’re looking for from a guard. Beyond that, I actually liked his defensive engagement and intensity, as he seemed to have great timing jumping passing lanes, averaging 1.2 steals in just 21 minutes per night. Essentially, from a scouting perspective with Able, everything looks the way it’s supposed to look, and scouts were left wondering throughout the year why Will Wade didn’t play him more consistently. I’m betting on a big leap in his new environment, wherever that may be.
Ht: 6-3Wt: 195
Mingo is a former top-50 recruit who had a tremendous freshman season at Penn State. NBA scouts have interest in tracking his development as a big, long guard who is athletic, sharp on offense as a decision-maker, and can really defend. An excellent slasher, Mingo plays with great bend and flexibility to out-leverage his opponents while also maintaining the strength to absorb bumps from defenders. He also possesses a nice in-between game with pull-ups and awkward little floaters. The big issue with Mingo is that he needs to shoot from distance at some point. He’s long been a sub-30 percent 3-point shooter.
One important wrinkle worth noting is Mingo’s brother, Dylan, a top-five recruit in the 2026 class, is slated to go to North Carolina, but that has come into question given Hubert Davis’ firing. However, if the brothers want to play together, their games aren’t complementary of one another since they’re both weak shooters from distance. It’ll be interesting to see if they choose to stay apart or go play together in some capacity.
Ht: 6-3Wt: 195
Mingo is a former top-50 recruit who had a tremendous freshman season at Penn State. NBA scouts have interest in tracking his development as a big, long guard who is athletic, sharp on offense as a decision-maker, and can really defend. An excellent slasher, Mingo plays with great bend and flexibility to out-leverage his opponents while also maintaining the strength to absorb bumps from defenders. He also possesses a nice in-between game with pull-ups and awkward little floaters. The big issue with Mingo is that he needs to shoot from distance at some point. He’s long been a sub-30 percent 3-point shooter.
One important wrinkle worth noting is Mingo’s brother, Dylan, a top-five recruit in the 2026 class, is slated to go to North Carolina, but that has come into question given Hubert Davis’ firing. However, if the brothers want to play together, their games aren’t complementary of one another since they’re both weak shooters from distance. It’ll be interesting to see if they choose to stay apart or go play together in some capacity.
Ht: 6-0Wt: 190
Burton is a small-but-lethal lead guard scorer who excels at creating his own shot. His junior season was cut short by injury after just 10 games, but as a sophomore, he averaged 23.5 PPG in ACC play on 44.5 percent shooting from the field (40.2 percent from deep) en route to a second team All-ACC slot. He’s outstanding in both pick-and-roll (87th percentile in efficiency as a scorer, per Synergy) and isolation (90th percentile).
He is especially effective off the bounce, cashing in on pull-ups at excellent rates for two straight years. In ball screens, his numbers dip noticeably when opponents force him to be a passer, but that could say more about his Notre Dame teammates, as he does show some impressive reads. At his smaller stature, he can really struggle if the defense hedges hard with length.Burton’s size makes him a target defensively at times. He plays hard and has solid instincts, and he actually grades out will via defensive analytics (97th percentile in DRAPM, per CBB Analytics). But opponents can go at him in targeted mismatches or via switches.
Ht: 6-0Wt: 190
Burton is a small-but-lethal lead guard scorer who excels at creating his own shot. His junior season was cut short by injury after just 10 games, but as a sophomore, he averaged 23.5 PPG in ACC play on 44.5 percent shooting from the field (40.2 percent from deep) en route to a second team All-ACC slot. He’s outstanding in both pick-and-roll (87th percentile in efficiency as a scorer, per Synergy) and isolation (90th percentile).
He is especially effective off the bounce, cashing in on pull-ups at excellent rates for two straight years. In ball screens, his numbers dip noticeably when opponents force him to be a passer, but that could say more about his Notre Dame teammates, as he does show some impressive reads. At his smaller stature, he can really struggle if the defense hedges hard with length.Burton’s size makes him a target defensively at times. He plays hard and has solid instincts, and he actually grades out will via defensive analytics (97th percentile in DRAPM, per CBB Analytics). But opponents can go at him in targeted mismatches or via switches.
Ht: 6-11Wt: 260
Cyril will take advantage of an extremely lucrative center market. He’s a tremendous rim deterrent who swatted 2.2 per game. Opponents took three fewer shots per 40 minutes at the rim with Cyril on the court than off, as his tremendous size caused issues. You need to play him in drop coverage to get the most out of him on that end, but he’s terrific in that role. It would also be valuable to pair him with a strong defensive rebounder at the 4 who can go up and get the ball.
Offensively, Cyril is efficient but limited. He made a ridiculous 75.9 percent of his shots and dunked nearly 60 percent of his attempts at the rim. That is one of the highest dunk rates in the country, and if you can stop him from throwing it down, he only makes 57 percent of his layups, per Synergy. He also crashed the offensive glass hard. But overall, Cyril is big, good on defense, and knows what he is on offense. You can win a lot of games with him as your starting center, and he was the most impactful player on Georgia’s roster in terms of team performance.
Ht: 6-11Wt: 260
Cyril will take advantage of an extremely lucrative center market. He’s a tremendous rim deterrent who swatted 2.2 per game. Opponents took three fewer shots per 40 minutes at the rim with Cyril on the court than off, as his tremendous size caused issues. You need to play him in drop coverage to get the most out of him on that end, but he’s terrific in that role. It would also be valuable to pair him with a strong defensive rebounder at the 4 who can go up and get the ball.
Offensively, Cyril is efficient but limited. He made a ridiculous 75.9 percent of his shots and dunked nearly 60 percent of his attempts at the rim. That is one of the highest dunk rates in the country, and if you can stop him from throwing it down, he only makes 57 percent of his layups, per Synergy. He also crashed the offensive glass hard. But overall, Cyril is big, good on defense, and knows what he is on offense. You can win a lot of games with him as your starting center, and he was the most impactful player on Georgia’s roster in terms of team performance.
Ht: 6-10Wt: 240
Sherrell has great size and is capable of playing out on the perimeter. For such a big guy, he can flip his hips and re-screen fairly quickly. Whoever lands him is getting a player who has had a good education in the pick-and-roll game after two years at Alabama. He isn’t quick off the ground but has good touch. He’s also made 41 3s at a 33.6 percent clip in two seasons. He’s closer to average as a shooter but at least good enough that he can’t be left alone. He has the type of skill where it’s likely he’d have success as a back-to-the-basket scorer, but that’s just not something Alabama does.
Defensively, Sherrell moves his feet well for a guy of his build and can defend without fouling (3.5 fouls per 40 minutes). He defends with his chest, and you’re not moving him. He can block shots both on the ball and as a help-side defender and had an 8.5 percent block rate.
Ht: 6-10Wt: 240
Sherrell has great size and is capable of playing out on the perimeter. For such a big guy, he can flip his hips and re-screen fairly quickly. Whoever lands him is getting a player who has had a good education in the pick-and-roll game after two years at Alabama. He isn’t quick off the ground but has good touch. He’s also made 41 3s at a 33.6 percent clip in two seasons. He’s closer to average as a shooter but at least good enough that he can’t be left alone. He has the type of skill where it’s likely he’d have success as a back-to-the-basket scorer, but that’s just not something Alabama does.
Defensively, Sherrell moves his feet well for a guy of his build and can defend without fouling (3.5 fouls per 40 minutes). He defends with his chest, and you’re not moving him. He can block shots both on the ball and as a help-side defender and had an 8.5 percent block rate.
Ht: 6-5Wt: 190
McNeil is an absolute sniper from distance and showcased it this season under at NC State. His selling point is the 42.7 percent mark he hit from beyond the 3-point line on 7.2 attempts per game. He’s as versatile a shooter as you’ll find. Per Synergy, McNeil hit the third-most 3s in the country this year off of screens, and made those shots at a truly obscene 48.5 percent. That mark off of screens from 3 was the second-highest percentage among the top-50 players nationally in 3-pointers made off of screens, too. Given his volume and percentage, McNeil was the best shooter in the country this season shooting off movement.
McNeil certainly has a lot to work on. He needs to get stronger because he struggles quite a bit on defense right now. Also, you’d like to see McNeil’s game as a decision-maker improve, and he’s also not impressive as a driver. But McNeil’s ability to fire from distance is second-to-none.
Ht: 6-5Wt: 190
McNeil is an absolute sniper from distance and showcased it this season under at NC State. His selling point is the 42.7 percent mark he hit from beyond the 3-point line on 7.2 attempts per game. He’s as versatile a shooter as you’ll find. Per Synergy, McNeil hit the third-most 3s in the country this year off of screens, and made those shots at a truly obscene 48.5 percent. That mark off of screens from 3 was the second-highest percentage among the top-50 players nationally in 3-pointers made off of screens, too. Given his volume and percentage, McNeil was the best shooter in the country this season shooting off movement.
McNeil certainly has a lot to work on. He needs to get stronger because he struggles quite a bit on defense right now. Also, you’d like to see McNeil’s game as a decision-maker improve, and he’s also not impressive as a driver. But McNeil’s ability to fire from distance is second-to-none.
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 215
Avdalas took college basketball by storm in the opening weeks of the season. At 6-foot-8 with serious on-ball skills as a passer and playmaker, he looks the part of a future NBA player. However, he never quite sustained the level he showed when he dropped 33 points and six assists against Providence. In total for the season, Avdalas is not strong enough to consistently get to the rim and not a good enough shooter to threaten defenses.
Still, there are just so many reasons to be excited about recruiting Avdalas. He’s an incredible passer at his size with an over 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. His playmaking out of ball screens particularly stands out for his pace and footwork. Defensively, he needs to get more engaged off the ball, but he’s big enough to hide. In the right scheme, where he has space to operate, my favorite option would be for him to replace Keaton Wagler at Illinois — he has All-American and certainly all-conference upside.
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 215
Avdalas took college basketball by storm in the opening weeks of the season. At 6-foot-8 with serious on-ball skills as a passer and playmaker, he looks the part of a future NBA player. However, he never quite sustained the level he showed when he dropped 33 points and six assists against Providence. In total for the season, Avdalas is not strong enough to consistently get to the rim and not a good enough shooter to threaten defenses.
Still, there are just so many reasons to be excited about recruiting Avdalas. He’s an incredible passer at his size with an over 2.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. His playmaking out of ball screens particularly stands out for his pace and footwork. Defensively, he needs to get more engaged off the ball, but he’s big enough to hide. In the right scheme, where he has space to operate, my favorite option would be for him to replace Keaton Wagler at Illinois — he has All-American and certainly all-conference upside.
Guard
In Portal
Virginia Tech
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 210
The Missouri Valley has a track record of producing strong transfers, and Lundblade should be no exception. After starting his career at TCU, Lundblade moved to Belmont in 2024-25 and became one of the best snipers in college basketball. In his two seasons with the Bruins, Lundblade drilled a truly ridiculous 44 percent of his 499 3-point attempts. He drills them off of movement or pull-ups, and became an extremely capable primary offensive weapon. He makes good decisions with the ball and is strong enough to guard. Coaching staffs will have to account for him with speed out there in case he gets beaten.
Already 24 years old, Lundblade will enter his seventh collegiate season. He declined a scholarship offer from Charlotte to chase a preferred walk-on role at SMU. He redshirted that season, but coach Tim Jankovich was fired and he decided to try his luck as a walk-on at TCU, where he eventually earned a scholarship. However, TCU pulled his scholarship, and Lundblade decided to pay his own way to play at Belmont.
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 210
The Missouri Valley has a track record of producing strong transfers, and Lundblade should be no exception. After starting his career at TCU, Lundblade moved to Belmont in 2024-25 and became one of the best snipers in college basketball. In his two seasons with the Bruins, Lundblade drilled a truly ridiculous 44 percent of his 499 3-point attempts. He drills them off of movement or pull-ups, and became an extremely capable primary offensive weapon. He makes good decisions with the ball and is strong enough to guard. Coaching staffs will have to account for him with speed out there in case he gets beaten.
Already 24 years old, Lundblade will enter his seventh collegiate season. He declined a scholarship offer from Charlotte to chase a preferred walk-on role at SMU. He redshirted that season, but coach Tim Jankovich was fired and he decided to try his luck as a walk-on at TCU, where he eventually earned a scholarship. However, TCU pulled his scholarship, and Lundblade decided to pay his own way to play at Belmont.
Wing
Signed
Belmont
Tennessee
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 265
Hines is a big-bodied defensive player who profiles well towards winning basketball. He came off the bench to play 18 minutes per game for the Pirates, but quickly established himself as one of the best rim deterrents in the Eastern part of the country. Hines blocked 2.2 shots per game in those 18 minutes and was a constant presence at the basket. Opponents shot just 55 percent at the rim when he was on the court versus 61 percent when he was off of it, per CBB Analytics. But even beyond that, he’s balanced in his movements away from the rim and has no issues with his coordination. He’s not necessarily a switch defender, but he can scramble well. He was Seton Hall’s second-most impactful player in terms of impact when he was on the court behind Budd Clark.
Offensively, Hines is definitely a bit limited but knows his role and sticks to it. He rolls hard to the rim, crashes the offensive glass and is a good finisher when he gets his chances. He can’t really create his own shot, but he does have solid touch as a finisher on his layups. Hines just plays hard all the time and is the kind of big that every team should want. He should move into the starting lineup somewhere next season and provide a positive impact for whoever gets him.
Ht: 6-10 Wt: 265
Hines is a big-bodied defensive player who profiles well towards winning basketball. He came off the bench to play 18 minutes per game for the Pirates, but quickly established himself as one of the best rim deterrents in the Eastern part of the country. Hines blocked 2.2 shots per game in those 18 minutes and was a constant presence at the basket. Opponents shot just 55 percent at the rim when he was on the court versus 61 percent when he was off of it, per CBB Analytics. But even beyond that, he’s balanced in his movements away from the rim and has no issues with his coordination. He’s not necessarily a switch defender, but he can scramble well. He was Seton Hall’s second-most impactful player in terms of impact when he was on the court behind Budd Clark.
Offensively, Hines is definitely a bit limited but knows his role and sticks to it. He rolls hard to the rim, crashes the offensive glass and is a good finisher when he gets his chances. He can’t really create his own shot, but he does have solid touch as a finisher on his layups. Hines just plays hard all the time and is the kind of big that every team should want. He should move into the starting lineup somewhere next season and provide a positive impact for whoever gets him.
Center
In Portal
Seton Hall
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 240
Estrella mostly came off the bench for Tennessee this season behind Felix Okpara, but he did start 13 games as one of a rotating cast of bigs. The Vols were 11.3 points per 100 possessions better when Estrella was on the court versus when he was off the court, per CBB Analytics, largely because of his offensive skill. Estrella has good hands, helps to move the ball quickly, finishes efficiently around the rim and also plays hard by crashing the offensive glass. He shot 59.6 percent from the field while also grabbing 2.8 offensive rebounds per game in just 18 minutes per night.
Estrella can scale up his minute load in a different situation, and potentially flourish even more. He’s a smart positional defender who doesn’t give up much on that end, but it’s more about how his offense could progress further by getting into a more modern construction. He hit four 3s this past season, and looks to have the kind of jumper that might be able to flourish if he’s given some latitude to explore it. Estrella played three years at Tennessee but should have two seasons of eligibility after he missed most of last season with a left foot injury. However, it’s worth noting that the same foot injury did cause him to miss some time this season, too, with some soreness.
Ht: 6-11 Wt: 240
Estrella mostly came off the bench for Tennessee this season behind Felix Okpara, but he did start 13 games as one of a rotating cast of bigs. The Vols were 11.3 points per 100 possessions better when Estrella was on the court versus when he was off the court, per CBB Analytics, largely because of his offensive skill. Estrella has good hands, helps to move the ball quickly, finishes efficiently around the rim and also plays hard by crashing the offensive glass. He shot 59.6 percent from the field while also grabbing 2.8 offensive rebounds per game in just 18 minutes per night.
Estrella can scale up his minute load in a different situation, and potentially flourish even more. He’s a smart positional defender who doesn’t give up much on that end, but it’s more about how his offense could progress further by getting into a more modern construction. He hit four 3s this past season, and looks to have the kind of jumper that might be able to flourish if he’s given some latitude to explore it. Estrella played three years at Tennessee but should have two seasons of eligibility after he missed most of last season with a left foot injury. However, it’s worth noting that the same foot injury did cause him to miss some time this season, too, with some soreness.
Center
Committed
Tennessee
Michigan
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 205
An immensely talented former five-star recruit, Freeman is a mobile four-man who can score at all three levels thanks to his fluid athleticism and solid touch. Both of his first two seasons have been interrupted by injuries, but when on the court, he’s flashed the physical tools and skill level that made him such an enticing prospect coming out of IMG Academy. He is a savvy finisher around the bucket (73 percent at the rim, per CBB Analytics), and he knows how to use his physical tools to get to the charity stripe against inferior defenders.
Freeman’s motor does not always run hot, though, and he tends to fall in love with his jumper, which can be very hit or miss (particularly from beyond the arc). That is especially the case against top competition, and his efficiency tanked against the best opponents on Syracuse’s schedule. His shooting mechanics are sound, though, and he is a strong free-throw shooter, so the tantalizing potential remains. Maintaining that jumper while adding strength will be critical, as Freeman is still somewhat thin.
Ht: 6-9 Wt: 205
An immensely talented former five-star recruit, Freeman is a mobile four-man who can score at all three levels thanks to his fluid athleticism and solid touch. Both of his first two seasons have been interrupted by injuries, but when on the court, he’s flashed the physical tools and skill level that made him such an enticing prospect coming out of IMG Academy. He is a savvy finisher around the bucket (73 percent at the rim, per CBB Analytics), and he knows how to use his physical tools to get to the charity stripe against inferior defenders.
Freeman’s motor does not always run hot, though, and he tends to fall in love with his jumper, which can be very hit or miss (particularly from beyond the arc). That is especially the case against top competition, and his efficiency tanked against the best opponents on Syracuse’s schedule. His shooting mechanics are sound, though, and he is a strong free-throw shooter, so the tantalizing potential remains. Maintaining that jumper while adding strength will be critical, as Freeman is still somewhat thin.
Ht: 6-8Wt: 215
Khamenia will try to find a different home after coming off the bench despite a five-star recruiting track record that led many to believe he was a potential one-and-done player. At 6-foot-8, Khamenia was asked to slot into a role next to Cameron Boozer and didn’t really get to showcase many of the skills that made him so sought after. In high school, there were few players who were a better combination of shooting and passing ability. He made rapid decisions from the wing and seemed like he could take on real usage or slot in next to stars.
I wouldn’t say this was a lost season for Khamenia, but we also probably didn’t get to see the full picture. I’d bet on Khamenia taking a big leap in his next landing spot, as he has all of the tools to be a wildly impactful college basketball player who likely goes on to the NBA.
Ht: 6-8Wt: 215
Khamenia will try to find a different home after coming off the bench despite a five-star recruiting track record that led many to believe he was a potential one-and-done player. At 6-foot-8, Khamenia was asked to slot into a role next to Cameron Boozer and didn’t really get to showcase many of the skills that made him so sought after. In high school, there were few players who were a better combination of shooting and passing ability. He made rapid decisions from the wing and seemed like he could take on real usage or slot in next to stars.
I wouldn’t say this was a lost season for Khamenia, but we also probably didn’t get to see the full picture. I’d bet on Khamenia taking a big leap in his next landing spot, as he has all of the tools to be a wildly impactful college basketball player who likely goes on to the NBA.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 180
Villanova rolled out the red carpet and gave Lewis the keys to the offense, who helped lead the team to a surprising NCAA Tournament appearance. Their reward? Lewis decided to hit the transfer portal. A second-team All-Big East selection, Lewis brings NBA-level creativity and passing ability. He plays fast, and his vision is superb, finding open teammates at the rim with ease. He also deals well with contact at the rim, even if that hasn’t turned into free-throw attempts. Lewis isn’t a particularly good shooter right now. The lefty made just 58.3 percent of his free throws and 27 percent of his 3s. How he improves as a scorer will tell the tale of his future.
Another part of Lewis’ game that will tell his future? His defense. Lewis averaged 1.9 steals per game but was not good enough at the point of attack or as a rotational team defender. Willard clearly didn’t feel comfortable with him on defense in late-game situations. Lewis has real long-term upside, but there are flaws that teams will need to work through. Overall, Villanova was 6.4 points per 100 possessions worse when Lewis was on the court versus off the court, per CBB Analytics, largely because of that negative defensive impact.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 180
Villanova rolled out the red carpet and gave Lewis the keys to the offense, who helped lead the team to a surprising NCAA Tournament appearance. Their reward? Lewis decided to hit the transfer portal. A second-team All-Big East selection, Lewis brings NBA-level creativity and passing ability. He plays fast, and his vision is superb, finding open teammates at the rim with ease. He also deals well with contact at the rim, even if that hasn’t turned into free-throw attempts. Lewis isn’t a particularly good shooter right now. The lefty made just 58.3 percent of his free throws and 27 percent of his 3s. How he improves as a scorer will tell the tale of his future.
Another part of Lewis’ game that will tell his future? His defense. Lewis averaged 1.9 steals per game but was not good enough at the point of attack or as a rotational team defender. Willard clearly didn’t feel comfortable with him on defense in late-game situations. Lewis has real long-term upside, but there are flaws that teams will need to work through. Overall, Villanova was 6.4 points per 100 possessions worse when Lewis was on the court versus off the court, per CBB Analytics, largely because of that negative defensive impact.
Ht: 7-1Wt: 230
Diop burst onto the scene immediately in Tempe, starting every game and impressing immensely with his mobility and athleticism. Diop’s speed makes him a terror in transition, and he should evolve into a tremendous lob threat in the pick-and-roll. He racked up 53 dunks on the season, and he posted a block rate of 8.5 percent in Big 12 play, good for No. 2 in the league. Per KenPom, two of his closest statistical comparisons are the freshman versions of Kel’el Ware and Ryan Kalkbrenner; following either trajectory would be an outstanding outcome for the Senegal native.
Diop needs to add strength and improve his rebounder. He can get bullied into bad position, and he cannot always anchor when physical opponents bump him off the block. He was acceptable as a post scorer for a freshman, but he struggled badly if the defense sent help, as evidenced by his 0.56 assist/turnover ratio. Still, the overall physical and skill package here is fascinating, and he could blossom into a star at his next stop.
Ht: 7-1Wt: 230
Diop burst onto the scene immediately in Tempe, starting every game and impressing immensely with his mobility and athleticism. Diop’s speed makes him a terror in transition, and he should evolve into a tremendous lob threat in the pick-and-roll. He racked up 53 dunks on the season, and he posted a block rate of 8.5 percent in Big 12 play, good for No. 2 in the league. Per KenPom, two of his closest statistical comparisons are the freshman versions of Kel’el Ware and Ryan Kalkbrenner; following either trajectory would be an outstanding outcome for the Senegal native.
Diop needs to add strength and improve his rebounder. He can get bullied into bad position, and he cannot always anchor when physical opponents bump him off the block. He was acceptable as a post scorer for a freshman, but he struggled badly if the defense sent help, as evidenced by his 0.56 assist/turnover ratio. Still, the overall physical and skill package here is fascinating, and he could blossom into a star at his next stop.
Center
In Portal
Arizona State
Ht: 6-7Wt: 220
A top 20 recruit in 2025 by RSCI, Haralson was incredibly productive as a freshman, albeit on extremely high usage and lacking some efficiency as a shooter. He shot 51.5 percent from the field but 67.4 percent from the charity stripe, and he only made five 3s all season at a dismal 20.0 percent. Haralson carried an immense burden for the disappointing Irish, who failed to qualify for the ACC tournament.
Haralson was likely miscast as the Fighting Irish’s primary playmaker once Markus Burton went down with an injury, resulting in him posting more turnovers (74) than assists (69) for the season. He has strong passing vision, but Notre Dame lacked creation without Burton, and opponents found it easy to swarm Haralson. He excels at attacking mismatches from the mid-post, where he can use his height to pick out open shooters and cutters. He needs to add some semblance of a jumper and would be better served playing next to more talent.
Ht: 6-7Wt: 220
A top 20 recruit in 2025 by RSCI, Haralson was incredibly productive as a freshman, albeit on extremely high usage and lacking some efficiency as a shooter. He shot 51.5 percent from the field but 67.4 percent from the charity stripe, and he only made five 3s all season at a dismal 20.0 percent. Haralson carried an immense burden for the disappointing Irish, who failed to qualify for the ACC tournament.
Haralson was likely miscast as the Fighting Irish’s primary playmaker once Markus Burton went down with an injury, resulting in him posting more turnovers (74) than assists (69) for the season. He has strong passing vision, but Notre Dame lacked creation without Burton, and opponents found it easy to swarm Haralson. He excels at attacking mismatches from the mid-post, where he can use his height to pick out open shooters and cutters. He needs to add some semblance of a jumper and would be better served playing next to more talent.
Ht: 6-5Wt: 175
Wilikins has a real case as the best mid-major freshman guard hitting the transfer portal. He has real size and was a dynamic scorer and ballhandler for an NCAA Tournament team this year at Furman. He is terrific in ball screens, using his pace and crafty handle to get paint touches while getting all the way to the rim. His jumper could use a little bit of work after making only 32.8 percent from 3 last year, as he has a bit of a low shooting pocket with a pause once he gets into that area.
Still, Wilkins is expected to be priced among the most expensive guards in the portal this spring due to his age and production. He played incredibly well during their run in the SoCon Tournament and their NCAA Tournament game against Final Four participant UConn where he dropped 21 points.
Ht: 6-5Wt: 175
Wilikins has a real case as the best mid-major freshman guard hitting the transfer portal. He has real size and was a dynamic scorer and ballhandler for an NCAA Tournament team this year at Furman. He is terrific in ball screens, using his pace and crafty handle to get paint touches while getting all the way to the rim. His jumper could use a little bit of work after making only 32.8 percent from 3 last year, as he has a bit of a low shooting pocket with a pause once he gets into that area.
Still, Wilkins is expected to be priced among the most expensive guards in the portal this spring due to his age and production. He played incredibly well during their run in the SoCon Tournament and their NCAA Tournament game against Final Four participant UConn where he dropped 21 points.
Ht: 6-5Wt: 200
Dixon has great feel and has real potential to be excellent working out of ball screens. He can make all of the reads and sees the floor well, helped by his size. He’s not a quick-burst guy but plays at his speed and gets to his spots. He shot 39.7 percent from 3 as a freshman. He averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 assists once he became a starter for the final 16 games. He wasn’t a great finisher around the basket — 28.1 percent at the rim on only 32 attempts — but that should improve some with time. It’s not easy to find a player with his combination of size, IQ and shooting.
Ht: 6-5Wt: 200
Dixon has great feel and has real potential to be excellent working out of ball screens. He can make all of the reads and sees the floor well, helped by his size. He’s not a quick-burst guy but plays at his speed and gets to his spots. He shot 39.7 percent from 3 as a freshman. He averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 assists once he became a starter for the final 16 games. He wasn’t a great finisher around the basket — 28.1 percent at the rim on only 32 attempts — but that should improve some with time. It’s not easy to find a player with his combination of size, IQ and shooting.
Guard
In Portal
North Carolina
Apr 9, 2026
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle
