The Saturday NBA schedule brings an eight-game slate, with Celtics vs. Nets opening the action at 6 p.m. ET and Nuggets vs. Wizards closing the curtain at 9 p.m. ET. The national audience goes to Knicks at Warriors at 8:30 p.m. ET as New York looks to win its third straight game on a West Coast road trip. Jalen Brunson (ankle) remains out for New York, leaving the scoring load to Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby. The latest NBA prop lines from FanDuel Sportsbook list Towns’ over/under for points at 23.5, while Anunoby at 18.5.
Stephen Curry (25.5) and Jimmy Butler (17.5) have the highest point totals for the Warriors, who are favored by 7 points in the latest NBA odds. Those are just some of the NBA player props for bettors to consider on Saturday.
SportsLine’s proven model, which has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons, has simulated every Friday NBA game 10,000 times and revealed a projected over/under for each player in each matchup.
Below are the model’s three best NBA prop picks for Saturday to include in NBA prop picks.
Cameron Johnson Over 4.5 rebounds (+102 at FanDuel) Five Brooklyn players are ruled out, so Johnson, who is not on the injury report, should see extended minutes. He only averages 4.2 rebounds per game this season, but that number jumps to 5.2 in March. He’s had at least five boards in four straight games, so the model loves this prop at plus money at FanDuel Sportsbook on Saturday.
fanduel logo rectangle Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins Claim bonus 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (excluding certain perishes), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Void where prohibited. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (excluding certain perishes), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Void where prohibited. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (excluding certain perishes), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Void where prohibited. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Coby White Under 34.5 points + rebounds + assists (-113 at Caesars) White gets what the model views as an inflated line on Saturday as he’ll be carrying more of the offense with Lonzo Ball (wrist) and Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder) ruled out and Josh Giddey (ankle) is listed as doubtful. White has gone Under his P+R+A line five straight times on the road when facing a defense that is ranked in the top third of the NBA. The model projects him to not even reach 30 on this prop against the Rockets.
Steph Curry Over 3.5 rebounds (-125 at DraftKings) Curry hasn’t surpassed three rebounds in his past three games, and the model views this as a buy-low opportunity. In the prior four games, he averaged 4.75 per game. On the season, he’s averaging 4.4 rebounds. The Warriors play the Knicks in what should be a competitive game that keeps Curry on the floor for 30 or more minutes, giving him a great chance to return to his rebounding norms. The model projects him to record 4.6 rebounds, making that a value at -125 at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis will be available for the team’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. It could be Porzingis’ first appearance since Feb. 26. He missed the Celtics’ last eight games due to a mystery illness.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said on Saturday that if Porzingis does play, it will probably be on a minutes restriction.
There has been little information regarding Porzingis’ situation over the past few weeks. The team has repeatedly listed him as out due to a non-COVID illness but has not provided any other information. On March 6, Mazzulla said, “He’s sick. He’s coming into the facility every day trying to get shots up, sweat it out. He’s just not feeling well. He is working to get back.”
Isiah Thomas declined to be in new Celtics doc after ‘Last Dance’ depiction: ‘I wasn’t gonna get fooled twice’ Austin Nivison Isiah Thomas declined to be in new Celtics doc after ‘Last Dance’ depiction: ‘I wasn’t gonna get fooled twice’ Porzingis, who has been on the bench with the team throughout this period, eventually posted an update on social media on March 10, saying that the team hadn’t been able to figure out his illness.
“I have been dealing with some viral illness that we haven’t been able to fully identify yet,” Porzingis wrote. I am recovering and getting better, but I am still working my way back to full strength to help this team. Thanks for your support, and I’m hoping for a healthy return soon.”
This has certainly been a strange situation, but the good news is that Porzingis appears to finally be healthy. This has been a stop-start campaign for the oft-injured big man, who has only appeared in 32 games due in large part to an offseason ankle surgery that kept him on the sideline until Nov. 25. As long as he’s ready for the postseason, though, that’s all that matters.
The Celtics were able to win a title last season despite only having Porzingis for seven playoff games. It’s hard to imagine they would be able to pull off that feat again, especially with how strong the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder look.
During Porzingis’ absence, the Celtics went 6-2, but those losses were to the Cavaliers and Thunder, both at home. Depending on how the playoffs shake out, they might have to beat both of those teams to complete a repeat. To do that, they’ll need their 7-foot-2 “cheat code” on the floor.
The New York Knicks hit the road looking to win their third straight game when they take on the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on Saturday. New York is 42-23 overall and 21-12 on the road, while Golden State is 38-28 overall and 20-13 at home. The Knicks are coming off a 114-113 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. The Warriors are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, and are riding a six-game winning streak. Golden State is looking to build off its 130-104 blowout win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Jalen Brunson (ankle) is out for the Knicks.
Tipoff in San Francisco is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. The Warriors are favored by 7.5 points in the latest Knicks vs. Warriors odds via SportsLine consensus, and the over/under is 228.5 points. Before locking in any Warriors vs. Knicks picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 21 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 148-107 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. It’s also an outstanding 19-10 (65%) on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
The model has set its sights on Knicks vs. Warriors and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for the game:
Knicks vs. Warriors spread: Warriors -7.5 Knicks vs. Warriors over/under: 228.5 points Knicks vs. Warriors money line: Warriors -289, Knicks +232 Knicks vs. Warriors picks: See picks at SportsLine Knicks vs. Warriors streaming: FuboTV (Try for free) bet365 logo rectangle Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose Code: CBSBET365 Claim bonus 21+ only (18+ in KY). *T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Offer available in AZ/CO/IA/IN/IL/KY/PA/LA (select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/TN/VA. Void where prohibited. Available to new customers only. Must claim offer within 30 days following registration. Deposit $10+ and place $5+ qualifying bet (odds of -500 or greater). Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and the Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. Bonus Bets expire after 7 days. Add’l terms and restriction apply see at bet365.com. The above bonus code can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. Data & text rates may apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, IN, IL, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA).21+ only (18+ in KY). *T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Offer available in AZ/CO/IA/IN/IL/KY/PA/LA (select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/TN/VA. Void where prohibited. Available to new customers only. Must claim offer within 30 days following registration. Deposit $10+ and place $5+ qualifying bet (odds of -500 or greater). Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and the Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. Bonus Bets expire after 7 days. Add’l terms and restriction apply see at bet365.com. The above bonus code can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. Data & text rates may apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, IN, IL, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA).21+ only (18+ in KY). *T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Offer available in AZ/CO/IA/IN/IL/KY/PA/LA (select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/TN/VA. Void where prohibited. Available to new customers only. Must claim offer within 30 days following registration. Deposit $10+ and place $5+ qualifying bet (odds of -500 or greater). Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and the Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. Bonus Bets expire after 7 days. Add’l terms and restriction apply see at bet365.com. The above bonus code can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. Data & text rates may apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, IN, IL, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Why the Warriors can cover The Warriors are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. Golden State is 9-1 in its last 10 games, and has been dominant on both ends of the floor. During those 10 games, the Warriors are averaging 122.3 points per game, while allowing opponents an average of 109.1 points per game. Golden State is 35-30-1 against the spread this season.
Stephen Curry continues to play at a high level for Golden State. The two-time NBA MVP is averaging 24.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. Jonathan Kuminga (16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds per game) and Jimmy Butler (16.8 points, 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds per game) lead the Warriors’ supporting cast. See which team to pick here.
Why the Knicks can cover The Knicks will be without Brunson, but still have the firepower to keep this game close and potentially win outright. New York averages 117.1 points per game, which is the sixth best number in the NBA. The Knicks have also gone 21-12 on the road this season.
Center Karl-Anthony Towns presents a significant matchup issue for Golden State. The five-time NBA All-Star has been outstanding in his first season in New York, averaging 24.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Shooting guard Josh Hart averages close to a double-double with per game averages of 14.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assist per game. See which team to pick here.
How to make Warriors vs. Knicks picks The model has simulated Knicks vs. Warriors 10,000 times and the results are in. The model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting 224 combined points. It’s also generated a point-spread pick that is hitting in well over 50% of simulations. You can only see the model’s pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Warriors vs. Knicks on Saturday, and which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Knicks vs. Warriors spread to back, all from the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
Where to bet on NBA games Here are some of the sportsbooks to bet on NBA games today, along with the various NBA sportsbook promos they currently offer.
The eyes of the college football world will be on Ohio State on Saturday as the Buckeyes serve as one of the headliners for a loaded spring game slate. The pressure is high for coach Ryan Day and this team in the 2024 season, and Saturday’s scrimmage will give fans a taste of what’s ahead this coming season and whether these Buckeyes can meet those lofty goals.
Day had a busy offseason after missing the College Football Playoff for the second time in three seasons. He hired his former coach, Chip Kelly, to run the offense and fully handed over playcalling duties for the first time since taking over the Buckeyes program. Ohio State also showed incumbent starting quarterback Kyle McCord the door and brought in three new signal callers to vie for snaps.
But perhaps most importantly, Ohio State managed to retain a number of key playmakers including running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive lineman Jack Sawyer. The Buckeyes have the makings of a title team, but the pressure will only grow over the coming months.
With all the attention on the horizon, here’s how to watch Ohio State’s spring game and key storylines to watch.
How to watch 2024 Ohio State spring game live Date: Saturday, April 13 | Time: 12 p.m. ET Location: Ohio Stadium — Columbus, Ohio Live Stream: Fox
2024 Ohio State spring game storylines
Who stands out at quarterback? Five players are competing for the starting quarterback job and early reviews are mixed. The Buckeyes brought in three new additions on top of two returners, but Kansas State transfer Will Howard is viewed as the favorite to start the year under center. Howard led the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2022, but regressed last season. The door is still open for another player to step up. Devin Brown started the Cotton Bowl after Kyle McCord transferred, but struggled. Freshman Julian Sayin has reportedly looked the part so far. Could he force his way into playing time?
Which newcomers step up? After losing to Michigan last season, Day aggressively attacked the portal for reinforcements. A number of big-time players make their debuts on Saturday. Alabama safety transfer Caleb Downs is a surefire All-America candidate while running back Quinshon Judkins starred at Ole Miss. Howard will push for the starting job and center Seth McLaughlin should fortify the interior. Another key addition came via the high school ranks. No. 1 overall recruit Jeremiah Smith stuck with Ohio State after late pressure to flip and has quickly dropped jaws around Columbus. While the Buckeyes are deep at the position, all eyes will be on Smith at Ohio Stadium.
How has the offense changed under Chip Kelly? Day was open about wanting a full-time playcaller so he could focus more comprehensively on the team. Kelly gives him one of the most proven names in college football. While results were inconsistent during his tenure at UCLA, Kelly consistently put together effective offenses, and even innovated to create mismatches in the run game in new ways. At Ohio State, Day recruited a dual-threat quarterback and added a physical running back in Judkins. Can Kelly get the most out of them?
Georgia has established itself as the class of college football after going 42-2 over the past three seasons with two national championships. After missing the 2023 College Football Playoff, however, the Bulldogs have a fresh dose of motivation. If the way UGA asserted itself in a 63-3 Orange Bowl victory over Florida State was any indication, the ‘Dawgs are going to be relentless in their pursuit of a return to the top of the sport.
The only program to beat Georgia over the past three seasons is Alabama, which bid farewell to legendary coach Nick Saban this offseason. Michigan, which took the national championship mantle from Georgia in January, is also going through a coaching change. As a result, the door has been flung wide open again for ninth-year coach Kirby Smart to take his alma mater back to the summit.
That journey will pass an important reference point Saturday during the annual G-Day spring game. While Smart is unlikely to show much of the playbook or let any state secrets out of the bag, the scrimmage will nonetheless be the most insightful look yet at what Georgia will be in 2024.
With the Bulldogs set to put themselves on display to conclude the spring practice session, let’s dive in a little deeper. Here are some spring game storylines, as well as information on how to watch the Bulldogs’ 2024 debut.
How to watch 2024 Georgia spring game live Date: Saturday, April 13 | Time: 1 p.m. ET Location: Sanford Stadium — Athens, Georgia Live Stream: SEC Network+
2024 Georgia spring game storylines
Which playmakers step up? Departed tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Ladd McConkey are potential first-round draft picks after playing huge roles over the past three seasons. Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, UGA’s third-leading receiver last season, is gone, too. G-Day will offer a glimpse into which players are primed to fill the production void. Receivers Arian Smith, Dominic Lovett and Dillon Bell are among the receivers to watch, but tight end Oscar Delp is also a serious breakout candidate. After playing second fiddle to Bowers, Delp figures to be on the receiving end of significantly more targets in 2024 after catching 24 passes in 2023.
Critical reps for reserves: A year ago, Georgia opened with Tennessee-Martin, Ball State, South Carolina and UAB. All four contests were home games, and none of the opponents went on to reach a bowl game (Tennessee-Martin isn’t even an Football Bowl Subdivision program). The easy beginning allowed Georgia to get in-game reps for backup quarterbacks Gunner Stockton and Brock Vandagriff, along with many other reserves. This time around, the opening isn’t so soft. The Bulldogs open against Clemson at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. After a patsy game with Tennessee Tech in Week 2, their next two games are at Kentucky and at Alabama. The next time Georgia is playing football with fans in the stands will be against a power-conference team, and only one of its first four games is at home this season. That makes spring game reps all the more important for the inexperienced players who may be called upon to help the Bulldogs win a critical game in Week 1.
Young secondary stars: Among the losses in Georgia’s secondary were cornerback Kamari Lassiter, safety Javon Bullard and safety Tykee Smith. While there is plenty of returning talent waiting in the wings to fill their shoes, a couple of newcomers from the nation’s No. 1 ranked recruiting class have also arrived on the scene with much fanfare. Ellis Robinson IV was the No. 2 overall player and top cornerback in the Class of 2024, per 247Sports. KJ Bolden is also on campus after ranking as the No. 1 safety in the class. It may not be their time to shine just yet, but G-Day offers them an early chance to show what they can do. Alabama got major contributions from a freshman safety last season in Caleb Downs. Perhaps Georgia can do the same this season in its secondary.
Not only are the Alabama Crimson Tide replacing a legend following Nick Saban’s retirement, but they are also replacing nearly half their roster. Kalen DeBoer is taking over a team that lost nearly 50 players from last year’s squad that was the SEC champion, went to the College Football Playoff and finished No. 5 in the final AP Poll. But since this is Alabama football, it simply reloaded and landed No. 2 in the Class of 2024 recruit rankings, per 247Sports. Fans of Alabama football will get their first taste of many of these newcomers at the Alabama football spring game on Saturday.
A-Day is what the event is known as, and the 2024 A-Day Game will take place at 4 p.m. ET from Bryant-Denny Stadium. Five-star CB recruits Jaylen Mbakwe and Zabien Brown should see reps considering the lack of depth at the position for Bama, but which other new faces should Alabama football fans get to know? If you want to see the latest Alabama football news, you should join Bama247, the 247Sports affiliate that covers the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The team of insiders at Bama247 are providing on-the-ground updates on every development in the football coaching search, including insights from Matt Zenitz, John Talty and Mike Rodak, who have more than 25 years of experience covering the Crimson Tide. The trio has deep-rooted ties inside and around the Alabama community, and Talty wrote The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban, a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. It’s all available at your fingertips on any device here.
The team at Bama247 has extensive coverage heading into Alabama’s spring game, including injury information and potential depth chart changes. You can also get the low-down from fellow fans on the Bama247 message board. Head to Bama247 and join now to see the latest updates regarding spring practice and the 2024 A-Day Game.
Updates on the Alabama offensive line Perhaps no position group for Bama will be shuffled as much as the offensive line, which has lost at least three starters from last year’s team. A fourth, left tackle Kadyn Proctor, transferred home to Iowa after the season before announcing his intention to transfer back to Alabama. Proctor was the No. 1 offensive lineman in his class, per 247Sports, but he won’t be a part of the A-Day Game.
While that top-ranked lineman won’t suit up, another very well could in true freshman Casey Poe. He just enrolled in January, and the 247Composite graded him as the top interior lineman in the Class of 2024. With LG Tyler Booker the only available returning starter, Poe could be featured up and down the O-line to see where he can contribute most effectively right away.
One thing fans will definitely want to see in regards to the O-line is the center-quarterback exchange after numerous issues during last year’s CFP semifinal loss to Michigan. DeBoer says the team is using a clap cadence for QB Jalen Milroe to receive the snap in shotgun, and per the head coach, the team hasn’t “had any problems” with the exchange throughout spring practice. Join Bama247 for the latest on the offensive line depth chart.
Alabama wide receiver overhaul The Tide will have to replace their top two receivers after losing Jermaine Burton, who declared for the NFL Draft, and Isaiah Bond, who transferred to Texas. That leaves the top returning wideout as Kobe Prentice, who had 18 catches for 314 yards and two scores last year, but no other returning receiver had more than 162 yards a year ago.
Early enrollee Bubba Hampton will be tasked, in part, with helping to fill those voids, and he is a four-star freshman from Daingerfield (TX). Ranked as the No. 16 athlete in his class, Hampton making his presence felt will be even more essential with Jalen Hale still recovering from a knee injury suffered on March 26.
Hale was the No. 6 receiver in the Class of 2023 and saw spot duty as a freshman. He was expected to have a much bigger role in 2024, but a timetable for his return hasn’t been set. WR Germie Bernard, who followed DeBoer from Washington, has a leg up on his teammates in terms of familiarity with the offensive scheme and could rise up the depth chart with a strong performance on Saturday. Join Bama247 to read the latest VIP article regarding Odom and the Alabama wide receivers’ room.
How DeBoer has made use of Alabama spring football practice One of the Saban-era traditions for the Alabama spring game that DeBoer intends to keep in place is that the winners will receive a steak dinner while the losers will be relegated to “beans and wienies.” The result hardly matters but the incentive certainly encourages players on both sides to put in a solid effort. Fans will certainly be looking for players who flash and for continued growth in the final outing of DeBoer’s first spring at the helm.
DeBoer has publicly stated that he’s been satisfied with how his team has progressed over the course of spring practices and he’s highlighted a handful of players who have stepped up in the process. Washington transfer Germie Bernard is quickly making an impact. Bernard followed DeBoer to Tuscaloosa after making 34 catches for 419 yards and two touchdowns while adding two rushing touchdowns last season. So what has DeBoer thought of his first spring at Alabama and where will he be expecting improvement? Join Bama 247 to read VIP articles recapping all the latest Alabama football news now.
How to get insider information on Alabama football The Bama247 team has VIP information on the offensive line situation, the development of the wide receivers’ room and how DeBoer is approaching his first spring at the helm. Join Bama247 to see it all and get all the latest Alabama football spring game news.
Who are the top players that Alabama fans should watch for on Saturday, and which players can you expect to stand out? Join Bama247 to see all the latest A-Day Game news, all from a team of reporters with decades of experience covering the Crimson Tide, and find out.
Michigan coach Dusty May received a major boost Monday, when former FAU star center Vlad Goldin committed to the Wolverines, 247Sports confirmed. Ranked the No. 8 player in the CBS Sports Transfer Rankings, Goldin will give May an anchor in the frontcourt as he continues to build out his first roster.
May and Goldin are deeply familiar with each other after spending the last three seasons guiding FAU to unprecedented success. Goldin started all 39 games for the Owls on their march to the 2023 Final Four and then upped his production this past season.
The 7-foot-1 Russian averaged 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in the 2023-24 campaign while earning All-AAC honors. Goldin’s 67.3% field-goal percentage stood out and made him one of the most efficient bigs in college basketball. He will have one season of eligibility remaining.
Goldin is merely the latest big-name transfer addition for May, who is tasked with turning around a program that limped to an 8-24 record in coach Juwan Howard’s final season. But with Goldin in the fold, the makings of a competitive roster are coming together.
Michigan could deploy a fascinating tandem of towers on the floor together in the season ahead. With 7-foot Yale transfer Danny Wolf also committed, May will be tasked with devising a plan that properly utilizes both bigs. Wolf also ranks in the top 40 of the CBS Sports Transfer Rankings and has more of a perimeter-oriented game.
Wolf’s ability to step out and shoot 3-pointers and create shots off the dribble differentiates him from Goldin, who is more of a prototypical paint presence without any perimeter pop. While their offensive games should complement each other, May will also need to formulate a defensive strategy as opponents may look to exploit the Wolverines off the dribble with quicker players when Goldin and Wolf are playing together.
The Arkansas Razorbacks shook up the college basketball world when they hired head coach John Calipari away from SEC rival Kentucky. Calipari replaces Eric Musselman, who left Arkansas for USC following the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Calipari is widely considered to be one of the best recruiters in the history of college basketball and gained notoriety during his time at Kentucky for the eye-popping number of future NBA players he coached in Lexington. Arkansas basketball is aiming to make the Final Four for the first time since 1995, but saw every scholarship player on the 2023-24 Arkansas basketball roster leave via graduation, college basketball transfer portal, or NBA Draft.
Calipari-coached teams have appeared in six Final Fours, with the 2012 Kentucky Wildcats being his only team to cut down the nets as national champions. The 65-year-old coach will attract the top names in the college basketball transfer portal and on the Arkansas basketball recruiting trail. Can Calipari have the same level of success he’s become accustomed to? If you love the Razorbacks, or just want the latest roster updates and college basketball transfer portal news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at HawgSports, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Arkansas.
The team of insiders at HawgSports.com are providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Arkansas basketball coaching transition and roster changes. Launched in 2002, HawgSports has established itself as the top source for insider Arkansas basketball coverage. Trey Biddy, Danny West and Connor Goodson have a combined 30 years of experience covering the Razorbacks professionally. And right now, HawgSports is offering 30% off the first year of an annual subscription*, so now is the time to sign up.
The team at HawgSports has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Arkansas basketball roster. Head to HawgSports now to see all the insider info.
Arkansas basketball roster departures Arkansas lost every player from last year’s roster, with leading scorers Tramon Mark and Khalif Battle both choosing to enter the transfer portal. Mark, who averaged a career-high 16.2 points per game is looking for his third school in three years after transferring to Arkansas from Houston last offseason. Battle is set to make the final stop of his career after averaging 14.8 points in his only season with the Razorbacks.
Third-leading scorer Trevon Brazile declared for the NBA Draft, while fourth-leading scorer Makhi Mitchell used the remainder of his eligibility last year. Other key players from last year’s roster included Keyon Menifield Jr. (portal), Jalen Graham (eligibility), El Ellis (eligibility) and Davonte Davis (portal). The Razorbacks also lost a pair of top-100 2024 recruits in Isaiah Elohim (USC) and Jalen Shelley (uncommitted). Join HawgSports to see the latest on all of Arkansas’ roster changes.
Arkansas basketball news, roster Calipari has already managed to flip three commitments from Kentucky to Arkansas. Small forward Karter Knox headlines the trio and comes in ranked as the No. 20 overall player in the country. Knox has NBA bloodlines as the brother of NBA player Kevin Knox and is long and athletic. He is a capable scorer on all three levels and was the No. 1 per-minute scorer in the Nike EYBL last spring and summer by averaging 19.8 points over 24 minutes.
Knox is joined by small forward Billy Richmond and combo guard Boogie Fland. Richmond is a 6-foot-5 left-handed wing who is also an elite level athlete. The Camden (N.J.) product is a high level defender with explosive leaping ability. Fland is a 6-foot-2 combo guard, who many experts believe is the best pure shooter in the 2024 recruiting class. Fland will have to get stronger at the next level, but his length and quickness should allow him to make an immediate impact in the SEC. Join HawgSports to get the latest on all of Arkansas’ roster additions.
How to get insider Arkansas basketball roster updates Calipari has already been in contact with multiple transfers from power-conference teams, so be sure to join HawgSports to see who they are and get the rest of the insider roster news.
Who are the top names Arkansas basketball is pursuing under coach John Calipari, and which power-conference transfers could land in Fayetteville? Go to HawgSports to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Razorbacks, and find out. And reminder, HawgSports is offering 30% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
*Terms: This offer is only available for new members who sign up for a HawgSports annual subscription. After the first year, subscription will re-bill on an annual basis at the regular rate. 247Sports.com reserves the right to alter or cancel this promotion at any time. Please write support@247sports.com with any questions you may have.
Crunch time has arrived for college basketball players considering jumping into the transfer portal. Wednesday marks the final day for players to enter if they wish to be eligible immediately in the 2024-25 season. While players less than 30 days removed from a coaching change at their current schools can still enter after the May 1 deadline, it’s now or never for nearly all Division I players.
Don’t be surprised if there are a few big-name entries that sneak in before the deadline. With several major programs still seeking to fill out their rosters for next season and armed with NIL cash, the allure to test the market will be strong for some players who have stayed put to this point.
One example of a late entry is Lamont Butler. The veteran San Diego State guard announced on April 24 that he would be hitting the portal, and within just two days he was committed to Kentucky. Things are moving quickly as the high-caliber talent remaining on the market gets more scarce.
So long as players have entered the portal by the deadline, they will have ample time to choose their new school ahead of the 2024-25 season. Those who are exploring the NBA Draft process have through May 29 to withdraw if they want to return to college next season.
When players hit the portal, the best will be ranked here.
Check out the latest transfer portal updates from 247Sports
Johnell Davis Old school: FAU
Davis played a key role in taking FAU to the 2023 Final Four and built on his breakout season by upping his scoring average to 18.2 points in 2023-24. The 6-4 guard hit 41.4% of his 3-pointers, pulled down 6.3 rebounds and averaged 1.4 steals for the Owls in his fourth season of college basketball. He’s only got one season left to play and is also testing the NBA Draft waters.
Tucker DeVries Old school: Drake | New school: West Virginia
DeVries won Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year twice during three seasons while playing for his father, Darian DeVries. The 6-7 wing averaged 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 2023-24. He’s a career 35.9% 3-point shooter and dynamic offensive threat. DeVries is following his father, who accepted the West Virginia job.
Norchad Omier Old school: Miami
At 6-foot-7, Omier is an undersized but physical big who brings a deft shooting touch at the rim. He’s a voracious rebounder and can get to high-efficiency spots as the roll guy in the pick-and-roll. Omier averaged 17 points and 10 rboards per game while shooting 59.8% from the floor this past year for the Hurricanes. He also demonstrated 3-point shooting promise for the first time in his career.
AJ Storr Old school: Wisconsin | New school: Kansas
Storr provided a significant jolt of offense for Wisconsin in the 2023-24 season, averaging 16.8 points. The 6-6 wing is a multi-level scorer with the size needed to finish in the paint and around the rim. being surrounded by other dynamic playmakers at Kansas should allow Storr increase his efficiency after he shot 43.4% from the floor for the Badgers.
Kadary Richmond Old school: Seton Hall
Richmond fueled Seton Hall’s NIT title run as the Pirates’ leading scorer at 15.7 points per game and lead facilitator with 5.1 assists per game. He was also the team’s highest-rated defender by a longshot, per evanmiya.com. The 6-foot-5 guard is a four-year veteran of high-major basketball and is the sort of tough, two-way player who could make a difference on a deep with Final Four aspirations.
Jeremy Roach Old school: Duke | New school: Baylor
Roach is a seasoned floor general with two years of experience under Mike Krzyzewski and two years of experience under Jon Scheyer. The 6-1 guard earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2023-24 while averaging 14 points and 3.3 assists per game on 42.9% 3-point shooting. With 108 starts for a premier program under his belt, Roach will be a plug and play replacement for RayJ Dennis, who is out of eligibility after playing a similar one-year rental role at point guard for the Bears in 2023-24.
Mark Mitchell Old school: Duke | New school: Missouri
Mitchell started 67 games in his two seasons at Duke after ranking as a five-star prospect in the Class of 2022. The 6-9 forward is a dynamic athlete who played mostly at small forward in 2022-23 before sliding to power forward this past season. He averaged 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game on 54% shooting from the floor this past year. With two seasons of eligibility remaining and NBA-caliber upside, Mitchell could blossom into a star for a rebuilding Missouri team.
Vladislav Goldin Old school: FAU | New school: Michigan
Goldin averaged 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game on an insanely efficient 67.3% shooting from the floor for FAU in 2023-24. The 7-1 Russian is a rugged and seasoned veteran who impacts both ends of the floor. He is a particularly strong asset on offense, despite the fact that he’s never attempted a 3-pointer.
Oumar Ballo Old school: Arizona | New school: Indiana
Ballo’s size (7-foot and 260 pounds) makes him a difficult player for opponents to manage. He averaged 12.9 points and 10.1 rebounds in 2023-24 for Arizona on 65.8% shooting. There isn’t much versatility to his game, and Ballo’s free-throw shooting dipped to a career-worst 49.5% this past season. But he’s a productive bruiser with a proven track record at an elite program who will help Indiana replace the production of Kel’El Ware, who is headed to the NBA Draft.
Zeke Mayo Old school: South Dakota State | New school: Kansas
Mayo earned Summit League Player of the Year after averaging 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists for a South Dakota State team that won the conference. He’s a career 38.8% 3-point shooter and scored 19 points on just 11 shots against Iowa State’s vicious defense in an NCAA Tournament loss. There is a strong recent track record of Summit League Players of the Year transferring up. Max Abmas was the leading scorer for Texas this season after winning the award twice in his career at Oral Roberts. Baylor Scheierman has also been a star at Creighton the past two seasons after winning Summit League POTY at SDSU in 2022.
Robbie Avila Old school: Indiana State | New school: Saint Louis
Avila became a college basketball cult hero while earning all-MVC honors as a sophomore. The 6-10 center averaged 17.4 points and 6.6 rebounds on 53.6% shooting for an Indiana State team that finished 32-7. Avila is great around the rim but also shot 39.4% from 3-point range on 4.2 attempts per game, which makes him a rarity among bigs in college basketball. He is following coach Josh Schertz from ISU to Saint Louis.
Trey Townsend Old school: Oakland | New school: Arizona
Townsend earned Horizon League Player of the Year honors while leading Oakland to a conference title and upset victory over No. 3 seed Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The 6-foot-6 forward is a dynamic scorer who racked up 1,813 points in four seasons playing for the Golden Grizzlies. He should play a key role for an Arizona team replacing a massive amount of production.
Clifford Omoruyi Old school: Rutgers
Entering the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Omoruyi’s 93 blocks ranked fourth nationally. The 6-11 center is an elite rim protector with consecutive Big Ten All-Defense honors. Omoruyi also averaged double figures in each of the last three seasons and posted 29 double-doubles in his four years with Rutgers. He can’t do much away from the rim offensively but is excellent defensively.
Tramon Mark Old school: Arkansas | New school: Texas
Mark averaged 16.2 points on 48% shooting for Arkansas in 2023-24 after spending the first three years of his career at Houston. The 6-5 guard is just a career 32% 3-point shooter, but he’s a battle-tested veteran with the ability to go out and get buckets in a variety of ways. He is a big addition for a Texas team losing its top four scorers.
DJ Wagner Old school: Kentucky
Wagner finished the 2023 recruiting cycle ranked as the nation’s No. 6 high school prospect, according to 247Sports. He displayed flashes of his elite potential during an SEC All-Freshman campaign at Kentucky but was inconsistent, shooting just 40.5% from the floor and 29.2% from 3-point range. Though the 6-3 guard didn’t turn out as a one-and-done superstar, his talent is clear and his ceiling remains high.
Cade Tyson Old school: Belmont | New school: North Carolina
Tyson is a career 44.6% 3-point shooter on 287 attempts over two seasons with Belmont. At 6-7 and with a demonstrated outside stroke, he should slot in to a significant role with the Tar Heels. How Tyson will translate defensively to a higher level is likely the biggest question mark here. But his offensive game is sweet.
Darlinstone Dubar Old school: Hofstra | New school: Tennessee
Dubar is a 6-6 wing who averaged 17.8 points and 6.8 rebounds on 39.9% 3-point shooting for a 20-win Hofstra team. He began his career at Iowa State, starting seven games for the Cyclones in 2020-21. As a fifth-year player with a proven shot and good size, he’ll be part of the committee tasked with helping Tennessee replace All-American guard Dalton Knecht. Former Alabama guard Aaron Estrada is a recent example of a quality high-major player to come through Hofstra.
Zvonimir Ivišić Old school: Kentucky | New school: Arkansas
Ivišić showed tantalizing flashes of potential as a freshman at Kentucky. With a rare combination of size, skill and shooting ability, he will be an integral piece in John Calipari’s effort to field a competitive team in his first season at Arkansas. At 7-2, Ivišić can swat shots or step out and hit 3-pointers. With a full offseason to spend in Arkansas’ strength and conditioning program, the Croatian big man should develop the strength required to bruise on the block in a rugged conference.
Wooga Poplar Old school: Miami
Poplar averaged 13.1 points per game on 38.5% 3-point shooting for Miami in the 2023-24 season. The 6-foot-5 guard also played a starting role for the Hurricanes during their 2023 Final Four run. While his defense could use some refining, the Philadelphia native is great off-ball weapon with the athleticism to attack closeouts and finish at the rim.
Rylan Griffen Old school: Alabama | New school: Kansas
Griffen averaged 11.2 points on 39.2% 3-point shooting while starting 33 games as a sophomore for Alabama. The former top-50 prospect has good size as an off-ball guard at 6-5. Though he didn’t register as a high-impact defender, Griffen is an appealing transfer because of his demonstrated record of offensive efficiency for a high-level program.
Chucky Hepburn Old school: Wisconsin | New school: Louisville
Hepburn started 103 games over three seasons at Wisconsin, establishing himself as reliable floor general and defensive pest. The 6-foot-2 guard is a career 36.2% 3-point shooter and earned Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors in the 2023-24 season while averaging 2.1 steals. He rated as the Badgers’ most-efficient player and No. 2 defender this past season, per evanmiya.com.
Meechie Johnson Old school: South Carolina | New school: Ohio State
Johnson wasn’t necessarily South Carolina’s best all-around player. But the 6-2 guard did lead the Gamecocks in scoring at 14.1 points per game in 2023-24 during his second season in the program. Johnson began his career at Ohio State and will have one season of eligibility remaining as he returns to his home state to finish out his career with the Buckeyes.
Kobe Johnson Old school: USC | New school: UCLA
Johnson stood out as an elite defender for USC, collecting 2.2 steals per game and rating as one of the top players on that side of the ball in the Pac-12. The 6-5 wing also scored 10.9 points per game in 2023-24. Though just a career 32.9% 3-point shooter, Johnson has some chops as a distributor and will be a plug-and-play veteran as he heads across town to play for UCLA.
Brandon Garrison Old school: Oklahoma State
Garrison showed glimpses of why he was a top-50 prospect and McDonald’s All-American in the Class of 2023 during his freshman season at Oklahoma State. There are offensive strides to be made, but Garrison blocked 1.5 shots per game in just 22.7 minutes and has three seasons of eligibility remaining to continue realizing his potential.
Jonas Aidoo Old school: Tennessee
Aidoo took significant strides as a junior during the 2023-24 season, averaging 11.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks as a full-time starter for the Volunteers. At 6-11, he registered as one of the most impactful defenders in the SEC. However, Aidoo did struggle in the rare instances when he was matched up against the sport’s top bruisers such as Hunter Dickinson, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Zach Edey.
Malik Mack Old school: Harvard | New school: Georgetown
Mack’s efficiency dipped down the stretch, but it was still a phenomenal freshman season for the 6-1 guard, who averaged 17.2 points and 4.8 assists per game. The Ivy League Rookie of the Year finished with 18 points and six assists at Boston College and scored 27 at Indiana during the first month of his college career. It was an impressive peek at what he’s capable of against high-major opposition.
Tony Perkins Old school: Iowa | New school: Missouri
Perkins averaged 14 points, 4.6 assists and 1.6 steals while starting all 34 games for Iowa as a senior. Following 126 career appearances for the Hawkeyes, he should make a significant impact for a Missouri program seeking to bounce back from an 0-18 SEC record. Though just a career 31.7% 3-point shooter, Perkins is a physical guard at 6-4 who can attack the basket. He also rated as Iowa’s top defender in the 2023-24 season, per evanmiya.com.
Milos Uzan Old school: Oklahoma | New school: Houston
Uzan dished out 4.7 assists versus just 2.1 turnovers per game against Big 12 competition in the 2023-24 season. The 6-4 guard started 56 games during his two seasons with the Sooners and will be tasked with helping Houston replace beloved point guard Jamal Shead. He won’t be handling that job alone — few could — but he’ll be a big piece in keeping the Cougars in the Big 12 hunt.
Terrence Edwards Old school: James Madison | New school: Louisville
Edwards was the leading scorer at 17.2 points per game for a James Madison team that finished 32-4 with a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The 6-6 guard also dished out 3.4 assists for the Dukes after making significant productivity strides in all four years he was at JMU. He will be a vital piece for coach Pat Kelsey’s first team at Louisville.
PJ Haggerty Old school: Tulsa | New school: Memphis
Haggerty averaged 21.2 points on 54% shooting inside the arc for Tulsa in 2023-24. What separates the 6-3 guard from some of the other volume scorers in the portal is that he has three seasons left to play. Instead of merely serving as a one-year rental, he could potentially develop into a three-year rotational mainstay. And if he develops his 3-point shot, he could be a high-level college star.
Myles Rice Old school: Washington State | New school: Indiana
Rice defeated cancer and helped lead Washington State to its first NCAA Tournament since 2008. With coach Kyle Smith off to Stanford, it was no surprise to see Rice hit the portal. The 6-2 guard averaged 14.8 points, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals for the Cougars and should have three seasons of eligibility remaining. He needs to improve his 3-point shot (27.5% on 3.7 attempts per game) and bulk up. But there is a lot to like about his trajectory for an Indiana team that desperately needed to upgrade its backcourt.
Kylan Boswell Old school: Arizona | New school: Illinois
Boswell started 35 games for Arizona as a sophomore, averaging 9.6 points and 3.6 assists while shooting 37.9% from 3-point range. The 6-foot-2 guard isn’t particularly explosive or rangy, which means he has limitations as a driver and defender. But he’s sure-handed and produced a solid track record of perimeter shooting in two years with the Wildcats.
Kanaan Carlyle Old school: Stanford | New school: Indiana
Carlyle averaged 11.5 points and 2.7 assists per game in his freshman season at Stanford after ranking as a four-star prospect in the Class of 2023. His best games came against Arizona and Washington State, which were both NCAA Tournament teams. With three seasons of eligibility remaining and a proven body of work at the high-major level, there is some upside here.
Danny Wolf Old school: Yale | New school: Michigan
Wolf averaged 14.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks for a Yale team that reached the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. He is more fluid, nimble and versatile than a typical seven-footer. Wolf can attack defenders off the dribble, hit 3-pointers or post up. He has two seasons left, and his rare combination of size and tools make him one of this offseason’s most interesting transfer prospects.
Dillon Mitchell Old school: Texas
Mitchell made strides as a sophomore at Texas but still has untapped potential after ranking as a five-star prospect in the Class of 2022. The former McDonald’s All-American is an athletic power forward who finishes well at the rim. But Mitchell’s 0 for 8 career 3-point mark means you can’t pair him with a non-shooting center without clogging up the floor.
Ryan Conwell Old school: Indiana State | New school: Xavier
Conwell is a 6-4 guard who hit 40.7% of his 3-point attempts on 7.1 tries per game as a sophomore at Indiana State. He finished second on the team in scoring at 16.6 points per game and dished out 2.5 assists. Considering that Conwell also rates as a quality defender, he should be a key part of Xavier coach Sean Miller’s effort to get the Musketeers back to the NCAA Tournament.
Alijah Martin Old school: FAU | New school: Florida
Martin was a three-time all-conference performer at FAU while appearing in 124 games across four seasons under Dusty May. The 6-foot-2 guard is a good defender for his size and a career 36.9% 3-point shooter. He’s more of a shooting guard than a point guard and has proven he can make substantive contributions to a winning program.
Chris Youngblood Old school: South Florida | New school: Alabama
Youngblood was the leading scorer for the AAC champions, averaging 15.3 points on 41.6% 3-point shooting for a 25-8 South Florida team. The 6-4 guard was the league’s co-player of the year and should be an excellent fit with an Alabama program that prioritizes efficient 3-point shooting.
BJ Freeman Old school: Milwaukee
Freeman was a busy man the past two years at Milwaukee, leading a pair of 20-win teams in scoring. In 2023-24, he also led the Panthers in rebounds (6.6), assists (4.1) and steals (1.1). At 6-6, he’s both a good solo shot creator and can facilitate for others. His results against high-major opposition were mixed in a limited sample size over the past two years, but Freeman can help a good team.
Great Osobor Old school: Utah State
Osobor earned Mountain West Player of the Year honors after averaging 17.7 points, nine rebounds and 1.4 blocks for a Utah State team that won a strong league. The 6-8 big man does his work in the paint and hasn’t shown much of an outside shot, but his effectiveness as an interior scorer is tremendous.
Jalen Blackmon Old school: Stetson | New school: Miami
Blackmon turned heads nationally with his 43-point outburst in the ASUN Tournament title game. The 6-3 guard hit 38.1% of his 3-pointers on 8.3 attempts per game in the 2023-24 season and is a career 90.6% free-throw shooter. The Indiana native has only one season of eligibility remaining and should be a difference maker for a Miami team that lost key players Wooga Poplar and Norchad Omier to the portal.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie Old school: Belmont | New school: Maryland
Belmont was at its best with Gillespie on the floor; he averaged 17.2 points, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals for the Bruins. The 6-foot guard is on the smaller side but shot a ridiculous 66% inside the arc and a solid 38.7% beyond it. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, he’s a good addition for a Maryland team that needs help in the backcourt.
Dug McDaniel Old school: Michigan | New school: Kansas State
McDaniel averaged 16.3 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 36.8% from 3-point range on 5.8 attempts for a bad Michigan team. The 5-11 guard also rated as the Wolverines’ top defender, per evanmiya.com. Although his offensive numbers dipped against Big Ten foes, the former four-star prospect will help a Kansas State team needing to upgrade its guard play.
Otega Oweh Old school: Oklahoma | New school: Kentucky
Oweh’s production and efficiency dropped dramatically during the grind of Big 12 play after his sophomore season began with tantalizing glimpses of offensive promise. While his game remains a work in progress, the 6-5 wing is already a great defender. With two years left to play, Oweh can be an elite defensive stopper for Mark Pope’s first UK team.
Aidan Mahaney Old school: Saint Mary’s
Mahaney earned first-team All-WCC honors in both his seasons at Saint Mary’s and was the conference’s Freshman of the Year in the 2022-23 season. Though his efficiency dipped as a sophomore, the 6-foot-3 guard is a natural shot-maker who could thrive in the right system. He’s a career 37.5% 3-point shooter and often came up clutch in key situations for a team that secured a No. 5 seed in each of the past two NCAA Tournaments.
Tyrese Hunter Old school: Texas | New school: Memphis
Hunter started 71 games over his two seasons at Texas after winning Big 12 Rookie of the Year at Iowa State in 2021-22. Based on the trajectory he established with the Cyclones, Hunter seemed destined to become an all-Big 12 performer. It didn’t work out that way, but the 6-foot guard is talented and destined to play a key role for Memphis.
Saint Thomas Old school: Northern Colorado | New school: USC
Northern Colorado produced a gem last cycle in Dalton Knecht. Can it come through again? Thomas is a vastly different player but nonetheless intriguing. At 6-7, he averaged 19.7 points, 4.2 assists and 1.7 steals while making 57.2% of his 2-pointers and 33% of his 3s in 2023-24. The dynamic forward began his career at Loyola Chicago and has one season left to play.
Dante Maddox Jr. Old school: Toledo | New school: Xavier
Given how productive transfer guards Quincy Olivari and Dayvion McKnight were for Xavier last season, it would be no surprise if the Musketeers’ incoming crop of perimeter players produces in similar fashion. Maddox hit 42.4% of his 3-pointers in two seasons with the Rockets.
Jordan Pope Old school: Oregon State | New school: Texas
Pope averaged 17.6 points and 3.4 assists while shooting 37.1% from beyond the arc for Oregon State as a sophomore in 2023-24. The 6-2 guard needs to improve defensively but is a proven high-major scorer with two years of eligibility remaining. He should play a key role for Texas squad losing guards Max Abmas and Tyrese Hunter.
Jacob Crews Old school: UT Martin | New school: Missouri
Crews shot 41.4% from 3-point range on 6.7 attempts per game as a junior for a UT Martin team that won a share of the OVC regular-season title. He also yanked down 8.2 rebounds per game for the Skyhawks. There are questions about his defense, but at 6-7 and with a good shooting stroke, he is big pickup for Missouri. The Tigers are coming off a winless SEC campaign and need help.
Skyy Clark Old school: Louisville | New school: UCLA
After spending one season at Illinois, Clark transferred to Louisville and led the moribund Cardinals in scoring during the 2023-24 season at 13.2 points per game. His career 1:1 assist-turnover ratio is unappealing, but if the former top-40 prospect can fit in with the Bruins, he can turn things around.
Aden Holloway Old school: Auburn | New school: Alabama
Holloway’s upside as a former five-star prospect is clear. But after shooting just 31.8% from the field as a freshman at Auburn he’s got something to prove as he heads to rival Alabama with three seasons of eligibility remaining.
TJ Bamba Old school: Villanova
Bamba started 33 games at Villanova in 2023-24 after leading Washington State in scoring in the 2022-23 season. He’s a veteran, off-ball guard with good size at 6-foot-5 and a career 38% 3-point shooting mark over four seasons.
Max Shulga Old school: VCU
Shulga is a seasoned veteran who averaged 14 points and 3.6 assists on 41.5% 3-point shooting for VCU last season after following coach Ryan Odom from Utah State. He can play on or off the ball and is strong in the pick and roll.
Aaron Bradshaw Old school: Kentucky | New school: Ohio State
Bradshaw struggled for minutes as a freshman while navigating a crowded Kentucky frontcourt. He was the No. 5 overall player in the Class of 2023, according to 247Sports, and showed glimpses of promise during his lone season with the Wildcats. The 7-footer can step out and hit 3-pointers and is more mobile as a perimeter defender than most college centers.
Malik Dia Old school: Belmont | New school: Ole Miss
Dia shined as a dynamic frontcourt player in his sophomore season at Belmont after playing sparingly during his freshman season at Vanderbilt. He averaged 16.9 points and 5.8 boards for the Bruins while shooting 34.1% from 3-point range. He’s 6-9 and has surprising athleticism for a player with such a big frame. His game needs refining, but Dia’s upside is clear.
Dre Davis Old school: Seton Hall | New school: Ole Miss
Davis averaged 15 points per game and shot 35% from 3-point range in his second season at Seton Hall. It was the fourth season of college basketball for the 6-5 guard, who began his career at Louisville. He averaged 16.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game during Seton Hall’s five-game NIT title run.
Amari Williams Old school: Drexel | New school: Kentucky
Williams earned CAA Defensive Player of the Year for a third straight season while averaging 1.8 blocks per game. The 6-foot-10 rim protector rated among the top-100 defenders in all of college basketball entering the NCAA Tournament, per evanmiya.com. He also scored 12.2 points and grabbed 7.8 rebounds for a 20-win Dragons team.
Felix Okpara Old school: Ohio State | New school: Tennessee
Okpara chose wisely by picking Tennessee after the Volunteers lost their top two centers Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-11 big man blocked 2.4 shots per game in just 23.5 minutes for the Buckeyes as a sophomore and hit 60.7% of his 2-point attempts as an efficient scorer at the rim.
Michael Ajayi Old school: Pepperdine | New school: Gonzaga
Ajayi is 6-7 and hit 47% of his 3-pointers on 2.5 attempts per game while averaging 17.2 points in his lone season at Pepperdine. While Ajayi was a rebounding force for the Waves with 9.9 per game, his defense is a question mark. He should be a natural fit at Gonzaga as the Bulldogs seek to build a deeper roster after struggling with depth in 2023-24.
Lamont Butler Old school: San Diego State | New school: Kentucky
Butler won Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year during his fourth and final season at San Diego State. The 6-foot-2 guard’s game is defined by dogged defense. Though he’s just a 32.1% 3-point shooter, Butler may improve offensively in UK coach Mark Pope’s more up-tempo scheme.
Desmond Claude Old school: Xavier
Claude is a physical perimeter player who was Xavier’s second-leading scorer at 16.6 points per game. His career 25.3% 3-point shooting mark is an eyesore, but he’s an intriguing talent with a knack for putting the ball in the basket.
Frankie Fidler Old school: Omaha | New school: Michigan State
Fidler finished second in the Summit League in scoring at 20.1 points per game. The 6-7 forward hit 35.6% of his 3-point attempts in 2023-24 and was effective against Big 12 foes TCU and Texas Tech. There are many recent examples of players from this league transferring up and playing big roles for good teams.
Riley Kugel Old school: Florida | New school: Kansas
Kugel is an interesting prospect with good tools and NBA upside; however, the 6-5 wing regressed as a sophomore while shooting just 31.2% from 3-point range. If he can push that closer to 40% and cut back on his turnovers, then Kugel could blossom into an impact 3-and-D player.
Deivon Smith Old school: Utah
Smith was a steal on the 2023 transfer wire, landing as a star in the Utah lineup after he was a role player at Mississippi State and Georgia Tech during his first three seasons. The 6-foot-1 guard finished sixth nationally in assists per game at 7.1 while also scoring 13.3 points per game on 40.8% 3-point shooting for the Utes.
J’Vonne Hadley Old school: Colorado | New school: Louisville
Though only a role player on a team oozing talent, the 6-foot-6 wing did a lot for the Buffaloes, averaging 11.6 points, six rebounds and 2.4 assists. He attempted just 1.3 shots from 3-point range but hit 41.7% of them, and was efficient inside the arc (56.5%). A significant role should be available to him at Louisville as the Cardinals reboot under new coach Pat Kelsey.
Mason Gillis Old school: Purdue | New school: Duke
Gillis appeared in 132 games over five seasons at Purdue, serving as a reliable stretch forward while shooting 40.7% from 3-point range. The 6-foot-6 Gillis isn’t much of a playmaker or shot creator off the dribble, but he’s steady and will be needed veteran voice on a Duke team that is going to be relying heavily on freshmen.
Tre Donaldson Old school: Auburn | New school: Michigan
Donaldson averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 assists and shot 41.2% from 3-point range in just 19.3 minute per game at Auburn in 2023-24. With two years of eligibility remaining, the 6-2 Donaldson could be an impact player for the Wolverines as first-year coach Dusty May gets his program going.
Javon Small Old school: Oklahoma State
Small averaged 15.1 points and 4.1 assists in his lone season at Oklahoma State after spending two years at East Carolina. The 6-2 guard hit 37.4% of his 3-pointers for the Cowboys, although that mark dropped to 31.8% in conference play.
Roddy Gayle Jr. Old school: Ohio State | New school: Michigan
Gayle is a physical shooting guard who can take defenders off the dribble and use his strength and athleticism to get good looks. He’s just a career 33.1% 3-point shooter. But after averaging 13.5 points and 3.1 assists for the Buckeyes as a sophomore, Gayle should be a key contributor at Michigan as the Wolverines get started under first-year coach Dusty May.
Chaz Lanier Old school: North Florida
Lanier carries boom-or-bust vibes into the portal after making a whopping 44% of his 3-point attempts on 7.5 attempts per game in his fourth season at North Florida. The 6-foot-4 guard was merely a role player early in his career before breaking out to earn all-Atlantic Sun honors this past season. If his outside shooting stroke carries over, he’ll be one of the transfer cycles biggest names.
Sean Stewart Old school: Duke
Stewart logged just 8.3 minutes per game as a freshman at Duke while stuck behind a logjam of frontcourt players that included Kyle Filipowski, Mark Mitchell and Ryan Young. But his splits were encouraging, and his athleticism came through in his limited spurts of action. The former McDonald’s All-American has three seasons of eligibility remaining and could still blossom into an NBA Draft prospect.
Sean Pedulla Old school: Virginia Tech | New school: Ole Miss
Pedulla was a mainstay in the Virginia Tech rotation for the past three seasons and led the Hokies in scoring during the 2023-24 campaign at 16.4 points per game. He is a career 35.5% 3-point shooter and dished out 4.6 assists per game during his junior year. The 6-1 guard struggled with turnovers in 2023-24 (3.3 per game) but has enough offensive game to make an impact at Ole Miss.
Adou Thiero Old school: Kentucky
Kentucky’s most effective defensive lineups often featured Thiero. The tenacious 6-6 wing guards and rebounds with a voracious appetite and can score attacking the rim. He’s just a career 32.3% 3-point shooter and doesn’t have a refined offensive game. Still, his 80% free-throw shooting mark in 2023-24 portends promise, and he could shine if given a greater and more consistent role.
Brandon Huntley-Hatfield Old school: Louisville | New school: NC State
Huntley-Hatfield finally began showing more consistent flashes in 2023-24 of why he was a five-star prospect in the Class of 2021. The 6-10 interior presence averaged 12.9 points and 8.4 rebounds for Louisville. He’s not an elite rim protector (0.8 blocks per game in 30.8 minutes) and is just beginning to show comfort as a 3-point shooter. With DJ Burns Jr. gone, there should be plenty of room for Huntley-Hatfield to shine in the NC State frontcourt.
Andrej Stojakovic Old school: Stanford | New school: Cal
Stojakovic soldiered through some rough patches as a freshman at Stanford after he was a McDonald’s All-American in the Class of 2023. At 6-foot-7, the son of former Sacramento Kings great Peja Stojakovic could be a pro prospect in his own right if he can build on the underwhelming 30.8% 3-point shooting mark he posted for the Cardinal.
Andrew Carr Old school: Wake Forest | New school: Kentucky
Carr is a stretch four who shot 37.1% from 3-point range on 2.8 attempts per game for Wake Forest during his fourth season of college basketball. The 6-9 forward averaged 13.5 points per game for the Demon Deacons. He is skilled around the rim and serviceable defensively. Carr has one season of eligibility remaining.
Eric Dailey Old school: Oklahoma State | New school: UCLA
Dailey was a bright spot for Oklahoma State during a down season, averaging 9.3 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 49.6% from the floor. The 6-8 forward has three seasons left to play with promise as a versatile forward and the potential to impact both ends of the floor over a three-year period.
Pop Isaacs Old school: Texas Tech | New school: Creighton
Creighton had a perimeter scoring role available amid the departures of Trey Alexander and Baylor Scheierman. Isaacs will help fill it after averaging 15.8 points as a sophomore at Texas Tech. The 6-foot-2 guard was not efficient — shooting just 34.9% from the floor as a sophomore — but he is talented.
Tarris Reed Old school: Michigan | New school: UConn
Reed will be a prominent member of the Donovan Clingan replacement committee at UConn after averaging nine points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks as a sophomore at Michigan. He’s a former four-star prospect with a big frame.
New Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope continues to fill out his Kentucky basketball coaching staff, as Alvin Brooks III became the fourth official member last week. Brooks, a longtime assistant at Baylor, joins a staff that includes Cody Fueger, Jason Hart and Mark Fox. All three are permitted to engage in off-campus Kentucky basketball recruiting and they will have their hands full over the next few months. The entire Kentucky basketball roster departed after John Calipari left for Arkansas, so Pope is aggressively targeting players from the college basketball transfer portal.
The first spring evaluation period is just three weeks away, which means some of the attention will turn to future recruiting classes as well. Pope also has one spot remaining on his staff for a coach who will not have off-campus recruiting duties. If you love the Wildcats, or just want the latest roster updates and college basketball transfer portal news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at CatsPause, the 247Sports affiliate that covers Kentucky.
The team of insiders at CatsPause.com are providing up-to-the-minute scoop on the latest intel surrounding the Kentucky basketball coaching transition and roster changes. CatsPause has built a solid reputation over its 20+ years covering the Wildcats, and has deep-rooted sources inside and around the Kentucky athletic department. And right now, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up.
The team at CatsPause has full coverage of who is coming and who is going on the Kentucky basketball roster. Head to CatsPause now to see all the insider info.
Kentucky basketball roster departures Kentucky has officially lost Joey Hart, a 6-foot-5 guard who entered the transfer portal after last season. Hart was a finalist for Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in his senior season and has transferred back to his home state, playing for Ball State University. Hart only appeared in seven games as a freshman at Kentucky, but could have seen an expanded role with the totally revamped roster at Kentucky.
Reed Sheppard, the reigning SEC Rookie of the Year, highlights the four Kentucky basketball players who have declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. Ugonna Onyenso, Rob Dillingham and Justin Edwards have also declared. Antonio Reeves, the team’s leading scorer, is out of eligibility and will also go pro. Pope hasn’t had any time to ease into returning to his alma mater as he continues to try to fill Kentucky’s roster for a program with lofty expectations every season. Kentucky has made the NCAA Tournament the last three seasons and 29 of the last 33 years and those expectations won’t change for fans with Pope taking over. Join CatsPause to see the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster changes.
Kentucky basketball news, roster One player who will not be on Kentucky’s roster is BYU guard Richie Saunders, who withdrew from the transfer portal. Saunders visited Lexington at the beginning of the week, but decided to stay in Provo. He averaged 9.6 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 52.3% from the floor last season, so he would have been a nice addition to Pope’s initial roster.
The Wildcats have already added former BYU commit Collin Chandler and Drexel transfer Amari Williams. Kentucky Mr. Basketball winner Travis Perry, who signed with Calipari in November, said he is sticking with his decision to play for Kentucky as well. Pope is set to host multiple visitors over the next week, so the roster is likely going to change quickly. Join CatsPause to get the latest on all of Kentucky’s roster additions.
How to get insider Kentucky basketball roster updates Pope could also be bringing at least one big-time BYU player with him, so be sure to join CatsPause to see who that is and get the rest of the insider roster news.
Who are the top names Kentucky basketball is pursuing under coach Mark Pope, and what former BYU player could land in Lexington? Go to CatsPause to see their insider information, all from a team of reporters with years of experience covering the Wildcats, and find out. And reminder, CatsPause is offering 50% off the first year of an annual VIP membership*, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
*Terms: This offer is only available for new members who sign up for a CatsPause annual subscription. After the first year, subscription will re-bill on an annual basis at the regular rate. 247Sports.com reserves the right to alter or cancel this promotion at any time. Please write support@247sports.com with any questions you may have.
