It’s been nearly a month since the college basketball transfer portal opened, and while most of the big-name players have already found new homes, the action is far from over. Power Five programs like Louisville, Indiana, Texas, and Tennessee have gone all-in on the portal to fill critical roster gaps, hoping that their under-the-radar finds could be the missing pieces for a deep March Madness run.
But just because the headliners are off the board doesn’t mean the talent pool is dry. Teams are still actively hunting for hidden gems as summer practices approach. With the dust beginning to settle, it’s the perfect time to evaluate which transfer classes are shaping up best—and which players outside the top 50 rankings could make the biggest impact.
Here are five transfer pickups from Power Five programs that I like the most, featuring players who ranked near or just outside the top 50:
1. Nolan Minessale – Marquette Golden Eagles
Shaka Smart needed a shake-up after his first losing season at Marquette, and he turned to the portal to patch several roster holes. One of his smartest moves? Landing St. Thomas guard and Summit League Player of the Year Nolan Minessale. A homegrown talent from nearby Brookfield, Wisconsin, Minessale starred at Marquette High School in Milwaukee. He’ll provide crucial backcourt depth behind returning standout Nigel James Jr., the Big East Freshman of the Year, giving the Golden Eagles a familiar face and a proven scorer.
2. [Player Name] – [School]
[Brief analysis of another top pickup, focusing on fit and potential impact.]
3. [Player Name] – [School]
[Brief analysis highlighting how this player fills a specific need for their new team.]
4. [Player Name] – [School]
[Brief analysis emphasizing the player’s underrated skills and why they’re a great fit.]
5. [Player Name] – [School]
[Brief analysis connecting the player’s background or style to their new program’s system.]
These transfers may not be the flashiest names in the portal, but they have the potential to be difference-makers for teams looking to make noise next season. As summer practices get underway, keep an eye on these under-the-radar additions—they could be the key to a championship run.