Every year, the transfer portal buzz starts with the headliners—the five-star recruits and instant-impact stars. But savvy fans know the real season-shapers often fly under the radar. These are the players who quietly find perfect fits, step into expanded roles, or unlock their potential in new systems. Some could even emerge as NBA Draft sleepers. Here are the portal additions poised to make noise when the lights come on.
Matt Able: The Wild Card
Matt Able's future is still up in the air—NBA Draft or a return to North Carolina? Heading into the combine, the consensus was that he'd suit up for the Tar Heels. But after turning heads in Chicago, that decision just got tougher. As a freshman at NC State, Able showed flashes of a complete game that stats alone can't capture. At 6-foot-5, he has quality positional size, but it's his ability to handle, shoot, and pass that creates intrigue. If he lands in Chapel Hill under new head coach Michael Malone—who has a knack for maximizing guards like Jamal Murray—look out. Last season, Able averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 35.5% from three. A step forward could mean a top-ten NBA Draft pick next year.
Moustapha Thiam: The Giant with Room to Grow
The physical tools have never been the question for Moustapha Thiam. At 7-foot-2 with elite length and surprising mobility, he's a unique prospect. The challenge has been consistency. After two seasons of gradual development, Thiam transferred to Michigan this summer to play for Dusty May. And if May's first year in Ann Arbor is any indication, this could be a perfect match. Last season, May turned Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf into draft picks. This year, he has Aday Mara, Morez Johnson, and Yaxel Lendeborg all projected as first-rounders. Thiam has shown he can score and defend—even in smaller lineups. Now, with May's system and development track, he could finally put it all together.
These are the names you'll want to remember. Because when the season tips off, the biggest surprises often come from the players nobody saw coming.