The liberal usage of the transfer portal has completely transformed college sports — namely College Basketball. There are teams looking wildly different from last year, largely based on the acquisition of new talent. Some rosters are virtually brand new. In the process, some massive game-changers left their former programs in search of new opportunities. These four players have a chance to become major difference-makers when it comes to competing for a National Title.
Oumar Ballo (Arizona to Indiana)
Indiana completely remade its team through the transfer portal — adding three former Pac-12 players in Oumar Ballo (Arizona), Myles Rice (Washington State), and Kanaan Carlyle (Stanford). While Rice and Carlyle figure to be big contributors, Ballo is the headliner. Some believe he was the best transfer to enter the portal. A big body with soft hands and excellent rebounding skills, he mimics your classic Big Ten post player. He won’t jump out of the gym, and he’s not an elite rim-protector. However, Ballo can get you buckets in the half court when called upon. He’s also a great stationary defender in the post.
AJ Storr (Wisconsin to Kansas)
Storr may be the most innately talented transfer. After two years in Madison, Storr hit the open market and was rumored to have secured a major bag from Kansas. He has all the makings of a future NBA player. Storr is a legit 6’7″ with above-average athleticism and good quickness. While his three-point percentage regressed from 40-percent as a freshman to 32-percent as a sophomore, there’s enough evidence to suggest Storr can get back to being a dangerous perimeter shooter. He’ll take you off the bounce, compete on the defensive end, and hurt you in transition. With Kansas operating with a scheme far more rooted in tempo and pace, Storr should put up some big numbers in the Big 12.
Kobe Johnson (USC to UCLA)
Mick Cronin is a defensive-minded coach. He’s made his bones teaching that end of the floor as well as anyone. He helped Jaylen Clark become the National Defensive Player of the Year two years ago. Looking for lightning to strike twice, UCLA was able to reach across town and nab former USC wing Kobe Johnson. He’s a perfect Cronin fit in virtually every way. A mature and unselfish player, Johnson’s length and activity on the defensive end has resulted in him being among the best wing defenders in the country. Like Cronin, he also hails from the Midwest (Milwaukee) — bringing that toughness to the court. He figures to be one of UCLA’s most important players this year. There’s a world in which he develops into a legit 3-and-D NBA prospect.
Cliff Omoruyi (Rutgers to Alabama)
Alabama figures to be a scary team in 2024-25. Not only did Grant Nelson and Mark Sears return to school, but Cliff Omoruyi was added to stabilize the team’s frontcourt. Omoruyi is arguably the country’s best shot blocker. He averaged 2.9 blocks a game last year for Rutgers. He’s not the most skilled player in the world, but he doesn’t need to be with this team. As long as Omoruyi protects the rim, rebounds, and plays solid defense, Alabama will be thrilled. Trying to score on this team with Nelson and Omoruyi’s length in the paint will be no easy task.
