The transfer portal continues to be a contentious topic for college basketball fans, but the fact remains that early spring is one of the most critical times of year for programs to build their rosters. In an era where even top players will leave good teams, every team that isn’t Duke, Houston, Auburn, or Florida is fully in offseason mode and scrambling to snap up some of the best players in the sport. While some big dominoes have already fallen, plenty of talent still remains. Here are five big names currently available in the portal.
#5 – Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana Hoosiers
Mackenzie Mgbako, along with the entire rest of the Hoosiers roster from last season, is in the portal. With the departure of head coach Mike Woodson, Indiana is completely re-setting for next year, and Mgbako’s name is one of the most attractive in the portal this year.
His size and scoring ability makes him one of the better offensive weapons in the portal. With proven experience at a big school like Indiana, in a power conference like the Big Ten, there should be no doubts about Mgbako’s ability to contribute to a top team.
Mgbako’s skillset has also garnered NBA Draft buzz, and that remains an option for the sophomore. However, more realisitcally, Mgbako will transfer and get the chance to prove he can continue to improve on a much better team.
#4 – Elliot Cadeau, North Carolina Tar Heels
Guard Elliot Cadeau was one of the top players in his class when he committed to North Carolina, a school known for its stellar guard play year-after-year. However, after two seasons in Carolina blue, Cadeau is looking to move on.
Cadeau has struggled to be a consistent offensive threat. Last season, he battled for playing time against the likes of freshman Ian Jackson and veteran Seth Trimble. Behind RJ Davis, the Carolina guard rotation was very crowded, and even though Davis is now gone, Cadeau is also departing and looking for a fresh start.
The talent is there with Cadeau, and perhaps a reset is all he needs in order to live up to his potential.
#3- Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB Blazers
Yaxel Lendeborg is one of the best players you’ve never heard of. He has dominated at UAB this year, using his great size (6-foot-9) and versatile skillset to score 17.4 points per game, grab 11.4 rebounds per game, and also average almost 2 steals and 2 blocks per contest.
Lendeborg has one year of eligibility left and could be a huge add for a team with championship aspirations. As with Mgbako, Lendeborg also has the chance to enter the NBA Draft this season. A coveted prospect, Lendeborg will no doubt be in the league at some point, but could make one more run with a big school.
#2 – Morez Johnson Jr., Illinios Fighting Illini
Illinois freshman Morez Johnson Jr. entered this season as one of the top freshman prospects in the country. However, he was buried on the depth chart on a deep Illini roster, and after being limited to just over 17 minutes per game, is looking to transfer.
Johnson Jr. is a talented center with a lot of potential. He averaged over a block per game last season and although he only scored around 7 points per game, has offensive skill that could result in a lot more scoring next year. He already has a laundry list of suitors looking to add his talents.
#1 – Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Maryland Terrapins
Maryland Terrapins fans got to enjoy a magical run from their team this season, but it seems to be all over now. With star freshman Derik Queen almost certainly off to the NBA, senior leader Julian Reese out of eligibility, and head coach Kevin Willard on his way to Villanova, next year’s team will be almost unrecognizable from the Sweet 16 squad from 2025.
Point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie is also headed out the door. Gillespie was outstanding on the year, leading the team in assists and shooting over 40% from three-point land. One of the most complete guards in the nation, Gillespie is perhaps the biggest name currently in the transfer portal. Proven Big Ten pedigree and March Madness success as well, Gillespie is on the radar of plenty of college basketball powerhouses for next season.
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