ESPN reveals how SEC basketball teams have been impacted by transfers
The transfer portal has changed the way college basketball coaches build their roster, with the potential for many high-profile teams – particularly in the SEC – to add veteran talent with an immediate impact. However, despite the short lifespan of the portal as we know it, transfers throughout the years have paved the way for the onslaught of movement over the past two seasons.
ESPN took time this offseason to break down the best players to transfer in and out of the SEC over the years. Here is a look at who moved where and how they fared.
Alabama Crimson Tide
In: Jahvon Quinerly (2020-22)
After averaging just 3.2 points in his freshman season at Villanova, Quinerly made the move to Alabama. He sat out one season after failing to acquire a waiver, but has averaged 13.4 points over two seasons while planning to return from injury in 2022-23 as well.
Out: Braxton Key (2016-18)
Key averaged 9.8 points over two seasons with the Crimson Tide, but quickly became a national champion after transferring to Virginia in 2018.
Arkansas Razorbacks
In: JD Notae (2020-22)
Notae averaged 15.5 points at Jacksonville over two seasons before making the jump to the SEC. Against all odds, his scoring numbers actually jumped to 15.7 points against better competition over the past two seasons before he opted to turn professional.
Out: JaCorey Williams (2012-15)
After averaging just 3.8 points for the Razorbacks over three seasons, Williams left for Middle Tennessee State in 2016 and won Conference USA Player of the Year.
Auburn Tigers
In: Walker Kessler (2021-22)
After putting up just 4.4 points per game with no starts at North Carolina, Kessler blossomed into a defensive anchor and NBA prospect while averaging 11.4 points at Auburn.
Out: Davion Mitchell (2017-18)
Mitchell left Auburn and won many honors while becoming a national champion at Baylor before working his way into the top 10 of the 2021 NBA Draft.
Florida Gators
In: Dorian Finney-Smith (2013-16)
After averaging 6.3 points at Virginia Tech, Finney-Smith sat out one season before playing three seasons for the Gators and setting the table for a long NBA career.
Out: Mario Boggan (2002-03)
Despite appearing in just 16 games as a freshman, Boggan became a star at Oklahoma State who averaged 19 points in his final season.
Georgia Bulldogs
In: Gerald Robinson (2010-12)
After a successful stint at Tennessee State in the OVC, Robinson averaged 13.2 points over two seasons with Georgia in the SEC.
Out: Sahvir Wheeler (2019-21)
After emerging as a collegiate star beside Anthony Edwards, Wheeler opted to leave the Bulldogs for SEC rival Kentucky. He returns in 2022-23 as a starter on one of the top-rated rosters in the country.
Kentucky Wildcats
In: Oscar Tshiebwe (2021-22)
The other half of Kentucky’s dynamic transfer portal duo, it is difficult for Tshiebwe to have a bigger impact as National Player of the Year after leaving West Virginia.
Out: Johnny Juzang (2019-20)
Juzang reclassified to join Kentucky in 2019 but opted to return closer to home the next year at UCLA. He blossomed as a star in multiple NCAA Tournament runs.
LSU Tigers
In: Tari Eason (2021-22)
Eason had a breakout season in 2021-22 for LSU after moving on from Cincinnati. He averaged 16.9 points under now-fired Will Wade and became a projected first-round pick.
Out: Ralston Turner (2010-12)
Turner averaged 10.6 points over two seasons at LSU before deciding to transfer to NC State, where he went on to average 11.7 points in his last two years.
Ole Miss Rebels
In: Marshall Henderson (2012-14)
Not only did Henderson averaged 19.6 points for the Rebels over two seasons after transferring from Utah, he became a cult hero as well on his way to many awards.
Out: Dwight Coleby (2013-15)
Coleby’s college career got off to a slow start averaging 4.0 points at Ole Miss and 1.7 points at Kansas, but he put up 11.1 per game in his final season with Western Kentucky.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
In: Lawrence Roberts (2003-05)
While transfers were not as popular in the early 2000s, Roberts’ move to Mississippi State was a blockbuster. After averaging 16.0 points at Baylor, he put up 16.9 points for the Bulldogs.
Out: Ben Hansbrough (2006-08)
After developing into an SEC starter, Hansbrough chose to leave Mississippi State for Notre Dame and became a Big East Player of the Year.
Missouri Tigers
In: DeMarre Carroll (2007-09)
Carroll started his career at Vanderbilt before helping Missouri reach NCAA Tournament success and launching his NBA career.
Out: Michael Dixon (2009-12)
Dixon became a Big 12 All-Defensive team member and 6th Man of the Year while averaging double-figures before a transfer to Memphis in his final season.
South Carolina Gamecocks
In: Devan Downey (2007-10)
After showcasing his skills at Cincinnati as a freshman, Downey turned into an SEC star at South Carolina. He was a three-time All-SEC selection and two-time SEC All-Defensive team member.
Out: Anthony Gill (2011-12)
Gill averaged 7.6 points as a freshman at South Carolina before transferring to Virginia and becoming a two-time All-ACC selection.
Tennessee Volunteers
In: Tyler Smith (2007-10)
Smith averaged 14.9 points at Iowa in one season before spending his final three years with the Volunteers. Incredibly, he also averaged 14.9 points at Tennessee as well.
Out: Trae Golden (2010-13)
Golden emerged in the Tennessee backcourt over three seasons before leaving to join Georgia Tech in 2013.
Texas A&M Aggies
In: Elston Turner (2011-13)
After transferring from Washington to Texas A&M, Turner suffered a setback which granted him a fifth year of eligibility. He also played for the Aggies in both the Big 12 and SEC.
Out: Admon Gilder (2015-18)
Gilder started two of the three seasons he played with the Aggies before transferring to Gonzaga where he primarily served as a sixth man.
Vanderbilt Commodores
In: Derrick Byars (2005-07)
Vanderbilt landed Byars after he averaged 7.0 points at Virginia over two years. As a senior, his output jumped to 17.0 points which won him SEC Player of the Year.
Out: DeMarre Carroll (2004-06)
Carroll started his career at Vanderbilt before helping Missouri reach NCAA Tournament success and launching his NBA career.