Oscar Tshiebwe, Justin Powell lead ESPN's transfer rankings for 2021-22

Could Kentucky pick up the top two transfers in college basketball going into the 2021-22 season? They’ve already got one, and they’re in strong contention for the other.

In ESPN’s latest college basketball transfer rankings for the 2021-22 season, West Virginia transfer and new Kentucky center Oscar Tshiebwe came in at No. 1 overall, a spot he has held since entering the transfer portal back in January.

“Tshiebwe was one of the best big men in the country as a freshman (11.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG) but struggled through 10 games this season before leaving,” ESPN’s Jeff Borzello said of the newest Wildcat. “He ultimately chose Kentucky over the likes of Miami, Illinois and NC State.”

Immediately behind Tshiebwe at No. 2 overall? Auburn transfer guard Justin Powell, who entered the transfer portal this week. Powell, a 6-foot-6 guard out of Goshen, KY, has heard from the likes of Baylor, Gonzaga, Kentucky, Louisville, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, UCLA and Virginia since announcing his transfer, though UK and UofL have emerged as early favorites in his recruitment.

“Before getting hurt in early January, Powell was one of the more surprising freshmen in the country,” Borzello said of the former North Oldham star. “He was handling playmaking duties for the Tigers while also making shots and scoring. Averaged 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists, shooting 44.2% from 3. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Kentucky, Louisville and others get involved.”

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When asked about the Kentucky program, Powell told Travis Branham of 247Sports this week that he likes the school’s track record with elite talent.

“It’s obviously a great program,” he said. “They have a great track record of success and it’s also a great school.”

As a senior in high school, Powell originally chose Auburn over offers from Cincinnati, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and Xavier, along with interest from Kentucky, Ohio State, Purdue and Syracuse. He was rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN and a three-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals.

Wouldn’t be a bad start to the 2021-22 roster to get the top two transfers in college basketball before the 2020-21 season officially ends.

For the complete list of ESPN’s top transfers, head here.