Maxime Raynaud leads 7 top college basketball transfers staying put for 2024-25

Ante Brzovic (Center), Charleston

Speaking of skilled European big men, Ante Brzovic is another top post player who entered the transfer portal only to withdraw soon after. Brzovic averaged 2.4 APG on a Charleston team that reached the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive year. He also added 12.2 PPG and 6.2 RPG. With Charleston losing many top players in the portal after head coach Pat Kelsey left for Louisville, the Cougars will rely heavily on junior big man Ante Brzovic in 2023-24.

Gibson Jimerson (Wing), Saint Louis

Gibson Jimerson (along with the rest of the SLU squad) endured a tough season in 2023-24. But the sharp-shooting wing was a career 40% shooter from deep and still managed to average 15.8 PPG while seeing his three-point accuracy decrease. With the arrival of former Indiana State head coach Josh Schertz, a bonafide offensive mastermind, Jimerson could be in line for his best season yet.

Schertz coached an ISU offense that finished 5th in the nation in three-point rate last year, and Jimerson will be a key part of SLU’s floor spacing. Add in a pair of Sycamore transfers — talented big man Robbie Avila and feisty point guard Isaiah Swope — and Gibson Jimerson fits right in on this new-look Billiken squad.

Dallin Hall (Guard), BYU

The unexpected departure of head coach Mark Pope put BYU in a precarious position following its first Big 12 season. Fortunately for the Cougars, new head coach Kevin Young — a former top assistant with the Phoenix Suns — has kept most of the squad together, with Aly Khalifa and Jaxson Robinson being the only notable departures.

One BYU player who entered the player but decided to return was guard Dallin Hall. As a sophomore, the point guard led the team with 5.3 APG, helping the Cougars finish 14th in offensive efficiency, per KenPom. While BYU still needs help down low, Hall’s return ensures the offense will continue to run smoothly.

Seth Trimble (Guard), North Carolina

What potentially could have been a moderate rebuild for North Carolina this offseason ended with significant continuity for the Tar Heels. The team brings back starters Harrison Ingram and Elliott Cadeau, plus All-American guard RJ Davis. The Tar Heels also return an important glue guy in guard Seth Trimble. Trimble provided high-level defense off the bench for UNC, using his quickness and jumping ability to disrupt opponents. His offensive game should continue to grow in his third collegiate season, making Seth Trimble a valuable asset for a North Carolina team looking to return to the Final Four.

Trey Bonham (Guard), Chattanooga

2023-24 was a strong year for the Southern Conference, as five teams finished inside the KenPom top 150 and the league took down squads like Arkansas, Notre Dame, and Vanderbilt in non-conference play. This depth is also reflected in the number of transfers leaving the league for power conference programs. Furman’s JP Pegues committed to Auburn and Marcus Foster joined Xavier, while Mikeal Brown-Jones of UNC-Greensboro joined Ole Miss. All three were All-SoCon honorees.

The league is losing considerable talent this season, but one player who will not be leaving is Chattanooga guard Trey Bonham. After becoming eligible in December, Bonham — an All-SoCon First Team player — was an offensive force for the Mocs. The senior averaged 16 PPG and 3.5 APG while posting an offensive rating of 116. In SoCon play, six-foot Bonham shot 42.5% from three and 60.4% from inside the arc. Yet despite receiving interest from the likes of South Carolina, St. John’s, and Texas A&M, Bonham chose to stay at Chattanooga. Add in the return of fellow All-SoCon guard Honor Huff, and the Mocs should be the early favorite in the league next year.

Kelton Talford (Wing), Winthrop

In an era where mid-majors struggle to retain top talents, Winthrop’s Kelton Talford is the exception. Talford, a two-time All-Big South First Team selection, entered the portal this spring but ultimately decided to return to Winthrop for his fifth year. The lanky wing had an offensive rating of 123.2 in Big South play, hitting 65.9% of his field goal attempts from inside the arc. He also excels at getting to the free throw line as he posted six games with at least 10 free throw attempts in 23-24. Talford will be one of the early favorites for Big South Player of the Year in his final collegiate season.