
Each year in college basketball, various transfers find new homes and bring themselves and their team into the national spotlight.
With the regular season tipping off in just over a week, which newly added stars will elevate their squads the most?
Juke Harris was one of the elite scorers in the transfer portal after averaging 21.4 points per game at Wake Forest, which ranked among the top 15 nationally.
However, Harris’ defense hurt his NBA draft stock, causing him to commit to Tennessee, coached by the defensive-minded Rick Barnes.
First on the board https://t.co/pq4yRJT1RK
— Wake Forest Men's Basketball (@WakeMBB) March 12, 2026
Ironically, Barnes invested in offense during the offseason, making Harris a perfect fit. He’ll be one of the Volunteers’ go-to scorers with his 6-foot-7 frame and ability to play guard and small forward. The pressure won’t fall solely on Harris, though, as plenty of talent surrounds him.
A highly touted recruit out of high school, Tounde Yessoufou averaged nearly 18 points per game at Baylor, including a 37-point performance against BYU. Upon withdrawing from the draft, Yessoufou committed to St. John’s, which needed a premier scorer on the wing.
Yessoufou is an ideal match for Pitino’s aggressive defense thanks to his lateral agility and ability to guard multiple positions. With guards Quinn Ellis and Ian Jackson joining him, this Red Storm defense will create fits for opponents.
David Punch received an All-Big 12 honorable mention after a solid sophomore season at TCU. However, he has since transferred to in-state rival Texas, forming a lethal defensive duo.
David Punch with the BLOCK and BUCKET for TCU Watch March Madness on TNT Sports https://t.co/VJlatrcvIU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 19, 2026
Punch is a presence at the rim, as he led the Horned Frogs in blocks per game. This will take pressure off 7-foot center Matas Vokietaitis, who will give Punch more opportunities to disrupt offenses near the perimeter, where he’ll look to top last season’s 45 steals. Not playing center will also allow Punch to score from elsewhere on the floor, something he’s more than capable of doing.
Kentucky’s offense was sluggish at times last season, placing 11th in the SEC in points per game. So when one of the league’s top shooters announced he was entering the portal, coach Mark Pope had to make a move.
Milan Momcilovic was an offensive threat at Iowa State, ranking first in 3-point percentage and fifth in 3-pointers made. Along with being a weapon outside the arc, Momcilovic wants to become more productive near the basket. If he becomes a threat at all three levels, the Wildcats offense will cause problems for any opponent.
Flory Bidunga nearly averaged a double-double at Kansas and was named the 2026 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. With Louisville in need of a big man, Bidunga was a major addition for coach Pat Kelsey.
FLORY BIDUNGA POSTERS CAMERON BOOZER Watch the ending of Kansas-Duke NOW on ESPN and the ESPN app https://t.co/D280Noxrmo
— ESPN (@espn) November 19, 2025
Without a doubt, Bidunga will be a force on defense, as he ranked fourth nationally in blocks per game. Offensively, he’s aggressive at the rim, shifty in the post and effective at creating opportunities for teammates. If Bidunga can polish his offensive skill set and see more successful trips to the free-throw line, the Cardinals could elevate to another level.
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