With an incredible number of talented players entering the transfer portal, the talent in the portal will change the landscape of CBB for years to come. Listed below are the 20 guards I am most looking forward to watching this upcoming season.
Caleb Love Arizona: 6-4 G/F
After an incredible run to the national championship, Love and the Tar Heels missed the tournament completely last season. With the departure of Kerr Kriisa, I expect Love to be able to thrive for the Wildcats in his new role, especially with the dominant frontcourt helping him on the boards.
Jameer Nelson – TCU: 6-1 G
Nelson replaces Mike Miles Jr., and his playstyle reminds me of Miles in a lot of ways. Nelson’s ability to explode to the basket is uncommon for a guard, and his comfort shooting the deep ball should allow for a smooth transition from Miles, who the Frogs have leaned on for years.
Max Abmas – Texas: 6-1 G/F
After leading ORU on the Cinderella March Madness run that took over CBB fans hearts all over the nation, Max Abmas is back. With a Texas team that has national title aspirations, Abmas and the Horns will look to make another late run into March.
Aaron Estrada – Alabama: 6-3 G
Losing No.2 overall pick Brandon Miller is a tough blow for the Tide, but with the addition of Estrada should remain near the top of the polls. Estrada was outstanding for Hofstra, leading the team to a 25-10 (16-2) record while averaging 20.2/5.5/4.3.
Demarcus Sharp – Austin Peay: 6-3 G
Northwestern State transfer Demarcus Sharp may be the best three-point shooting guard in the class. The senior shot 54.72% from behind the arc last season while averaging 19.5 a game.
Jordan Dingle – St. John’s: 6-3 G
A unanimous all Ivy League first teamer, Dingle was a star at Penn last year. The senior guard averaged 23.4 last season and will join a revamped Johnnie’s squad under Rick Pitino.
Denver Jones – Auburn: 6-4 SG
Jones averaged 20 per contest at FIU last season. The lengthy sophomore has an incredible stroke for his size, as well as the ability to finish explosively at the rim.
JJ Starling – Syracuse: 6-4 G
Former 5-star combo guard JJ Starling had a solid start to his career at Notre Dame. After averaging 11.2 ppg in 2022, the ultra-athletic sophomore heads to Syracuse looking to reach his full potential.
Khalif Battle – Arkansas: 6-5 SG
Expectations are high for the Razorbacks this season, and Battle looks to be a big addition. The senior guard averaged 18 a game for Temple last season and will be an important piece of Eric Musselman’s team.
Rayj Dennis – Baylor: 6-2 PG
Toledo transfer Rayj Dennis looks to continue the tradition of great guards at Baylor over the last few seasons. The newest addition to Scott Drew’s squad averaged 19.51 and 5.69 for the Rockets last season.
Jalen Cook – LSU: 6-1 PG
In state transfer Jalen Cook averaged 20 and 5 assists for Tulane last season. The sophomore guard is a great facilitator, a crafty finisher, and can shoot with the best when he’s on.
Duke Miles – High Point: 6-2 G
Former Troy guard Duke Miles is one of the top three-point shooters in the class. He shot it at a 47.06% clip last season while averaging 14 a game for the Trojans.
Kevin Miller – Wake Forest: 6-1 PG
Chicago native Kevin Miller was a star for Central Michigan last year, going for 18.5/3.8/5.3. Miller will look to provide a spark for a Deacs offense that lost Tyree Appleby.
LJ Cryer – Houston: 6-1 PG
Cryer joins a dynamic backcourt at Houston. The junior guard averaged 15 a game for Baylor last season and will look to have an important role in the Cougars first Big-12 season.
Carlos Stewart – LSU: 6-1 G
My second LSU player on the list, Stewart and Cook will be a dynamic backcourt for the Tigers this season. Stewart went for 15.15 ppg for Santa Clara last season.
Kerr Kriisa – West Virginia: 6-3 G
The three-point shooter with a legendary name hit the portal after three memorable seasons for Arizona. Look for him to keep firing from beyond the arc in his first season with the Mountaineers.
Cormac Ryan – North Carolina: 6-5 SG
The star of Notre Dame’s upset win over Alabama in March Madness 2021, Ryan takes his talents to Chapel Hill. The sharpshooter will be a great addition to an already loaded roster and will look to provide more March magic this season.
Ta’Lon Cooper – South Carolina: 6-4 SG
Leading dimer in the class, Ta’Lon Cooper averaged 9.84 ppg and 6.32 apg for Minnesota last season.
El Ellis – Arkansas: 6-3 G
Senior guard El Ellis was a stud at Louisville last season, averaging 17.7 for a Cardinals team whose next leading scorer averaged just 10. He joins a stacked Razorbacks team looking to make a deep March run.
Chris Ledlum – St. John’s: 6-6 SG
Senior guard Chris Ledlum was a force in his time at Harvard. After battling through an injury riddled 21-22 season, Ledlum started all but one game last season. Ledlum averaged a career high 18.8 pts and 8.5 rebs and is preparing for a monster season with St. John’s and new coach Rick Pitino.
