In a BIG-10 that is headlined by returning players like Zach Edey, Hoggard and Walker, Cliff Omoruyi, and Boo Buie, a loaded transfer class has gone slightly under the radar. Here are 15 transfers I am looking forward to watching in the BIG-10 this season.
Marcus Domask Illinois: 6-6 SF
Averaged 16.67/5.67/3.79 for Southern Illinois last season.
Senior transfer ranked top ten in five different scoring categories for the Salukis.
Lance Jones Purdue: 6-1 G
Fellow Saluki transfer averaged nearly 14 for SIU in 2022.
Chicago native will look to have an immediate impact for Matt Painter’s squad.
Rienk Mast Nebraska: 6-9 C
Maybe the best BIG-10 transfer, Mast was a beast for Bradley last year averaging 14 and 8 boards.
The junior was a first team All MVC selection last season.
Ben Krikke Iowa: 6-9 PF
The Valparaiso transfer is the leading scorer in this year’s class averaging 19.44 ppg to go along with nearly six rebounds.
The senior is an incredibly efficient scorer, shooting 55 percent from the field and 80% from the line.
Brice Williams Nebraska: 6-7 F
The second of three stud transfers for Nebraska on my list, Williams put up 13.75 ppg and 5.28 rpg for Charlotte last season.
Williams’ nearly seven-foot wingspan gives him great length on the defensive end.
Payton Sparks Indiana: 6-9 C
In a big man heavy BIG-10, Sparks is a huge get for the Hoosiers especially following the loss of TJD.
The Ball State transfer averaged 13.26 points per game along with 8.58 rebounds.
Kel’el Ware Indiana: 7-1 PF
Ware is an athletic specimen and was never truly given the chance to shine with Oregon.
If he reaches his full potential at IU, the sophomore transfer can have a huge impact for the Hoosiers and will see his draft stock skyrocket.
Olivier Nkamhoua Michigan: 6-9 F
One of just two SEC to BIG-10 transfers, along with new teammate Nimari Burnett (Alabama), Olivier put up 11 per game for the Vols last season.
Nkamhoua will have big shoes to fill following the departure of Hunter Dickinson for Kansas.
Elijah Hawkins Minnesota: 5-11 PG
Howard transfer Elijah Hawkins is the best three-point shooter in the BIG-10 transfer class.
The point guard averaged 13 points and six assists on 46.55% from beyond the arc.
Jarron Coleman Nebraska: 6-5 SG
The final Husker on my list, Coleman is the leading scorer of the group averaging 14.33 for Ball State in 2022.
Coleman joins a loaded class for Coach Hoiberg who looks to gain some momentum at Nebraska.
Noah Fernandes Rutgers: 5-11 G
Another top three-point shooter, Fernandes is electric behind the arc.
The senior UMass transfer averaged 13 for the Minutemen while shooting over 45% from three.
Qudus Wahab Penn State: 6-11 C
One of the top rebounders in the BIG-10 transfer class, Wahab averaged 10 and 7 for Georgetown last season.
Zach Hicks Penn State: 6-8 F
The second PSU big man on my list, Hicks joins a revamped Nittany Lions frontcourt for the 2023 season.
The Temple transfer averaged 10 and five in 2022.
Mike Mitchell Minnesota: 6-2 G
A sniper from three-point range, Mitchell was one of the top shooters in the WCC at 45.06 3P%.
The sophomore transfer will hope to add a spark to a Minnesota team that finished the year tied for last in the BIG-10.
Jamison Battle Ohio State: 6-7 SF
An intra-conference transfer, Battle made the decision to leave the Gophers for the Buckeyes.
Battle averaged just over 12 a game for Minnesota last season, and is a huge add for Holtmann’s squad.
