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.
