With the college football transfer portal open and buzzing, the hoops games before conference play begins are starting to fall under the radar. Here are my top five transfer sleepers who were outstanding for their new squad this week.
Kalen Williams, Texas A&M Commerce
Starting his career with New Mexico State in the 2020-2021 season, Williams averaged just 15 minutes and three points per game. Kalen transferred to A&M Commerce for the 22-23 season and started all but one game but averaged only nine ppg. In Monday’s game against Northern Colorado, Williams had the best game of his career.
After a zero-point performance against SMU the following week, Williams bounced back in a major way. The senior guard uncorked for 33 points in a double overtime win, shooting an incredible 12-12 from the line along with 5-11 from deep. Williams added seven assists as well, good for his second team leading stat.
Darius Brown II, Utah State
Despite starting the season slow with just one game over 15 points through the first ten, two-time transfer Brown II turned it up in a major way during the Aggies win over Santa Clara Wednesday.
Brown II dropped 23 in the two-point victory over SCU and has started every game for USU following his transfer from Montana State. Darius and Utah State received a big boost from another transfer star in this one, as former Maryland guard Ian Martinez went 8-12 from the field for 28 points in the victory.
Robert McCray V, Jacksonville
In his first collegiate season with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, McCray V averaged just over four minutes per game and just under two points per contest. Following his transfer to Jacksonville, Robert has tallied 17.5 ppg to start 2023, leading the Dolphins in scoring to start the season.
McCray V played 41 minutes in the Dolphins overtime loss to South Carolina State Monday, uncorking for 22 points. On top of that, Robert added five rebounds and six assists, an incredible all-around performance by the sophomore guard.
David Early, Tennessee Tech
Early started his career with three seasons for the Marshall Thundering Herd. After starting just 12 games in that span and averaging no more than five points per contest, Early decided it was time for a change and announced his transfer to Tennessee Tech.
This decision paid off in a major way to start the year as Early has gotten his chance to shine and has not missed it. The ultra-athletic 6-4 guard is averaging 15 ppg with the Golden Eagles, including an incredible 26-point performance in Tuesday’s win over Bethel (TN). Early was clearly the best player on the court Tuesday night, and he showed it with a dominating performance.
Chris Maidoh, Stony Brook
After a four-year stint at Fairfield to start his collegiate career, Maidoh decided on Stony Brook for his final season. The Seawolves have given Maidoh the chance to shine he has been looking for this season and he has taken full advantage.
The 6-10 forward is averaging eight points and 6.5 rebounds per contest, a major improvement from any of his seasons at Fairfield. Maidoh uncorked for the best performance of his career in Stony Brook’s 84-78 win over Norfolk State Wednesday. Maidoh finished with 19 points and 12 boards, helping lead the Seawolves to a big home victory.
