Frain: 10 Transfer Guards You Need to Watch

6.) Aaron Estrada – Alabama

After winning consecutive CAA Player of the Year awards at Hofstra, Estrada’s 20.2 PPG production from 2022-23 has obviously taken a slight downturn in joining the SEC. Nonetheless, the former Saint Peter’s, Oregon, and Hofstra transfer is averaging 13.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 3.9 APG since joining the Crimson Tide.

Helping Alabama to a 12-5 record and a 4-0 run in conference play, Estrada’s veteran presence in the backcourt was crucial in helping to stabilize the Crimson Tide after a few early season stumbles to Ohio State and Clemson. In season defining moments, it’s been Estrada stepping up to lead Nate Oats’ squad highlighted by 22 points in a bounce back win over Oregon, and setting the tone in the SEC with 17 points over South Carolina and 21 points against Missouri.

5.) Max Shulga – VCU

After three seasons at Utah State with two NCAA Tournament appearances, Shulga followed head coach Ryan Odom over to VCU where he’s started off the season averaging career-best numbers of 15.2 PPG, 4.6 RG, and 1.1 STLPG. With the Rams selected second in the Atlantic 10’s preseason poll, I think many expected more than a 2-2 start to conference play. However, it’s tough to develop chemistry with an essentially entirely new roster and head coach, and thus, Shulga’s veteran presence and knowledge of Odom’s schemes has proven foundational this season.

After consecutive losses to open the A10 slate, it was Shulga righting the ship with back-to-back leading performances on the road, defeating George Mason with 13 points and seven boards followed by 13 points and nine rebounds against La Salle.