Mississippi State: Claudell Harris Jr. (Boston College)
After averaging 17.4 PPG at Charleston Southern as a sophomore, Harris handled a move up to the high-major level with ease as the Eagles second-leading scorer managing 13.7 PPG while shooting 40%.
The Bulldogs offseason transfer class is rather underwhelming heading into year-three of the Chris Jans-era in Starkville, but bringing in a veteran guard and proven scorer with power-5 experience is definitely a win for Mississippi State.
Missouri: Mark Mitchell (Duke)
After going winless in the SEC this past season, a former top-100 prospect with two years of experience as a starter for Duke is heading to Missouri prior to the 2024/25 season.
Averaging 11.6 PPG and 6.0 RPG at 6-foot-8, Mitchell is highly efficient off the pick-and-roll and while attacking the rim, yet still provides consistent defense against larger bigs. Expect him to be a starter from the opening tip as Mitchell represents a major coup for a Missouri program in need of a quick boost following a poor season.
Oklahoma: Duke Miles (High Point)
For the Sooners first season of SEC contention, the addition of Miles will pace Porter Moser’s backcourt after averaging a career-high 17.5 PPG for High Point to showcase his stout offense development.
Not only did Miles improve in strides as a scorer this past season, but as a passer as well where he’ll be leaned on as a veteran ball handler for an Oklahoma roster that’s filled with shooters but lacking true point guards.
South Carolina: Jamarii Thomas (Norfolk State)
The Gamecocks offseason transfer class is thin with just three new arrivals led by the 2023/24 MEAC Player of the Year in Thomas who averaged 16.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.8 APG and 2.1 STLPG this past season.
At 5-foot-11, I don’t know how well Thomas’ game necessarily translates to the SEC, particularly after struggling to find consistency for a program like Coastal Carolina but he’ll be the starting point guard for head coach Lamont Paris.
