2025 Transfer Portal

[Zog from Margo]

Wisconsin native Gavin Gores playing for Wyoming has much better movement skills than MU's bigs. Seems like he'd have been a better project big than Hamilton or Clark.

[The Sultan]

Wisconsin native Gavin Gores playing for Wyoming has much better movement skills than MU's bigs. Seems like he'd have been a better project big than Hamilton or Clark.

The amateur scouting in this topic is reaching really phenomenal levels.

[Zog from Margo]

The amateur scouting in this topic is reaching really phenomenal levels.

Nice insight.

It'll be interesting to see if you were right that MU needs a wing 3 more than a combo guard. Your insight seems to contradict Ben Steele's.

[panda]

Wisconsin native Gavin Gores playing for Wyoming has much better movement skills than MU's bigs. Seems like he'd have been a better project big than Hamilton or Clark.

I've never heard of him nor seen him play but I agree with you.

[MU82]

I believe he grades out as the worst defender in the Big East. I'd prefer Jamier Jones if we added someone from that team.

Thanks for the info, brew.

[Jay Bee]

Thanks for the info, brew.

We'll be top-50 at worst.

[MessWithAll]

The amateur scouting in this topic is reaching really phenomenal levels.

Goers, a 6-10 224 lb Cumberland, WI native, averaged 17 mpg, 7 pts and 3.5 reb as a true frosh.  Obviously the BE > Mountain West but could Caeden have done that at Wyo 2 years ago as a true frosh?  I say no. Would happily take Goers as a backup big moving forward. Not gonna move the needle too much, but an upgrade from Caden and Josh IMO. 

[JTJ3]

Gores is much better than I expected him to be as a freshman but he is still a few years away from being able to play in the Big East, if ever.

I get our bigs were not good this year, but come on, we can and will do way better than adding someone like Gores.

[MessWithAll]

Gores is much better than I expected him to be as a freshman but he is still a few years away from being able to play in the Big East, if ever.

I get our bigs were not good this year, but come on, we can and will do way better than adding someone like Gores.

Totally agree. Need a much, much better big in the portal. Just saying Goers as a backup could be an upgrade to what we had this year.

[Zog from Margo]

Gores is much better than I expected him to be as a freshman but he is still a few years away from being able to play in the Big East, if ever.

I get our bigs were not good this year, but come on, we can and will do way better than adding someone like Gores.

I didn't mean to say that MU should add Goers now. I thought it was interesting that an in-state kid might have proven to be a better flyer candidate than the flyers MU did take.

[brewcity77]

Based on pace of play and shot selection, we were unprecedentedly bad. It happens.

But if you're just looking to dunk on a take, is it your contention that Vaaks is a good defender?

[Billy Hoyle]

Gores is much better than I expected him to be as a freshman but he is still a few years away from being able to play in the Big East, if ever.

I get our bigs were not good this year, but come on, we can and will do way better than adding someone like Gores.

sounds like a perfect candidate for Shaka's annual big man redshirt.

[burger]

As of mid-March 2026, the transfer portal is just beginning to heat up. While many top-tier centers are currently focused on the NCAA Tournament, early activity and "insider" buzz have identified several high-impact big men who have either officially entered or are widely expected to test the waters.

Here are the best centers and interior "monsters" anticipated to be the prizes of the 2026 portal cycle:

1. Henri Veesaar | North Carolina (Jr.)

Status: High-impact "Stretch 5" candidate.

The Buzz: After a breakout season at UNC following his move from Arizona, Veesaar has become one of the most unique weapons in the country. Standing 7'0" and shooting 42% from three, he is the prototypical modern center. Programs looking for an elite floor-spacer who can also protect the rim will make him a priority if he decides to use his final year of eligibility elsewhere.

2. Aday Mara | Michigan (Jr.)

Status: Potential Portal Re-entry / NBA Draft Wildcard.

The Buzz: Mara was instrumental in Michigan's dominant 2025–26 season. At 7'3", his passing ability and interior efficiency (67.4% FG) make him a "cheat code" at the college level. While he has significant NBA interest, if he chooses to stay in college but seeks a new environment or a higher NIL valuation, he would immediately be the #1 center in the portal.

3. Jayden Quaintance | Kentucky (Soph.)

Status: High-upside "Modern Big."

The Buzz: A former five-star recruit, Quaintance is a physical specimen at 6'10", 255 lbs. Though his freshman/sophomore stats have been steady, scouts believe there is a massive offensive ceiling yet to be unlocked. If Kentucky sees roster attrition following their tournament run, Quaintance is a name frequently mentioned by analysts as a "must-get" portal target.

4. Zvonimir Ivisic | Arkansas (Sr.)

Status: Experienced rim protector.

The Buzz: Known as "Big Z," Ivisic remains one of the most skilled 7-footers in the game. Even in a backup or shared role, he provides elite shot-blocking and shooting range. As a veteran with high-major experience, he'll be targeted by "win-now" teams looking for a championship-caliber anchor.

5. Emerging Mid-Major & Young Stars

Several high-performing bigs from smaller conferences are already seeing early "entered" tags or heavy interest:

Player   Current School   Height   Key Attribute
Melian Martinez   TBA (Entered)   7'0"   Elite shot-blocking (230 lbs)
Chol Machot   TBA (Entered)   7'0"   Mobile rim runner
Lazar Djokovic   VCU   6'10"   High-IQ playmaker; "Cinderella" catalyst
Bukky Oboye   Santa Clara   7'0"   Defensive specialist / Shot blocker

Well I just gave you a Top 10 centers that should be "open for business"

Will AI shooting guards next for a Top 10

[burger]

Drilling down a little further with centers. (added 1 year of eligibility)


As the 2026 transfer portal season begins (officially opening April 7, 2026), the market for "instant-impact" big men is heating up. Teams are specifically hunting for mobile, veteran centers who can anchor a defense for one final season.

Based on current eligibility tracking and early portal entries, here are the top centers anticipated to have one year of eligibility remaining for the 2026-27 season.

1. Drew Fielder | Boise State

Status: Junior (Potential Entrant)

The Profile: Fielder is arguably the most coveted "stretch-five" prospect in the 2026 cycle. Standing 6'11", he earned Second-Team All-Mountain West honors this past season, averaging 14.7 points and shooting a remarkable 40.9% from three.

The Fit: High-major programs needing floor spacing and a modern big will likely offer significant NIL packages to lure him away from Boise State's move to the Pac-12.

2. Oscar Cluff | Purdue

Status: Senior (Potential 5th-year via Waiver/COVID)

The Profile: A traditional interior force, Cluff has been a model of efficiency for Matt Painter. He isn't a "game-wrecker" in the sense of scoring 20 PPG, but he is an elite interior finisher and a disciplined rim protector.

The Fit: If he hits the market, he is a "plug-and-play" starter for any Top-25 team needing a low-post anchor who won't command high usage but will provide veteran stability.

3. Ja'Quay Randolph | Maclay / Florida State Area (Mid-Major Gem)

Status: Junior (Entered Portal: March 17, 2026)

The Profile: At 6'10" and 240 lbs, Randolph is one of the first true centers to officially enter the 2026 portal. He is a high-motor rebounder who has drawn early interest for his physical presence and "stock" (steals + blocks) production.

4. Zvonimir Ivisic | Illinois

Status: Senior (Potential 5th-year)

The Profile: "Big Z" remains one of the most unique talents in college basketball. At 7'2", his ability to handle the ball and shoot from deep is professional-grade. While he served as a high-end backup at Illinois, a team looking for a high-ceiling starter for one year will view him as a primary target.

5. Izaiyah Nelson | South Florida

Status: Junior/Senior (High Retention Risk)

The Profile: The reigning American Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Nelson averaged nearly a double-double (15.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG) and shot 63% from the field.

The Fit: While USF will fight to keep him, his production makes him a "Power 5" priority. He represents the elite tier of mobile centers who can switch onto guards and dominate the glass.

Honorable Mentions (Bigs to Watch)

Evan Ramsey (7'0", 250 lbs): A massive interior presence who officially entered the portal on March 17.

Aday Mara (7'3", Michigan): While a sophomore, rumors of a potential move for a "fresh start" persist if he seeks a larger offensive role for his final years.

Zine Eddrine Bedri (6'10"): A versatile international big man expected to be a high-priority target for teams running high-low sets.

[burger]

OK....So it only gave me 4 on the shooting guards to hit the portal with one year of eligibility.

One very interesting name that fits Shaka's "relationship" thing.....
Deep Dive on Key Targets

Tyler Lundblade (Belmont): He is the first major "domino" to fall. Following the departure of coach Casey Alexander to Kansas State, Lundblade officially expressed his intention to enter the portal as a graduate transfer. As the reigning MVC Player of the Year, he will be the most coveted mid-major prize for Power 4 schools needing a primary scoring option.

Otega Oweh (Kentucky): After a highly productive junior year under Mark Pope, Oweh enters his final year of eligibility. He has proven he can produce at the highest level of the SEC, specifically as a rim-pressurer in high-tempo offenses.

Seth Trimble (North Carolina): Trimble has been a foundational piece of the Tar Heels' backcourt. As a senior with one year left, his defensive versatility (guarding 1 through 3) and improved finishing make him a high-floor veteran for any contender.

Richie Saunders (BYU): If he chooses to use his final year elsewhere, he would be the premier "spacer" in the portal. Saunders posted an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 62% last season, making him one of the most efficient high-volume shooters in the country.

[Jay Bee]

^^^ dude wth is this nonsense? Broke ass AI

[TedBaxter]

OK....So it only gave me 4 on the shooting guards to hit the portal with one year of eligibility.

One very interesting name that fits Shaka's "relationship" thing.....
Deep Dive on Key Targets

Tyler Lundblade (Belmont): He is the first major "domino" to fall. Following the departure of coach Casey Alexander to Kansas State, Lundblade officially expressed his intention to enter the portal as a graduate transfer. As the reigning MVC Player of the Year, he will be the most coveted mid-major prize for Power 4 schools needing a primary scoring option.

Otega Oweh (Kentucky): After a highly productive junior year under Mark Pope, Oweh enters his final year of eligibility. He has proven he can produce at the highest level of the SEC, specifically as a rim-pressurer in high-tempo offenses.

Seth Trimble (North Carolina): Trimble has been a foundational piece of the Tar Heels' backcourt. As a senior with one year left, his defensive versatility (guarding 1 through 3) and improved finishing make him a high-floor veteran for any contender.

Richie Saunders (BYU): If he chooses to use his final year elsewhere, he would be the premier "spacer" in the portal. Saunders posted an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 62% last season, making him one of the most efficient high-volume shooters in the country.

Oweh, Trimble and Saunders are out of eligibility after this year, correct?  Same thing with Cluff? 

[withoutbias]

Oweh, Trimble and Saunders are out of eligibility after this year, correct?  Same thing with Cluff? 

Yeah, it's bad enough that we're already talking about targeting an All American that is on a team that could win a national title and there's no reason to think will be leaving Iowa State unless it's for the NBA.  I don't think adding AI recommendations is the way to go with this thread, but maybe.

[GoldenEagles03]

Drilling down a little further with centers. (added 1 year of eligibility)


As the 2026 transfer portal season begins (officially opening April 7, 2026), the market for "instant-impact" big men is heating up. Teams are specifically hunting for mobile, veteran centers who can anchor a defense for one final season.

Based on current eligibility tracking and early portal entries, here are the top centers anticipated to have one year of eligibility remaining for the 2026-27 season.

1. Drew Fielder | Boise State

Status: Junior (Potential Entrant)

The Profile: Fielder is arguably the most coveted "stretch-five" prospect in the 2026 cycle. Standing 6'11", he earned Second-Team All-Mountain West honors this past season, averaging 14.7 points and shooting a remarkable 40.9% from three.

The Fit: High-major programs needing floor spacing and a modern big will likely offer significant NIL packages to lure him away from Boise State's move to the Pac-12.

2. Oscar Cluff | Purdue

Status: Senior (Potential 5th-year via Waiver/COVID)

The Profile: A traditional interior force, Cluff has been a model of efficiency for Matt Painter. He isn't a "game-wrecker" in the sense of scoring 20 PPG, but he is an elite interior finisher and a disciplined rim protector.

The Fit: If he hits the market, he is a "plug-and-play" starter for any Top-25 team needing a low-post anchor who won't command high usage but will provide veteran stability.

3. Ja'Quay Randolph | Maclay / Florida State Area (Mid-Major Gem)

Status: Junior (Entered Portal: March 17, 2026)

The Profile: At 6'10" and 240 lbs, Randolph is one of the first true centers to officially enter the 2026 portal. He is a high-motor rebounder who has drawn early interest for his physical presence and "stock" (steals + blocks) production.

4. Zvonimir Ivisic | Illinois

Status: Senior (Potential 5th-year)

The Profile: "Big Z" remains one of the most unique talents in college basketball. At 7'2", his ability to handle the ball and shoot from deep is professional-grade. While he served as a high-end backup at Illinois, a team looking for a high-ceiling starter for one year will view him as a primary target.

5. Izaiyah Nelson | South Florida

Status: Junior/Senior (High Retention Risk)

The Profile: The reigning American Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Nelson averaged nearly a double-double (15.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG) and shot 63% from the field.

The Fit: While USF will fight to keep him, his production makes him a "Power 5" priority. He represents the elite tier of mobile centers who can switch onto guards and dominate the glass.

Honorable Mentions (Bigs to Watch)

Evan Ramsey (7'0", 250 lbs): A massive interior presence who officially entered the portal on March 17.

Aday Mara (7'3", Michigan): While a sophomore, rumors of a potential move for a "fresh start" persist if he seeks a larger offensive role for his final years.

Zine Eddrine Bedri (6'10"): A versatile international big man expected to be a high-priority target for teams running high-low sets.

Crazy how terrible our centers were this year that they make Drew Fielder interesting.

While he was on GTown I would have never imagined him at Marquette, but after what we had he'd be a welcomed sight in Milwaukee.

[wadesworld]

Crazy how terrible our centers were this year that they make Drew Fielder interesting.

While he was on GTown I would have never imagined him at Marquette, but after what we had he'd be a welcomed sight in Milwaukee.

1) It's a response from AI that is entirely inaccurate.
2) He averaged 7 points and 5.5 rebounds in the Big East as a sophomore last year, and just averaged 15/6 on 55% from the field and 41% from 3 for a solid but not great mid major.  If he had averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds as a freshman and 7 points, 5.5 rebounds as a sophomore at Pitt and then went and averaged 15/6 on 55%/41%/79% shooting at Boise State, you'd be calling him one of college's superstars (given you called Karter Knox that).

[GoldenEagles03]

1) It's a response from AI that is entirely inaccurate.
2) He averaged 7 points and 5.5 rebounds in the Big East as a sophomore last year, and just averaged 15/6 on 55% from the field and 41% from 3 for a solid but not great mid major.  If he had averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds as a freshman and 7 points, 5.5 rebounds as a sophomore at Pitt and then went and averaged 15/6 on 55%/41%/79% shooting at Boise State, you'd be calling him one of college's superstars (given you called Karter Knox that).

1) I know that it was AI
2) Point stands. Any version of Drew Fielder would look amazing at Marquette given what we saw this year.

[burger]

On another subject....Big gap down in the morning....

The music stopped and there are very few chairs....

[wadesworld]

1) I know that it was AI
2) Point stands. Any version of Drew Fielder would look amazing at Marquette given what we saw this year.

Fielder is very good and would be highly sought after if he hits the portal, even by teams that have much better bigs than the ones Marquette played last year.  You're talking like he's some complete bum but would still be awesome because Marquette's bigs stink.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

On another subject....Big gap down in the morning....

The music stopped and there are very few chairs....

[BrewCity83]

From Cornell?  Offensively, he was a black hole, son.
[/quote

From Cornell?  Offensively, he was a black hole, son.

As a transfer, he's a Superunknown.