2024-25 NCAAM Transfer Class: Top Performers, Surprises, and Disappointments

The 2024-25 NCAAM season has been defined by the impact of transfers, with players switching schools and making significant contributions to their new teams. The transfer portal, deeper than ever, has become the primary tool for teams to build competitive rosters. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable transfers, both the stars and those who haven’t yet lived up to expectations.

Top Performers of the Transfer Class

1. John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers
   Tonje has been a revelation for Wisconsin, delivering standout performances in key games. Averaging 19.6 points and 4.8 rebounds, he’s a legitimate All-American candidate.

2. PJ Haggerty, Memphis Tigers
   Haggerty has been a scoring machine for Memphis, averaging 21.5 points and shooting nearly 44% from three. His ability to perform against top competition has made him a star.

3. Javon Small, West Virginia Mountaineers
   Small has been sensational for West Virginia, averaging 18.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. His leadership has been crucial for the Mountaineers.

4. Chaz Lanier, Tennessee Volunteers
   Lanier has emerged as Tennessee’s go-to scorer, averaging 19.6 points on 45.9% three-point shooting in nonconference play. He’s been a key player for a team pushing for a top seed.

5. JT Toppin, Texas Tech Red Raiders
   Toppin has been dominant, becoming the first Division I player this season with back-to-back 30-point, 10-rebound games. Averaging 17.2 points and 9.1 rebounds, he’s a future NBA prospect.

Surprising Standouts

• Danny Wolf, Michigan Wolverines: The 7-footer has been a matchup nightmare, averaging 12.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
• Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Maryland Terrapins: Gillespie has been an efficient scorer and playmaker, averaging 14.3 points and 4.7 assists.

Disappointments

• AJ Storr, Kansas Jayhawks: After a stellar season at Wisconsin, Storr has struggled at Kansas, averaging just 6.3 points.
• Aidan Mahaney, UConn Huskies: Mahaney’s numbers have dropped significantly from his time at Saint Mary’s, averaging only 4.8 points this season.

Under-the-Radar Additions

• Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State Cyclones: Jefferson has been a key contributor, averaging 12.8 points and 7.9 rebounds for a team with Final Four aspirations.
• Milos Uzan, Houston Cougars: Uzan has stepped up as Houston’s primary playmaker, averaging 13.9 points and 4.6 assists over his last eight games.

The 2024-25 transfer class has reshaped college basketball, with many players making immediate impacts. While some have exceeded expectations, others have yet to find their footing. As the season progresses, these transfers will continue to play pivotal roles in their teams’ success.