5 Big Ten transfers to watch out for in 2024 college basketball season
Over the years, the Big Ten conference has seen an array of players head into the NBA, with nearly 50 active players taking up roster spots. A major element behind that is the increased competition and player developmental regimes within the schools under the conference.
Now, as the transfer portal allows college players to make a switch to their desired program, let's look at five players who could make noise with their new teams.
Big Ten transfers to watch in 2024 college basketball season
#5 Tre White with Illinois Fighting Illini
The six-foot-seven combo guard enters the Big Ten after a year with USC and Louisville Cardinals, averaging 12.3 points and 5.9 rebounds last season.
One of his reasons for joining Brad Underwood’s program is the firing of coach Kenny Payne from the Cardinals, which sparked a chain reaction of 11 Louisville players entering the portal.
White was the program’s consistent paint scorer, with his ability to cut through the traffic and finish near the basket.
#4 Danny Wolf with the Wolverines
The seven-foot center steps into Big Ten off a promising near-double-double average of 14.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks last season with the Yale Bulldogs. He was recognized for All-Ivy League first-team honors and won the Ivy League Tournament MVP award.
While his 33.6% overall 3-point shooting doesn't make him an obvious stretch big, he has shown significant improvement in his form from the long range.
#3 Great Osobor with Washington Huskies
The six-foot-eight forward was the Mountain West Player of the Year last season behind averages of 17.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals. While he shot 57.7% from the field, a huge gap follows in his 21.4% 3-point shooting last season.
Moreover, his 63.7% free throw efficiency suggests he will need significant repetitions in the gym to improve on his long-range game.
#2 Oumar Ballo with Indiana Hoosiers
Ballo is one of the top centers with the potential to make noise in the collegiate circuit.
Even though he's a year separated from his best offensive production, Ballo has submerged himself into the center role. He averaged a career-high 10.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 0.9 steals and 65.8% efficiency last season, making him a true defensive anchor.
Moreover, he enters the Big Ten with experience of playing for prestigious programs like Gonzaga Bulldogs and Arizona Wildcats and will aim to top his past seasons in his last year of eligibility.
#1 Vlad Goldin with the Wolverines
Vlad Goldin sided with Dusty May for his last year of eligibility after spending three years with Florida Atlantic Owls and his rookie season with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Goldin withdrew from the NBA Draft to follow May.
The seven-foot-one big man became an all-conference player with FAU, averaging 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks on 67% shooting from the floor last season.