A prevailing narrative in college basketball suggested that assembling a championship roster primarily from the transfer portal was a risky strategy. That view was challenged by the University of Michigan, which won the national championship last year with four starting transfers: Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, Aday Mara, and Elliot Cadeau. This success prompted other programs to invest heavily in free agency, acquiring top-tier talent with the hope of competing for the title in April.
Exhibition games have provided early indications of how these high-profile acquisitions are integrating into their new teams. While portal rankings from the spring are now less relevant, the reality remains that some star transfers may struggle with the transition. This challenge is compounded by the return of 5-in-5 seniors who have regained eligibility through court orders, adding further uncertainty to the landscape.
For this preseason evaluation, CBS Sports excluded 5-in-5 seniors such as Keyshawn Hall, Jaxon Kohler, Donovan Dent, and Darrion Williams, as their eligibility for the full season is not yet guaranteed. The selected teams were constructed with a focus on realistic basketball composition, ensuring a balance of guards, wings, forwards, and centers.
Flory Bidunga of Louisville was named the top player on the all-transfer first team. The 6-foot-9 forward, who previously played for Kansas, is considered a defensive anchor for the Cardinals. His physicality and defensive versatility were evident in an exhibition win over Kansas, where he guarded Tyran Stokes effectively. Louisville coach Kelsey praised Bidunga's work ethic, noting that having the best player be the hardest worker is a significant advantage.
Acaden Lewis of Miami and John Blackwell of Duke also earned first-team honors. Lewis, a left-handed point guard from Villanova, impressed with his ability to finish at the rim and distribute the ball. He scored 23 points and recorded 10 assists in an exhibition game against Vanderbilt. Blackwell, a transfer from Wisconsin, has quickly become the best three-point shooter for Duke and a reliable option in late-game situations. Coach Jon Scheyer highlighted Blackwell's fearless attitude and positive influence on younger teammates.
Tounde Yessoufou of St. John's and Milan Momcilovic of Kentucky completed the first team. Yessoufou is expected to elevate his scoring in the Big East, supported by the playmaking of Quinn Ellis. Momcilovic is recognized as the sport's best shooter, with Kentucky coach Mark Pope marveling at his ability to make difficult shots and his gravitational pull on opposing defenses.
The second team featured Dedan Thomas of Houston, PJ Haggerty of Texas A&M, Paulius Murauskas of Arizona State, David Punch of Texas, and Moustapha Thiam of Michigan. Thomas brings elite playmaking to Houston, while Haggerty offers consistent rim pressure for Texas A&M. Murauskas provides a physical foundation for Arizona State, and Punch adds defensive versatility to Texas. Thiam is expected to improve his decision-making while protecting the rim for Michigan alongside Elliot Cadeau.
The third team included Isaiah Johnson of Texas and Kayden Mingo of Baylor. Johnson, a dynamic guard from Colorado, is praised for his finishing ability and ball security. Mingo, a transfer from Penn State, is making a significant leap in his second year, transforming Baylor's point guard position from a weakness into a strength.
