We've spent all summer talking about the transfer portal, from April when it first opened to now in late September, with late 5-in-5 lawsuit adds trickling in.
But while the focus largely lands on top DI transfers, there is a whole other market of players moving up from lower levels of college basketball.
The DII, NAIA, and JUCO space is relatively unknown and under-discussed in college basketball, with so many teams and players to keep an eye on each year, but we're here to shed light on some awesome players who will make a big impact this season.
Below, I'll list a handful of the best adds from each of the D-II, NAIA, and JUCO levels and dive deep into my personal favorite.
Division II: Dillon Claussen, Liberty
Washburn had the best net rating in D-I last year at +30.4 per 100 possessions, and their best player was 6-foot-8 forward Dillon Claussen. By that measure at least, Claussen was the best player in D-II last season.
It can be challenging to project how D-II players will fare at the D-I level, but Claussen has basically everything working in his favor to suggest he'll translate well.
For one, many guys can dominate D-II but are too small or not athletic enough for that to carry over to the top level of college hoops. Claussen has great length for a forward frame and moves really well. He can finish above the rim while moving his feet well.
