Kerr Kriisa, a highly praised guard, has hit the NCAA transfer portal again after a short, injury-riddled season at Kentucky. With one year of eligibility left, possibly boosted by a medical redshirt, he is in high demand. Here’s a look at five teams that could snag him in 2025.
Top 5 Landing Spots For Kerr Kriisa
Kriisa announced his departure from Kentucky on Monday, capping a tough 2024-25 season. A foot injury in December sidelined him after just nine games, where he averaged 4.4 points and 3.8 assists.
THANK YOU BBN! pic.twitter.com/Mmxup06WA2
— Kerr (@KerrKriisa) March 31, 2025
“To Coach (Mark) Pope and the UK coaching staff – it has been an absolute dream to play for the University of Kentucky. Thank you for your continued support,” he shared on social media.
“To my teammates — I am so thankful for the relationships we’ve formed during my time at Kentucky, and I will keep those friendships for a lifetime,” he added. Now, with Kentucky’s season ending in a 78-65 Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee, Kriisa is back in the portal, hunting for his next home.
Here are 5 potential teams he can join.
1) Creighton Bluejays
Creighton’s backcourt is about to take a hit. Steven Ashworth and Jamiya Neal are out of eligibility, and Pop Isaacs is already in the portal. That leaves a gap for a seasoned playmaker like Kriisa. He dished out 4.7 assists per game at West Virginia and shot 42.4% from three in 2023-24. Those skills fit Creighton’s quick, outside-shooting style perfectly.
2) Auburn Tigers
Auburn’s riding high in the Final Four as of April 2025, but they’ll lose senior Miles Kelly soon. Chad Baker-Mazara might stick around, yet a veteran guard wouldn’t hurt. Kriisa’s knack for setting up plays and hitting threes could mesh with Bruce Pearl’s fast, aggressive system. His Kentucky numbers were modest, but his past proves he can step up.
3) North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina’s backcourt is facing a shakeup. RJ Davis is done after this season, and Elliot Cadeau has transferred out. Kriisa brings 108 games of experience, with 94 starts, to steady the ship. He won’t replicate Davis’s scoring, but his 4.7 assists per game could cover Cadeau’s exit. Plus, his 42.4% three-point accuracy adds more edge to their offense.
4) Clemson Tigers
Clemson will lose Chase Hunter and Jaeden Zackery because they will not be eligible after 2024-25. Their other guards lack Kriisa’s know-how and output. He can run the show and knock down shots from deep, boosting their backcourt.
5) St. John’s Red Storm
St. John’s might be the dark horse here. Rick Pitino loves guards who can shoot and handle pressure; Kriisa checks both boxes. Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith could be gone after this season, opening the door. Kriisa’s potential, honed with Estonia at FIBA EuroBasket, fits Pitino’s fast-paced vision.
KEEP READING: Pop Isaacs Transfer Portal: Top 5 Landing Spots for the Creighton Guard
Kriisa’s next move could depend on coaching ties, NIL deals, or even a pro leap to Europe. Still, these five teams offer him a shot at instant impact and a competitive stage. His career stats—9.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.3 rebounds—prove he’s got plenty left to give.
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