The men’s basketball transfer portal spring window closes on Friday, April 24, capping a hectic 30-day stretch. This cycle, reduced from 45 to 30 days to promote roster stability, has seen an unprecedented surge in movement. More than 2,300 players have entered the portal—an 11.3% uptick from last year—underscoring the ongoing spike in player turnover.
More athletes are expected to enter before the deadline, even as verbal commitments will continue through June. Notably, over 40% of players from 2024 rosters have chosen to transfer. What’s the latest on the portal just days before it closes?
Over 2,300 Players in Transfer Portal as Deadline Approaches
G Ian Jackson, North Carolina > St. Johns
Former North Carolina freshman guard Ian Jackson officially committed to St. John’s on April 21. A Bronx native, Jackson returns home to play under coach Rick Pitino. The explosive scorer earned All-ACC Freshman Team honors after averaging 11.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, shooting 45.6% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc.
F AK Okereke, Cornell > Vanderbilt
After three seasons at Cornell, where he worked his way up from walk-on to starter, Okereke is headed to Vanderbilt. The junior averaged 13.9 points on 59.5% shooting last season, along with 4.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game—leading the team in multiple statistical categories.
G Jason Drake, Drexel > Indiana
Indiana added former Drexel guard Jason Drake, who has had stops at Cleveland State and Butler Community College. Drake posted 11.1 points, 3.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game this past season, shooting 42.8% from the floor and nearly 40% from three-point range.
G Jestin Porter, Middle Tennessee > Clemson
Clemson secured a commitment from Middle Tennessee’s Jestin Porter, who averaged 15.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game last season. The combo guard started the past 77 games for the Blue Raiders and improved his shooting percentages in all major categories from the previous season.
G Rodney Rice, Maryland > USC
USC added a scoring threat in former Maryland guard Rodney Rice, who chose the Trojans over Tennessee. Rice averaged 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 36 games (32 starts), helping Maryland reach the Sweet 16.
F Sam Walters, Mississippi State > SMU
Initially committed to Mississippi State, Sam Walters has flipped his decision and will join SMU. Walters was previously part of a Top-25 transfer class headed to Starkville.
F Suljan Suljanovic, Italy > St. John’s
St. John’s bolstered its roster with Austrian forward Suljan Suljanovic, who plays professionally for Pallacanestro Reggiana in Italy. He averaged 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket, hitting 39% from three.
St. John’s Basketball Transfer Portal: Full List of Players Entering and Exiting
Several high-impact players have also made decisions ahead of the portal’s closure. Donovan Dent is heading from New Mexico to UCLA, while Illinois’ Morez Johnson Jr. has committed to Michigan.
Dailyn Swain will move from Xavier to Texas, and West Virginia’s Tucker DeVries is set to join Indiana. Arizona’s KJ Lewis has chosen Georgetown, and Jayden Quaintance of Arizona State is coming to Kentucky.
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