The college basketball transfer portal has become the Wild West of roster building. Every offseason, big names grab the headlines. But history has proven that some of the most impactful transfers aren’t the ones dominating social media. It’s the overlooked gems that land in the perfect situation and explode.
From guys like Malachi Smith to Marcus Carr, underrated transfers can be game-changers. So, who are the hidden gems in the 2025 transfer portal that could become the next college basketball superstars?
5 Underrated Transfer Portal Gems
1. Tae Davis
At 6’9″, Tae Davis has all the tools to be a major force. The former Notre Dame forward showed flashes of brilliance last season. He averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. While he wasn’t the most talked-about name in the ACC, his ability to stretch the floor makes him an intriguing prospect.
Davis plays with a motor that never quits. He’s long, athletic, and improving as a shooter. If he lands in the right system, he could be a breakout star on the national stage.
Potential Landing Spots
- Xavier: They have a history of developing versatile forwards.
- Missouri: A perfect fit for their up-tempo, high-energy system.
- Cincinnati: Staying in the Midwest could be ideal, and the Bearcats need size.
2. Elyjah Freeman
Every year, there’s a player who jumps from a lower level and becomes a star—Freeman could be that guy. The 6’8″ forward dominated at Lincoln Memorial, averaging 19.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Now, he’s getting serious looks from Power 5 programs.
He rebounds like a monster, has a soft touch around the rim, and can step out to knock down shots. If given a real opportunity, he could be a high-impact player at a major program.
Potential Landing Spots
- Kentucky: Calipari has thrived with players looking to prove themselves.
- West Virginia: Bob Huggins’ system loves tough, gritty players like Freeman.
- Memphis: Penny Hardaway is great at finding overlooked talent.
3. Jalen Blackmon
Blackmon was a scoring machine at Stetson, pouring in 21.3 points per game while shooting 41% from three. He might be from a smaller program, but his shot-making ability is elite. Any team needing a backcourt spark should be all over him.
Blackmon has deep range and can create his own shot, making him a valuable asset in any offense.
Potential Landing Spots
- Florida: The Gators need instant offense.
- Texas Tech: Would thrive in its high-powered offensive system.
- Arizona State: A fast-paced team that fits his game perfectly.
4. Elijah Hawkins
Hawkins won’t blow you away with flashy scoring numbers, but if you’re looking for a pure point guard who can control a game, he’s your guy. The 5’11” playmaker from Minnesota averaged 6.8 assists per game and made every teammate better.
In an era where true point guards are rare, Hawkins is a gem. He sees the floor incredibly well, rarely turns the ball over, and knows how to get guys in the right spots.
Potential Landing Spots
- Michigan State: Tom Izzo loves high-IQ point guards.
- Miami: Would thrive in their up-tempo offense.
- Butler: A team that needs a leader at the PG spot.
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5. Shawn Phillips Jr.
Big men who can protect the rim will always be in demand, and Phillips Jr. is one of the best in the portal. The former Arizona State center was an elite shot-blocker in the Pac-12 last season and could be the missing piece for a team looking for interior defense.
At 7’0″, 245 pounds, Phillips Jr. is a brick wall in the paint. His offense is still developing, but his defense alone makes him a valuable addition to any program.
Potential Landing Spots
- Indiana: They need a defensive big to replace Kel’el Ware.
- Arkansas: Eric Musselman has a history of developing transfer bigs.
- UCLA: A perfect fit for a team needing rebounding and toughness.
While the headlines will focus on the biggest names in the transfer portal, these five players have the potential to be just as impactful—if not more. They may not be the flashiest additions, but they bring skills that winning teams need.
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