It’s pretty clear that things within college basketball have changed over the last few years. Between NIL, the Covid year, and looser restrictions surrounding transfers, it’s become a situation where kids are forced to adapt. “Positioning” refers to guys putting themselves in the right spots to be successful. “Producing” is self-explanatory and “Portal-ing” is the method in which kids are parlaying the first two into a new spot. It certainly isn’t what most of us grew up watching, but this is the current reality. Too many kids are focused on accepting the highest possible offers out of high school, but there are alternate paths to explore. Let’s take a look at five guys who went to a level where they produced right away and then transferred up…
6’8 Ben Burham (Charleston-Virginia Tech)
Given his recent commitment to Virginia Tech, Burnham has arguably made the biggest leap from his initial spot to now. His high school recruitment certainly didn’t match his production, but the 6-foot-8 forward committed to Charleston and capitalized on the opportunity. Burnham was heavily involved as a freshman and sophomore prior to his massive junior season, where he averaged 11.9 PPG and 4.5 RPG while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc. Now, he joins Mike Young and the Hokies, where his identity should be a seamless fit.
6’6 BJ Freeman (UW Milwaukee-Arizona State)
While there was no doubting his ability in high school, Freeman utilized his lone season at Dodge City CC to begin separating himself from others. He then opted to attend UW Milwaukee and absolutely set the Horizon League ablaze for two straight seasons. In all honesty, Freeman was snubbed from the All-Horizon First Team after putting up 21.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 1.1 SPG while being one of only three players to rank within the top 20 of average points, rebounds, and assists. Regardless, he took advantage of a perfect situation and now finds himself at Arizona State—where he should maintain his status as a difference-maker.
7’0 Micah Handlogten (Marshall-Florida)
Although it would seem like a fluid 7-footer who can rebound and protect the rim at a high level would be an obvious asset, it took Handlogten a year at Marshall to receive appropriate attention from the masses. Despite suffering a major injury in the tournament, the big man still found success at Florida. He started 32/33 games and provided a reliable defensive presence and efficient offensive identity. Handlogten averaged 5.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 1.0 BPG while shooting 62% from the floor.
6’3 Derin Saran (UC Irvine-Undecided)
Despite not yet announcing his new landing spot, Saran is clearly poised to jump another level after enjoying a highly productive freshman campaign. As a true freshman, he averaged 10.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 SPG with 50/35/80 splits. Saran is a smooth floor general who has shown high-level instincts with the ball in his hands—both as a scorer and playmaker. He dictates pace extremely well, picks his spots, and creates opportunities for others. Saran will certainly be a hot commodity over the coming weeks.
6’3 Elijah Jamison (UW Milwaukee-UNCW)
Rounding out this group, Jamison looks likely to make a seamless transition from the Panthers to the Seahawks. He’s simply a reliable, productive player who can make an impact alongside any collection of teammates. Although his shooting took somewhat of a dip last season, Jamison’s 8.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.7 APG still reflect the makings of a guy who should be an asset at his new spot. His IQ, leadership, and general adaptability make Jamison an impactful piece.