Rothstein Files: 10 Underrated Transfers For The 2012-13 College Basketball Season
By Jon Rothstein
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* IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER
1. NURIDEEN LINDSEY, RIDER
THE SKINNY: A lethal penetrator, Lindsey could be ready to take the MAAC by storm with his knack of getting to the rim and finishing with accuracy. During nine games at St. John's last season, the Philadelphia native averaged just under 12 points, five rebounds, and three dimes per outing. Expect all of those numbers to go up in the Broncs' fast paced attack.
2. RICKY KREKLOW, CAL
THE SKINNY: This 6-foot-6 wing should blend perfectly in Mike Montgomery's style after probably not being a good fit for Mike Anderson's high octane system during his one year at Missouri. Sporting a high basketball IQ along with the ability to knock down shots, Kreklow should blend nicely on Cal's perimeter with Allen Crabbe and point guard Justin Cobbs.
3. JAMAAL COOMBS-MCDANIEL, HOFSTRA
THE SKINNY: A key part of UCONN's run to the 2011 national championship, Coombs-McDaniel will spend the final two years of his college career at Hofstra. With good size at 6-foot-7 and a capable offensive game, Coombs-McDaniel has all the attributes of a lethal "stretch" four man at the CAA level.
4. EVAN GORDON, ARIZONA STATE
THE SKINNY: The brother of NBA star Eric Gordon, this Liberty transfer will play both guard spots for the Sun Devils over the next two seasons. During his final year in the Big South, the 6-foot-1 Gordon averaged 14.4 points and 2.2 assists per game. The addition of Gordon and true point guard Jahii Carson should have Herb Sendek's team set to be competitive in the PAC-12 next season.
5. JARED SWOPSHIRE, NORTHWESTERN
THE SKINNY: Skilled forward comes to the Big Ten after spending four years at Louisville and should start immediately for the Wildcats, who desperately needed a capable big man to replace John Shurna. Hampered by injuries and the Cardinals' overwhelming front court depth, Swopshire will be eligible to play immediately next season since he's already graduated and will be a fine addition to Bill Carmody's team.
6. TYRONE GARLAND, LA SALLE
THE SKINNY: Several A-10 assistants have told me recently they believe Garland will wind up being one of the better guards in the conference. Eligible in December of 2012, the 6-foot-1 combo guard will have two years with the Explorers after starting his college career at Virginia Tech. Look for Garland, Tyreek Duren, Sam Mills, Ramon Galloway, and D.J. Peterson to form one of the nation's deepest back courts at La Salle, who is a bona fide NCAA contender next season.
7. BRIAN OLIVER, SETON HALL
THE SKINNY: NCAA experience? Check. Big game production? Check. So what's next for the Georgia Tech transfer? Producing on a nightly basis in the Big East. The New Jersey native will be a terrific fit for Kevin Willard and Seton Hall thanks to his versatility, shot making ability, and rebounding prowess. Look for the Pirates to use the 6-foot-6 wing in a multitude of ways over the next two seasons.
8. ERIC WISE, USC
THE SKINNY: Wise might not be the most highly touted transfer the Trojans are bringing in for next season but he may be the most productive. Two years ago at UC Irvine, the 6-foot-6, 240 pound forward averaged 16.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest while tallying 11 double-doubles. Feisty and blue collar, Wise plays every possession with the biggest weapon Kevin O'Neill craves from his players --- their heart.
9. JERELLE BENIMON, TOWSON
THE SKINNY: After winning just one game in his first season as head coach of the Tigers, Pat Skerry has Towson ready to make a solid jump in year two --- and a big reason why is Benimon. The skilled forward has Big East experience from his days at Georgetown and should be a terrific fit for the CAA level.
10. D.J. NEWBILL, PENN STATE
THE SKINNY: 6-foot-4 guard should make an immediate impact for the Nittany Lions after averaging 9.2 points and 6.2 rebounds as a freshman for a Southern Miss team that won 22 games. With Newbill and burgeoning lead guard Tim Frazier, Pat Chambers and Penn State should have a back court ready to trade blows with any unit they face in the Big Ten.
Who's No. 11? Take your shot in the comments below...
