Rothstein Files: Six Transfers Eligible Mid-Season To Monitor In College Hoops
By Jon Rothstein
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1. GARY FRANKLIN, BAYLOR
THE SKINNY: Does Baylor really need another lead guard? They don't have a choice because here he is. The talented Franklin will become eligible in Waco starting in December and immediately challenge incumbent starter A.J. Walton and JUCO transfer Pierre Jackson for minutes in the Bears crowded back court. Franklin might have better size and strength than the other options for Baylor at point guard and should be able to defend multiple positions as Scott Drew's team hopes to challenge for a Big 12 title.
2. NOEL JOHNSON, AUBURN
THE SKINNY: For a team in desperate need of offense, Johnson is the perfect antidote. "Every time he flicks his wrist, the ball looks like it's going in the basket," Auburn coach Tony Barbee said of Johnson before the season. After initially committing to USC and then spending his first season at Clemson, Johnson comes to the SEC with the hopes of getting the Tigers on the map with his outside shooting.
3. FERRAKOHN HALL, MEMPHIS
THE SKINNY: After spending a season and a half in the Big East at Seton Hall, this 6-foot-10 power forward returns home to give Josh Pastner and the Tigers something they desperately crave --- another front court presence. Memphis his displayed tremendous talent and athletic ability during the first few weeks of the season but adding Hall to a baseline duo of Tarik Black and Stan Simpson will make the Tigers bulkier up front and also provide a solid reserve if Black continues to get into early foul trouble.
4. REGGIE SMITH, UNLV
THE SKINNY: First-year coach Dave Rice has starting floor general Oscar Bellfield playing the best basketball of his Runnin Rebels career but the addition of Smith will give UNLV a legitimate backup point guard. As evidenced by their attacking style in their win over number one North Carolina last week, Rice wants to push the basketball at any give opportunity and Smith will only add to that mindset. A jet in the open court and an impressive on ball defender, Smith will should flourish throughout his entire career in the Mountain West Conference.
5. DEVOE JOSEPH, OREGON
THE SKINNY: Dana Altman knew chemistry was going to be a fluid situation with the Ducks all season long and that challenge will only be magnified with the addition of Joseph. While early in the season Oregon freshman Jabari Brown looked like the Ducks go to scorer, his sudden departure now opens to door for Joseph to emerge as Oregon's go to scorer. If he can keep his off the court issues in check, the 6-foot-3 combo guard could be one of the perimeter players in the PAC-12.
6. JELAN KENDRICK, OLE MISS
THE SKINNY: Enigmatic yet effective, Kendrick's level of production could determine whether or not the Rebels have a chance to earn an NCAA berth. Early season shooting struggles hindered Andy Kennedy's team but this Memphis transfer could be the missing piece for Ole Miss because of his offensive arsenal. It will be truly interesting to see whether or not Kendrick is willing to sacrifice shots for wins --- it's obvious the Rebels will want and need both.
Which transfer will make the biggest splash? Sound off below...
