Best Available Men’s College Basketball Players in the 2026 Transfer Portal
March Madness is officially over, which means portal madness has begun. Some of the top talent in the nation is now looking for new homes and bigger paychecks. With the deadline now being April 21st, players have only two weeks to enter the portal. This is the new norm in college basketball, and as shown by the newly crowned National Champions, the Michigan Wolverines, being successful in the portal goes a long way in this new era of college basketball.
CBS Sports reported that a $12 million payroll will be needed at a minimum to be a Top 25 team in the 2026-2027 season. Although spending big bucks does not always mean success, as the Kentucky Wildcats learned in the portal. It is a game every team must play to survive. Once the 2026 transfer portal opened, over 1,000 players entered immediately. Here are some of the best hoops currently available.
Flory Bidunga, Center - Kansas
Flory Bidguna is arguably the most menacing player in the portal. The sophomore had one of the more memorable breakout seasons this year, putting up 13 points and nine rebounds a game. A true monster in the making, the lengthy phenom shot 64% from the field, had over 10 double-doubles, and earned All-Big 12 honors to top it off this season. This is a former five-star recruit who averaged three blocks a game this year, establishing himself as one of college basketball's best post defenders. Bidguna’s impact will be immediate and loud.
John Blackwell, Guard - Wisconsin
John Blackwell was one of the most explosive bucket-getters in college hoops. The pure scorer averaged 19 points and shot around 39% from deep, all while playing off the ball with fellow guard Nick Boyd. This former Badger will look for a home that showcases his playmaking ability and explosiveness off the dribble. The junior is testing the NCAA portal and NBA Draft waters at the same time. A return to the NCAA is not guaranteed.
Juke Harris, Guard - Wake Forest
According to OneRival, Juke Harris is the top shooting guard in the 2026 portal. No one in the ACC took a bigger leap than the crafty guard this season. The sophomore led the Demon Deacons in scoring with 21.4 points a game, all while shooting 44% from the floor. This was nearly a 14-point boost from Harris’ freshman campaign. His ability to heat up quickly and score effortlessly from the perimeter will have title contenders clawing for his commitment.
Paulius Murauskas, Forward - St. Mary’s
For the second time in two years, the Lithuanian big man is once again on the move. After originally singing with the University of Arizona, Paulius Murauskas left for California after his freshman year. St. Mary’s allowed the skilled forward to hone his craft. Here, he became a superior low-post presence. The St.Mary’s star averaged 18.4 points and nearly eight rebounds in the 2025-2026 season. He earned All-West Coast Conference honors in both seasons with the Gaels.
Isaiah Johnson, Guard - Colorado
A three-star recruit out of high school, Isaiah Johnson’s play during his first year in Colorado surprised many. The Los Angeles native set a program record as a freshman with 540 points on the season. Johnson earned an All-Big-12 honorable mention nod on 48.6% shooting and almost 17 points a game. The freshman guard is not only an elite scorer but also possesses a high basketball IQ and defensive versatility. A perfect fit for a program in search of a starting guard
