College Basketball Transfer Portal: 5 Sleepers Kansas should target

The transfer portal has been amazingly great for the Kansas Jayhawks this season, as they have added former South Dakota State player Zeke Mayo, Florida standout guard Riley Kugel and Wisconsin wingman AJ Storr.

Given this premise, the Jayhawks would arguably have one of the best-starting fives in the nation, with DaJuan Harris Jr, Mayo, Storr, KJ Adams and Hunter Dickinson potentially starting for Bill Self's team next season.

But still, the Big 12 Conference powerhouse would need more players to beef up their lineup as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2023-24 season where they were knocked out in the 2024 NCAA Tournament by Gonzaga in the second round.

There remains a bunch of quality players left in the transfer portal and let's take a look at how they will fit with the Jayhawks' system moving forward.

5 under-the-radar players that Kansas should target in the transfer portal

#5. Koby Brea, Dayton

Koby Brea shot 49.8% from the 3-point line last season for Dayton.

The 6-foot-6 junior out of Washington Heights, New York was instrumental in helping Dayton make the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Last season, Brea averaged 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 33 games for the Flyers.

Brea is an excellent shooter as he had the best 3-point shooting percentage among qualified players in the 2023-24 season at 49.8%.

A lot of college basketball programs have expressed interest in getting him from the portal. According to reports, he is considering Kansas, Duke, North Carolina, UConn and Kentucky as his next school and he had a conversation with them over the past few days.

#4. Vladislav Goldin, Florida Atlantic

The 7-foot-1 Goldin shot 67.1% from the field last season.

The 7'1" Russian slotman was the pillar of strength in the Owls' campaign in the just-concluded season. He is the second-leading scorer for the team at 15.7 ppg and the top rebounder and blocker at 6.9 rpg and 1.6 bpg.

Goldin's efficiency from the paint is well renowned as he shot 67.1% from the field. Despite losing to Northwestern in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the big man provided a stellar performance, scoring 19 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

Goldin is set to use his fifth season of college eligibility for a team that is looking for a reliable center who can lead the defense on the inside lane and score inside points in an efficient manner. He can also play backup to Dickinson and is an excellent option at the center spot if the starter gets injured.

#3. Adou Thiero, Kentucky

The 6-foot-8 Thiero can play small forward and power forward positions.

Thiero can play small forward and power forward positions and would give Kansas an option to put him in the four-spot if they elect to go small ball.

The 6'8" Kentucky standout has proven that he is capable of manning both positions under the tutelage of former Wildcats coach John Calipari.

Thiero played for 25 games for the Wildcats in the 2023-24 season and averaged 7.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 bpg and 0.7 spg. He could potentially improve the statline if the team that picks him up from the portal fully utilizes him and gives him a chance to shine.

#2. Wooga Poplar, Miami

Wooga Poplar is coming off his best season with Miami, averaging 13.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.1 apg and 0.8 spg. He shot 42.6% from the field, including a 38.5% from 3-point area.

The 6-foot-5 shooting guard broke out in his third season with the Hurricanes as he was given more exposure and playing time. Poplar played for 29 games and averaged 31.2 minutes last season.

He is a deadshot from the 3-point line, making 2.1 threes each game. Poplar averaged 13.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.1 apg and 0.8 spg. He shot 42.6% from the field, including a 38.5% from 3-point area.

Teams like Kansas would welcome him positively as Poplar is a shooter that will fit in the Jayhawks' need for next season. Kansas had secured the commitment of Storr and Griffen from the transfer portal and adding Poplar in the mix would cement their status as one of the favorites to win the national championship in the 2024-25 season.

#1. Kadary Richmond, Seton Hall

Richmond played his best season where he averaged 15.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 5.1 apg and 2.2 spg for Seton Hall.

Richmond has just played his best season with Seton Hall, where he registered all-around numbers for the Pirates. In 35 games, the 6'6" senior tallied 15.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

Richmond also shot 44.1% from the field and 80.7% from the free-throw line. Richmond led Seton Hall to the NIT championship, beating Indiana State in the final, 79-77. He played for 35 minutes and finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal.

Last season's numbers proved that the Brooklyn native can carry a team. It will be interesting to see if Richmond would find a program that can utilize his all-around skills to its full potential.