Hoops Wish List: Players in the Transfer Portal OSU Should Consider

There are fewer than a half-dozen spots available on OSU’s 2022-23 roster even with Keylan Boone, MA Moncrieffe and Donovan Williams hitting the transfer portal this offseason. There are more than 1,200 names, however, in the transfer portal.

Math is on OSU’s side here if it’s on the hunt to fill holes for next season.

And with so many big names from the high school ranks already off the board, the portal very much feels like it is a viable solution to filling out what next year’s team will look like.

But who to watch? Who is OSU interested in? Who should OSU be interested in?

Here are seven names I’ve fished out of the portal. So, behold, my own personal wish list of names — some gettable, some probably not — to keep an eye on.

1. Johni Broome, Morehead State

Broome is a 6-foot-10 stud who averaged a double-double (16.8 points and 10.5 boards) per game last season. Not a floor-spacer — he doesn’t take 3s — but he knows his role and executes it extremely well. And his role as a dominant rebounder, efficient scorer and shot-blocking master (3.9 swats per game last season) would be immensely valuable at OSU. Here’s the question: Does OSU really prioritize a big in this offseason? Moussa is back, and Kalib is back as are Tyreek Smith and Woody Newton. The frontcourt might be set. Moncrieffe is gone, sure, but it’s hard to envision selling Broome on buying into a loaded frontcourt would be an easy one.

2. Norchad Omier, Arkansas State

Combo forward who has dominated at A-State the last two seasons. At 6-foot-7, he’s played power forward and crushed it, averaging 17.9 points and 12.2 boards as a sophomore this last season. Would be a seamless Moncrieffe replacement for OSU and his tenacity as a rebounder would give OSU a physicality in the paint it hasn’t had.

3. Eric Gaines, LSU

LSU basically lost its entire roster after its coach was fired. Gaines would be a value add at the point guard position for OSU as a defensive-minded lead guard who can also score it, though shooting 25% or below from 3 each of the last two seasons might be a turn-off for a staff looking to upgrade specifically in that area. He’s a former Top 100 national recruit so possibly worth a buy-low, so to speak, but probably not the first point guard I’d prioritize.

4. Adam Miller, LSU

Now we’re talking. How’d you like to scoop up a former understudy of Brad Underwood?

Miller was a big talent at Illinois two seasons ago where he shot 34% from 3 as a freshman. He then transferred to LSU and tore his ACL before he could play a game with the Tigers.

Miller is a big-time scorer, and he should only be improving as he ages. As a former Top 40 recruit, he’s probably not the answer at point guard, but his scoring knack is undeniable.

5. Courtney Ramey, Texas

Ramey infamously picked Texas over Oklahoma State during his initial recruitment despite being pursued more diligently and consistently by Mike Boynton and the Cowboys’ staff. Of course Boynton and OSU are back in the mix this time, and the fit is great with OSU looking to add to its backcourt for next season. Ramey averaged 12.2 points and shot 41.4% from 3 two seasons ago before taking a step back in a loaded Longhorns backcourt. Could step in right away.

6. Elijah Harkless, Oklahoma

I don’t think it’s likely — in fact, I think it’s probably pretty unlikely — but how wild would it be if OSU landed OU’s top outgoing transfer? Harkless isn’t a huge producer in the box score, nor is he the obvious answer to solving a point guard question, but he’s a defensive bulldog who affects games with his pressure and sets the tone on that end. OSU’s staff would love him, and hey, the move from Norman to Stillwater — beyond it being an obvious upgrade — is also pretty convenient considering other suitors that are likely to arise.

7. Mike Jones, Davidson

Who?

Mike Jones.

Don’t act like you don’t know the name! [sorry to the five people who caught this reference]

He’s a 6-foot-5 guard out of Davidson who as a junior last season averaged 11.8 points and 3.6 boards while shooting 42.1% from 3-point range. Would fit a need for OSU as a reliable outside scoring threat capable of playing off the ball.