Louisville forward Flory Bidunga leads preseason transfer rankings

College basketball coaches have spent the offseason rebuilding rosters around portal acquisitions, a strategy validated when Michigan won the 2025 national title with four starting transfers. That championship run encouraged programs nationwide to pursue high-profile free agents, shifting the balance of power in the sport. As the 2026-27 season approaches, CBS Sports released its preseason all-transfer team, identifying the players expected to make the biggest impact in their new environments.

Flory Bidunga of Louisville claimed the top spot on the first team. The six-foot-9 forward arrived from Kansas and has established himself as the defensive core of the Cardinals. In an exhibition victory against his former team, Bidunga matched up against Tyran Stokes, showcasing the physicality that defined his previous tenure. Louisville coach Kelsey cited Bidunga’s diligence in practice as a key factor in his immediate integration, noting that having the team’s most skilled player also work the hardest provides a distinct advantage for the program.

The remaining first-team selections include Acaden Lewis of Miami and John Blackwell of Duke. Lewis, a left-handed point guard from Villanova, demonstrated his dual threat capability during an exhibition loss to Vanderbilt, where he tallied 23 points and 10 assists. Blackwell, who transferred from Wisconsin, has emerged as Duke’s primary three-point option. Coach Jon Scheyer pointed to Blackwell’s composure in late-game scenarios and his positive influence on the team’s younger players as reasons for his selection.

Tounde Yessoufou of St. John's and Milan Momcilovic of Kentucky round out the first team. Yessoufou is projected to increase his scoring output in the Big East, aided by the playmaking of Quinn Ellis. Momcilovic is regarded as the league’s most consistent shooter, with Kentucky coach Mark Pope praising his ability to convert difficult attempts and his capacity to stretch opposing defenses.

The second team lists Dedan Thomas of Houston, PJ Haggerty of Texas A&M, Paulius Murauskas of Arizona State, David Punch of Texas, and Moustapha Thiam of Michigan. The third team features Isaiah Johnson of Texas and Kayden Mingo of Baylor. CBS Sports excluded 5-in-5 seniors from this evaluation, citing their uncertain eligibility status for the full season.