College basketball transfer portal: Winners and losers

Winner: Auburn

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl has always been able to recruit. He came through once again by landing the top available player, Walker Kessler from North Carolina.

Additions:

• Walker Kessler C from North Carolina: 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds/game.
• Wendell Green Jr PG from Eastern Kentucky: 15.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5 assists/game.
• Zep Jasper PG from College of Charleston: 15.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists/game.
• Desi Sills SG from Arkansas: 7.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists/game.

Losses:

• Justin Powell PG to Tennessee: 11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists/game.
• Jamal Johnson SG to UAB: 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists/game.
• Tyrell Jones PG to South Alabama: 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists/game.
• Javon Franklin SF to South Alabama: 1.3 points and 1.6 rebounds/game.

Analysis:

Kessler’s freshman numbers might not be spectacular, but his pedigree suggests he will be worthy of the hype. The former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American will step right into the Tigers’ lineup.

Green averaged 31 minutes per game last year and will contribute on the boards and with dimes.

Jasper was Second-Team All-Colonial and named to the All-Defensive team.

Powell will be the biggest loss, as he averaged 27 minutes/game and hit 44 percent of his 3-point shots.