Three Overlooked College Transfers Worth Watching
Overlooked college transfers could reshape the 2027 NBA draft, with Hudson Mayes joining New Mexico and two other hidden moves poised for impact.
More than 2,700 players entered the transfer portal after last season, and among them three under‑the‑radar moves could shape the 2027 NBA draft conversation.
Hudson Mayes heads to New Mexico
Hudson Mayes, a 6‑foot‑5 guard, spent last season at UC San Diego. He logged 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 23.8 minutes per game. His shooting splits were 58.5% at the rim, 50% on non‑rim twos and 35.5% from three. He also hit 79.8% of his free throws.
The Lobos will add a player who recorded a 5.9 offensive rebound percentage and a 14.3 assist percentage. His box plus‑minus sat at 4.0, with three top‑100 games showing a steady 3.4 figure.
Improving three‑point volume may be a focus, but the free‑throw mark suggests scoring upside. Mayes, a rising sophomore, was a three‑star recruit in the 2025 class before moving to New Mexico.
New Mexico hopes his efficiency translates to a faster pace, allowing the team to spread the floor more effectively.
Jurian Dixon joins Virginia
Jurian Dixon arrives at Virginia after two seasons with UC Irvine. The 6‑foot‑5 guard posted 15.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He shot 52.1% at the rim, 40.9% on mid‑range shots and 37.7% from beyond the arc.
His free‑throw percentage was 79.5% and he posted a 16.3 assist percentage. Dixon’s turnover rate sat at 9.3%, and his box plus‑minus rose from 2.8 overall to 3.1 in four top‑100 games.
As a redshirt junior, the two‑star 2023 recruit will need to adapt to the higher competition level in the ACC, particularly by sharpening rim efficiency.
Adlan Elamin moves to Cincinnati
Adlan Elamin, a 6‑foot‑8 forward, spent last season at Utah State. He averaged 6.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 19.5 minutes, shooting 65.3% at the rim and 30.2% from three on 96 attempts.
His free‑throw accuracy was 83.0%, and he posted a 2.8 block percentage. Elamin’s box plus‑minus was 3.3 overall, climbing to 5.0 in eight top‑50 games.
Coming from a three‑star 2025 recruiting class, the sophomore’s size and efficient scoring near the basket give Cincinnati a versatile option on both ends of the floor.
The Bearcats anticipate his presence will strengthen interior defense while opening lanes for perimeter shooters.
These transfers illustrate how players can leverage a change of scenery to refine skills that larger programs often overlook.
