Top Transfer Additions in Mountain West Basketball: Ranking the 20 Best
The 2025 college basketball offseason has turned the Mountain West basketball landscape into a thrilling game of musical chairs. With over 80 players diving into the transfer portal and numerous fresh faces joining conference teams, the dynamics of power and potential are shifting fast. In this deep dive, we’re ranking the 20 most impactful transfer additions to Mountain West programs, spotlighting the players set to redefine their new squads.
Shaking Up the Conference: The Transfer Portal’s Impact on Mountain West Basketball
The transfer portal has become the wild card of college hoops, and nowhere is that more evident than in Mountain West basketball. This offseason, programs across the conference have had to navigate a whirlwind of departures and arrivals, balancing the loss of star talent with the promise of incoming game-changers. Whether you’re a fan of Boise State or rooting for San Diego State, the stakes couldn’t be higher as teams reload for the 2025 season.
So, what makes these transfers so pivotal? It’s not just about filling roster spots—it’s about finding players who can step in, elevate a team’s identity, and make an instant impact. Let’s break down the top 20 additions who are poised to do just that.
Ranking the Top 20 Transfer Additions in Mountain West Basketball
These rankings are based on a mix of statistical output, potential fit with their new teams, and the overall buzz surrounding their moves. From Power 5 drop-downs to JUCO standouts, here are the players reshaping the conference.
1. Dylan Andrews (UCLA to Boise State)
Boise State hit the jackpot with Dylan Andrews, a former UCLA guard who brings big-time experience to the Broncos. Averaging 9.7 points per game in the Pac-12, Andrews is a dynamic ball-handler with a knack for creating his own shot. His arrival could be the key to pushing Boise State deeper into March Madness.
What’s intriguing is how his playstyle meshes with Boise’s up-tempo system. Expect him to be a cornerstone in their backcourt, possibly elevating their standing in Mountain West basketball rankings.
2. Drew Fielder (Georgetown to Boise State)
Another gem for Boise State, Drew Fielder arrives from Georgetown with a solid 11.2 PPG and 6.8 rebounds per contest. His presence in the paint gives the Broncos a physical edge, something they’ve lacked in recent seasons. Could this be the missing piece for a conference title run?
Fielder’s ability to score inside and clean up the glass makes him a matchup nightmare. For a team hungry to compete, he’s a dream addition.
3. Jaden Comer (Evansville to Nevada)
Nevada fans, get ready for Jaden Comer. Coming from Evansville with a robust 16.2 points and 4.1 assists per game, Comer is the kind of guard who can take over games. His scoring punch fills a void left by departing talent, setting him up as a potential breakout star in the conference.
His transition to Mountain West basketball will be one to watch. Can he handle the step up in competition? Early signs point to yes.
4. Kadeem Weems (JUCO to Nevada)
Kadeem Weems might not have Division I experience yet, but his jaw-dropping 26.7 PPG at the JUCO level screams potential. Joining Nevada, he’s poised to add an explosive scoring element to their backcourt. This could be one of the smartest under-the-radar pickups of the offseason.
The jump from JUCO to D-I isn’t easy, but Weems’ raw talent suggests he’ll adapt quickly. Keep an eye on this one.
5. Sean Newman Jr. (Louisiana Tech to San Diego State)
San Diego State continues its tradition of savvy roster moves with Sean Newman Jr.. With 14.3 points and 5.1 assists per game at Louisiana Tech, he steps in as a true floor general. His vision and scoring could keep the Aztecs near the top of Mountain West basketball standings.
Newman’s knack for running an offense might just remind fans of past SDSU greats. How quickly can he gel with his new squad?
6. Garry Clark (Texas A&M-CC to Utah State)
Utah State needed a rebounding force, and they got one in Garry Clark. Posting 14.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in the Southland Conference, Clark is a double-double machine ready to dominate the paint in the Mountain West.
His physicality could shift the Aggies’ interior game. Will he become the anchor they’ve been searching for?
7. Kevin Patton Jr. (USC to New Mexico)
After losing key talent, New Mexico needed a spark, and Kevin Patton Jr. might be it. The former top-100 recruit averaged 9.1 points at USC, bringing versatile wing scoring to the Lobos. His upside is enormous if he can find consistency.
Patton’s journey from Power 5 to Mountain West basketball could be a redemption story. Can he reclaim his high school hype?
8. Jeremiah Oden (Charlotte to San Diego State)
Jeremiah Oden is a stretch-four dream for San Diego State, arriving with 11.4 PPG from Charlotte. His ability to space the floor with outside shooting opens up driving lanes for the Aztecs’ guards. This feels like a perfect schematic fit.
How will Oden adapt to SDSU’s defensive intensity? If he buys in, he could be a game-changer.
9. Anthony Lowery (NAIA to Nevada)
Nevada took a chance on Anthony Lowery, the NAIA Player of the Year, who torched nets for 24.1 points per game. His scoring efficiency could translate beautifully to D-I, especially in a system that needs instant offense.
The leap in competition is steep, but Lowery’s accolades suggest he’s ready for Mountain West basketball.
10. Latrell Davis (San Jose State to San Diego State)
Latrell Davis isn’t new to the conference, having put up 8.9 points at San Jose State. His move to San Diego State adds immediate depth and familiarity with conference play. Sometimes, the safe bet is the smartest one.
Davis might not be a headliner, but his role-player potential is undeniable. Will he carve out meaningful minutes?
11. Elijah Armotrading (UTRGV to Nevada)
Elijah Armotrading brings a defensive edge to Nevada, with 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game at Texas-Rio Grande Valley. His rim protection addresses a critical need for the Wolf Pack. Could he be their unsung hero?
Numbers don’t tell the whole story—his hustle might just win over fans in Reno.
12. Magoon Gwath (Return to San Diego State)
Magoon Gwath flirted with the portal but ultimately returned to San Diego State, preserving their defensive identity with 8.5 points and 2.6 blocks per game. As the MWC Defensive Player of the Year, his decision to stay is a massive win for the Aztecs.
His return might not be a “transfer” in the traditional sense, but it’s an addition worth celebrating. How far can he lead SDSU?
13. Isaiah Hill (Fresno State to Loyola Marymount)
Okay, this one’s a departure, but Isaiah Hill leaving Fresno State for Loyola Marymount is noteworthy for conference reshuffling. With 12.6 points per game, his exit opens opportunities for incoming Bulldogs but also highlights talent drain.
Who steps up in his absence? Fresno’s next moves will be crucial.
14. Nique Clifford (Colorado State to Notre Dame)
Another outbound move, Nique Clifford averaged 12.2 points at Colorado State before heading to Notre Dame. His versatility as a wing leaves a gap for the Rams, but speaks to the allure of Mountain West basketball talent.
How does Colorado State replace his production? Incoming transfers will feel that pressure.
15. Dedan Thomas Jr. (UNLV to LSU)
Dedan Thomas Jr. was a rising star at UNLV, averaging 13.9 points as a freshman. His jump to LSU is a blow to the Runnin’ Rebels, but it also underscores the conference’s ability to develop elite prospects.
UNLV’s rebuild now hinges on new faces. Can they find a comparable talent?
16. Kyan Evans (Colorado State to Minnesota)
With 8.4 points per game at Colorado State, Kyan Evans heads to Minnesota, taking his defensive tenacity with him. His departure weakens the Rams’ perimeter, creating space for incoming transfers to shine.
Who fills his shoes? That’s the million-dollar question for Rams fans.
17. Obi Agbim (Wyoming to Baylor)
Obi Agbim put up 10.7 points at Wyoming before transferring to Baylor. His scoring and playmaking leave a void for the Cowboys, signaling another challenge for conference retention.
Wyoming’s next transfer haul needs to address this loss. Can they rebound?
18. Nick Boyd (San Diego State to Wisconsin)
Nick Boyd averaged 9.2 points for San Diego State before moving to Wisconsin. His shooting touch will be missed, even with SDSU’s strong incoming class.
This move shows how Mountain West basketball players are catching bigger eyes. Who steps into his role?
19. Sam Springer (Air Force to Loyola MD)
Sam Springer exits Air Force for Loyola MD after a quiet 4.3 points per game. While not a headliner, his departure reflects the depth challenges smaller MWC programs face.
Air Force’s transfer strategy needs to prioritize depth. Can they reload?
20. Quinton Webb (New Mexico to Cal State Northridge)
Rounding out our list, Quinton Webb leaves New Mexico for Cal State Northridge with modest stats (3.7 PPG). His exit is part of a broader Lobos overhaul, creating room for new blood.
New Mexico’s offseason is a puzzle. Will incoming transfers solve it?
How These Transfers Reshape Mountain West Basketball Dynamics
The influx of talent through the transfer portal has created a fascinating divide in the conference. Teams like Boise State and Nevada seem primed to surge with strategic additions, while others, like New Mexico and UNLV, face uphill climbs after losing core players. It’s a chess game of roster construction, and the board is far from set.
What’s clear is that Mountain West basketball remains a hotbed for talent scouting. Power 5 programs are poaching stars, but the conference is also proving it can attract high-caliber players looking for bigger roles. How do you see this playing out come tournament time?
Key Stats at a Glance: Comparing Top Transfer Additions
Numbers don’t lie, so let’s take a quick look at how some of these top additions stack up. This table highlights the statistical impact of our top-five ranked transfers joining Mountain West teams.
| Player | Old School | New School | PPG | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Andrews | UCLA | Boise State | 9.7 | 1.5 SPG |
| Drew Fielder | Georgetown | Boise State | 11.2 | 6.8 RPG |
| Jaden Comer | Evansville | Nevada | 16.2 | 4.1 APG |
| Kadeem Weems | JUCO | Nevada | 26.7 | N/A |
| Sean Newman Jr. | Louisiana Tech | San Diego State | 14.3 | 5.1 APG |
These stats give a glimpse into why these players are such valuable pickups for their new programs. Which stat line impresses you the most?
Trends Behind the Transfer Surge in Mountain West Basketball
Why are so many players on the move? The transfer portal has become a lifeline for athletes seeking better fits, whether it’s for playing time, coaching style, or NIL opportunities. In Mountain West basketball, we’re seeing programs adapt by targeting experienced transfers over high school recruits—78% of incoming players have multiple years of eligibility, blending instant impact with future potential.
This shift isn’t just about survival; it’s a strategic play. With a 42% player retention rate from last season’s rosters, teams must innovate to stay competitive. Is this reliance on transfers sustainable, or should the conference double down on development?
Take Nevada, for instance. Their mix of JUCO and small-college standouts like Weems and Lowery shows a willingness to think outside the box. It’s a gamble, sure, but one that could redefine their identity if it pays off.
What Fans Should Watch For in the 2025 Season
As the 2025 season looms, these transfer additions are sparking plenty of questions. Will Boise State’s new duo of Andrews and Fielder propel them past perennial contenders like San Diego State? Can Nevada’s eclectic haul of newcomers mesh into a cohesive unit? And how will teams that lost stars—like New Mexico—rebound with fresh faces?
One thing’s for sure: Mountain West basketball will be a proving ground for both incoming talent and coaching adaptability. The conference has always been a hotbed for Cinderella stories in March, and this year’s portal moves could amplify that narrative. I’m curious—whose transfer are you most excited to see in action?
If history is any guide, a few of these players will emerge as household names by season’s end. Keep tabs on early-season matchups to see how these additions adjust to their new environments. For deeper insights into the conference’s transfer landscape, check out this detailed breakdown from Nevada Sports Net.
Wrapping Up: A Conference Transformed by Talent Moves
The 2025 offseason has put Mountain West basketball in a fascinating state of flux. While this list of top transfer additions—ranging from proven Power 5 talents to hidden gems—offers hope for several programs, it also highlights the challenges of roster turnover in the portal era. Teams that integrate their new players effectively could dominate the conference, while others risk falling behind.
I’d love to hear your take on these rankings. Who do you think got snubbed, or which transfer has you buzzing for next season? Drop a comment below, share this post with fellow hoops fans, or explore our other articles on college basketball transfers for more offseason analysis. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Sources
- Tracking Mountain West Basketball’s Transfer Portal Comings and Goings in 2025 Offseason – Nevada Sports Net, Link
- Mountain West Basketball Transfer Portal: The Biggest Winners and Biggest Losers – Nevada Sports Net, Link
- Mountain West Transfer Portal Tracker: New Mexico’s Donovan Dent to Enter Portal – Sports Illustrated, Link
- Transfer Portal Tracker: Nevada, UNLV, Wyoming Lose Top Players to Portal – Sports Illustrated, Link
- Mountain West Men’s Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker: Conference Pillaged by Portal – Sports Illustrated, Link