Transfer time: Six Aussie men enter NCAA portal

• The NCAA transfer portal runs for 30 days and closes on April 22 (US time)
• The transfer portal first came into college basketball in October, 2018
• Five Aussie men so far have entered the portal and more could follow

In what has quickly become one of the most chaotic times in the calendar, college basketball’s transfer portal has officially opened with more 2000 players having entered their name in search for a new home.

Australians are no exception, with dozens of athletes already declaring. Let’s have a look at some of the standout players already listed.

Oscar Cluff

Moving to a weaker conference paid dividends for Queenslander Oscar Cluff, relishing in the extra opportunity and becoming one of college basketball’s most productive bigs. Finishing second across college basketball in rebounds and as the second centre-listed (per ESPN) scorer, Cluff was able to establish himself as a formidable inside force.

On 63.4% from the field, Cluff was an efficient post threat, utilising great footwork and touch around the rim, his big frame a handful for opposition bigs and his ability to pass out of the post and knock down free throws makes him a tough cover for oppositions.

Under usual circumstances Cluff would be assessing his pro options right now, but due to a Covid related waiver rule, players like Cluff who competed at a non-NCAA school, in Cluff’s case Cochise Junior College, receive an extra year of eligibility. As a result, Cluff is commanding offers in excess of $1 million for the 2025-26 season, sources share.

Listed with a ‘do not contact’ in the portal, the belief around college circles is that Cluff’s new destination is already pencilled in, with Iowa State a program commonly rumoured. We’ll find out soon enough.

Max Mackinnon

The son of NBL legend Sam Mackinnon ventured to Portland after two successful years at Elon, and while he was slow to get going, Mackinnon dominated conference play with an average of 18.3 points, including 44.6% from three and 89.4% from the free-throw line.

So successful did his junior campaign end up being that Mackinnon finds himself back in the portal, likely looking for a mid-major program in a stronger conference to continue to prove his play at higher levels. A versatile offensive threat that can really get to the hoop, taking 48% from his field goal attempts at the rim, while knocking down outside shots and defending down the other end, Mackinnon would be filtering through a variety of suitors to determine his destination as a senior.

Austin Rapp

The former South East Melbourne development player burst out of the gates, scoring 13.8 points a game, leading the West Coast Conference in three-point percentage in the process.

The 6'10" big has a unique ability to shoot the ball on volume from outside the arc, a skill set at a premium at college basketball’s highest levels, and the demand is so high that Rapp has entered the portal after just one season with the Portland Pilots.

With a big physique and great feel offensively, Rapp is a lethal offensive weapon that should expect to get interest as high as the Power 5 conferences.

Stephen Olowoniyi

Victorian Stephen Olowoniyi had a breakout season at Southern Indiana as a sophomore this year, showing off his incredible motor and athleticism around the rim, finishing with averages of 13.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. Despite standing 6’9", Olowoniyi excels as the man in the middle with elite athleticism, reach and mobility in defensive coverages.

Olowoniyi’s skill-set has been very much bound to the paint offensively, with only 2% of his field goal attempts coming by way of a jumpshot, but he is keen to develop his offensive rebertoire and find a new destination where he can spread his wings as a scorer.

‍Will Johnston

After two high-quality seasons with LMU, New South Wales guard Will Johnston has decided to exercise his freedoms and explore the portal possibilities for his final season.

The 6’3" guard is a well established commodity at the college level and with three Division 1 seasons under his belt with a scoring average of 12.5 points and a three point average of 39.3% to his name, there is significant demand around the college landscape for his services.

Keen to challenge himself at a new level, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Johnston wind up at a high major program, of which there are numerous in pursuit.

Sam Brown

It may be a loose connection, but it’s worth shouting out Sam Brown, the son of former Boomer coach Brett Brown and his Australian wife, Anna, who has been competing at Ivy League powerhouse Penn across the past two seasons.

Ivy League schools are usually immune to too much roster turnover and Sam Brown himself shared that he "never would have imagined" finishing his career outside of Penn, but with head coach Steve Donahue losing his position at the end of the season, Brown is assessing all options.

The 6’3" guard has a whole bag of tricks offensively and finished as the top scorer across Ivy League within conference play, averaging 19.3 points per game. While the possibility of continuing his degree at such a prestigious university is a lot to lose, Brown will have plenty of big schools and NIL figures (a practice Ivy League schools do not participate in) to tempt him elsewhere.

About the Author

Michael Houben is an Australian basketball writer and scout based in Melbourne, Victoria. As well as covering the game as a journalist, Michael supports US colleges to identify and recruit Australian talent as the owner of Airtime Scouting, and supports grassroots athletes through Airtime Basketball.