Ray of light

As the number of quality transfers dwindles, every impact transfer movement is magnified. So when a program can solidify its backcourt in June with a Conference Player of the Year guard, that’s a big deal.

Let's get to the news.

1. Baylor gets its one wish

With starting point guard Adam Flagler officially staying in the NBA Draft, Baylor was in need of a veteran ball-handler for next season. Thursday afternoon, it found just that.

Dennis led Toledo with 19.6 ppg and 5.8 apg this past season, shot a career-best 36.4 percent from deep, and was MAC POY. But he’s always been an effective starter, even dating back to his first two seasons at Boise State. He joins a backcourt that includes Langston Love, VCU transfer Jayden Nunn, and incoming 5-star guard, Ja’Kobe Walter.

Baylor was one of four teams in the mix for Dennis. When he entered the portal, Illinois was viewed as the favorite. Then teams like Michigan and Utah got into the mix. The good news for those programs is that while they won’t have Dennis, the Utes can roll with Rollie Worster (8.7 ppg and 5.0 apg) and the Wolverines have Dug McDaniel (8.6 ppg and 3.6 apg) to run their offense.

And Illinois? It may have found its replacement in Jeremiah Williams. The former Temple guard (9.4 ppg and 4.2 apg at Temple) sat out last season at Iowa State with an Achilles injury. He’s a two-time transfer, so needs a waiver to be eligible to play next season. If not, look for top 50 incoming freshman guard Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn to get plenty of minutes at the one spot.

Other notable transfer moves

• San Jose State center Ibrahima Diallo will play for UCF.

• Ex-Seton Hall guard Tae Davis was added to Notre Dame’s roster.

• Starting guard Tyrin Lawrence will remain at Vandy.

2. How late draft decisions impact TCU

There still were a handful of names late Wednesday that hadn’t publicly announced their NBA Draft intentions. Two were essential TCU players: Emanuel Miller and Damion Baugh. In the end, it was Miller (12.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg) who returned to Fort Worth, while Baugh remained in the draft.

Based on the current roster structure, the Horned Frogs may have expected these results. Leading scorer Mike Miles was already gone, so the team added a trio of guards from the portal, including 20-point scorer Jameer Nelson (Delaware), Trey Tennyson (Texas A&M-Corpus Christie) and former Oklahoma State guard, Avery Anderson.

Miller’s choice was the more important of the two, as the team would’ve had to give either Xavier Cork or JaKobe Coles extended minutes at the four-spot. TCU added a pair of solid frontcourt transfers in Ernest Udeh Jr. and Essam Mostafa, but both are true centers. Miller’s presence ensures there are no roster gaps.

That’s not to say that Baugh won’t be missed, as the Frogs will now have a completely new backcourt next season. Yet compared to other teams, they don’t have too much to complain about from a roster perspective.

Other late draft decisions

• Nick Ongenda is departing DePaul, leaving them without a center on the roster.

• Rutgers starting guard Paul Mulcahy has withdrawn from the NBA Draft but has not announced any future decisions.

• Weber State star Dillon Jones (16.7 ppg and 10.9 rpg) is back for another year, potentially making the Wildcats the Big Sky favorites.

3. Under the radar draft decisions

All eyes Wednesday night were on guys like Zach Edey and Oscar Tshiebwe for their NBA Draft decisions. Some may not have made national headlines, but they could still have a big impact on their respective teams and leagues for next season.

Here are five you should know.

Judah Mintz, Syracuse: The 6-3 guard was one of the top-scoring freshmen last season, averaging 16.3 ppg and 4.6 apg. If Mintz had any kind of 3-point shot (just 20 makes on 30 percent shooting), he’d be a first-round pick. Instead, he’s part of a rebuilt backcourt that features Notre Dame transfer JJ Starling and former top 50 prospects, Chance Westry and Kyle Cuffe. That’s enough depth that ‘Cuse could surprise some teams.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Kansas State: The 6-10 forward was one of the top JUCO transfers, producing 10.4 ppg and 5.9 RPG, and was K-State’s clear third option last season. Tomlin should play an even more significant role going forward, as star forward Keyontae Johnson remained in the draft. Tomlin and North Texas transfer Tylor Perry will be the new star duo for the Wildcats, as they look to maintain the program’s momentum.

Keisei Tominaga, Nebraska: Derrick Walker was the Huskers’ best player, but when Nebraska was at its best in league play, it was because of Tominaga’s scorching scoring. He averaged 13.1 ppg while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range with seven 20-plus point games in the final nine contests. The senior sharpshooter could keep Nebraska competitive in the Big Ten.

Tolu Smith, Mississippi State: The 6-10 forward was the driving force behind the Bulldogs’ NCAA Tournament berth, leading the team with 15.7 ppg and 8.5 rpg. With Oscar Tshiebwe, Colin Castleton, and Liam Robbins all gone, Smith becomes one of the SEC’s best post players. If Marshall transfer Andrew Taylor gives them some much-needed shooting, Mississippi State has a chance to contend.

Isaiah Stevens, Colorado State: The veteran returned from a preseason foot injury to lead the Rams with 17.9 ppg and 6.9 apg. Stevens is arguably the Mountain West’s best player and makes Colorado State a great “bounce back” candidate to go from the bottom to the top of the conference.

‘He knows what he is and you know what you’re getting’

Houston freshman Jarace Walker may not be an overwhelming athlete or a top-flight shooter, but there’s a reason why he’s consistently projected as a Top 10 pick in the NBA Draft. And that’s because teams know Walker’s floor is high, and he can be a crucial piece for any team. But will he ever be a star?

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Links as you see John Calipari address Kentucky’s “interesting” offseason.

• Dayton is hopeful that both Malachi Smith and Koby Brea will be fully healthy to start next season.

• Koa Peat and the Boozer brothers will be part of the USA U16 national team.

• Cincy is reportedly hiring Johns Hopkins coach Josh Loeffler for an assistant job.

• Here’s what is at stake with California’s pending bill that would give athletes revenue sharing.

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