Aussies in NCAA men: A dive into six big name transfers this offseason

Some big names across men's college basketball have transferred, and their upcoming seasons could tell us a lot about what lies ahead in the longer term.

The US college basketball space finds itself in a new, unprecedented time. With transfer rules loosened and the ever-evolving NIL (Name, Image and License) landscape pushing talented players towards budget-rich high major programs, there is more year to year roster movement than ever before.

For Australian talent, there have been some big name movers and shakers, and their transfer to higher levels will tell us a lot about their professional futures, with some even having the potential for future NBA interest.

Let’s take a dive into the Aussie men this offseason, and examine six players that have chosen a new home for the 2024-25 season.

Unless otherwise linked, stats are courtesy of Synergy Sports.

1. Anthony Dell’Orso - Arizona

Over two seasons at Campbell University, no player surpassed expectations more than Dell’Orso, with the wing bursting on to the scene and establishing himself as one of the best mid-major talents across college.

As a confident and skilled offensive wing capable of high volume offensive creation, the mid-major level helped him establish himself out of the gates as a freshman. Despite the opportunity to transfer as a sophomore, Dell’Orso would opt to return for a second year with the Camels, where he successfully took a further step forward, making a big jump in offensive volume (12.5ppg to 19.5ppg) whilst improving his efficiency, most notably his three-point percentage (32.2% to 38%) - all while the team moved up to the (CAA) Coastal Athletic Association. Dell’Orso proved his ability as a true three-level scorer capable of finishing at a high level, getting to the line, scoring from beyond the arc, and utilising the midrange. He would end up earning All-CAA Second Team honours.

Though his play wasn’t enough to get him drafted, as he would enter but ultimately withdraw from the predraft process on 29 May, it was enough to garner the pursuit of multiple Power 5 programs, and Dell’Orso would eventually announce his commitment to the Arizona Wildcats.

A move to the Big 12 is a substantial leap in competition, and will be a new test for Dell’Orso’s capabilities.