The Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Oversight Committees have proposed new notification-to-transfer windows.

The new windows would open 15 days after the conclusion of the 2025 men’s and women’s Final Four. The new recommendation needs to be approved by the Division I Cabinet in January and could go into effect as early as April 2026.

Under the new proposal, the notification-of-transfer for the DI women’s basketball would open April 6-20. Meanwhile, the men’s transfer window would be April 7-21. Currently, the window opens at the conclusion of the second round of both NCAA Tournaments and is open for 30 days.

The new notification-to-transfer window is recommended by both committees to open after the championships have concluded. This would allow teams that play deeper into the tournament the same chance in the portal as those eliminated.

Additionally, both committees proposed a change to when student-athletes can request to enter the portal when a coaching change occurs. The new proposal will allow for five days for the new coaching staff and current players to meet once a school announces a new head coach hire.

After that period, student-athletes would have a 15-day window to notify their school of intent to enter the portal.

However, if a new head coach is not hired within the 30 days of the previous coach’ departure, the student-athletes would be allowed to enter the portal on the 31st day. But if a coaching change is made after Jan. 1, the student-athletes will have to wait until the April window for notification-of-transfer.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore faces immense pressure in the upcoming rivalry game against Ohio State.
Unlike previous years, Moore’s performance is now under scrutiny with Big Ten and College Football Playoff implications.
The game marks a significant moment for freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who joined Michigan with a high-profile NIL deal.

The first two were cake, the pressure of the moment easing the circumstances. 

But there’s no more playing with house money for Michigan coach Sherrone Moore. The Game has arrived, and so have the expectations. 

The Big Ten championship. The College Football Playoff. And last, but most certainly not least, it’s Ohio State. 

“It ain’t me, it’s the kids, man,” Moore said Monday when asked about how he meets the moment in one of the greatest rivalries in sports. “Like, I’m not out there playing. It’s those kids that step on the field.”

But it’s Moore, more than any other, who has moved to center stage in this bitter rivalry — even after Michigan’s four consecutive wins. Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s unique position after losing The Game last season but winning the national title, makes this reality more ever-present. 

Moore was the winning interim coach in 2023, steering the best team in college football while coach Jim Harbaugh was serving a three-game suspension.

A year later, in his first game as the coach replacing Harbaugh and after the loss of significant talent from Michigan’s national championship season, Moore was again playing without the pressure to win.

Now everything is on the line, and for the first time in this rivalry, Moore is in the crosshairs of it all with his team, his multi-million dollar quarterback and CFP expectations. 

The weight of The Game — the unique pressure Moore avoided by circumstance for two seasons — now rests squarely on him.

“You’re playing for something big, and that’s what you want,” Moore said. “All those things are at hand, and I think our kids deserve to know that they’re in position.”

From a ready-made championship team, to a roster that still wasn’t his, to his first true shot at The Game with the quarterback he recruited and developed. The first big moment for freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who hasn’t been overwhelmed by any moment this fall — but hasn’t yet played in this rivalry. 

He played high school football in Belleville, Mich., so he knows the rivalry. Underwood originally committed to LSU, but then got pulled into a bizarre negotiation between the NIL’s of LSU and Michigan before finally landing in Ann Arbor. 

If you don’t think there’s pressure on Moore, think about what it took to get Underwood, the No.1 quarterback from the 2025 high school recruiting class, to get to Michigan. 

It began with Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy declaring he’d contribute $1 million to an NIL deal for Underwood, especially if it meant the Wolverines having a functional pass game (they didn’t in 2024). 

Then Jolin Zhu got involved. Who is Zhu, you ask? The 33-year-old fifth wife of eccentric Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison — who just so happens to be 81 and one of the richest men on the planet.

Zhu is a Michigan alum, and she, like Portnoy, wanted a quarterback who could move Michigan past its five-loss season of 2024. So she got her nearly half a century older husband to pitch in on the deal, and the next thing you know, Underwood flips to Michigan for a reported $12 million deal over four years.

Zhu and Ellison (and Portnoy) didn’t chip in for some random quarterback. They paid for the one player Moore believed could lift Michigan back to the elite of the game.

So now Michigan has The Game in Ann Arbor, and the Wolverines have won five straight since an ugly loss at USC threw the season into win-or-walk mode. No room for error since mid-October. 

There’s only one way for Moore to make good on this quarterback investment, and only one way for Moore to make good on Michigan’s investment in him. Michigan hired Moore to follow Harbaugh despite him twice running afoul of NCAA law as an assistant under Harbaugh.

Moore’s first shot at The Game was as caretaker, his second with a five-loss team in his first season. His third is as big as it gets. 

The Big Ten, the CFP, the multi-million dollar quarterback. 

“You can’t let outside variation, outside things, outside noise control the preparation and the progress of what we’re doing,” Moore said.

The Game has arrived, and so has the pressure. 

The Iron Bowl. The Game. The Red River Rivalry. Those college matchups between hated rivals are well-known and USA TODAY’s college football ranked the 10 best rivalries.

But hatred doesn’t stop at the FBS level. There are plenty of small-school rivalries with big-time disdain for each other.

As we enter Rivalry Week, here are some of the best small-school college football rivalries at the FCS level, Division II and Division III.

The Rivalry: Lehigh vs. Lafayette

When it’s just called ‘The Rivalry,’ then you know.

The most-played rivalry in college football (161 meetings), they’ve been playing since 1884. That’s less than 20 years after Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox. And the 150th meeting of the schools was played in Yankee Stadium.

Monon Bell: Wabash vs DePauw

“As alumni, it still holds a considerable position just barely shy of God, family and friends,” said Allen Murphy, a 1976 Wabash graduate.

The first football game between DePauw and Wabash was played on in 1890, and it’s the oldest continuous small college rivalry west of the Alleghenies.

Since 1890, the two schools have faced each other 131 times with Wabash holding a 63-59-9 lead. The 300-pound Monon Bell trophy, was a gift of the Monon Railroad taken from one of the railroad’s locomotives. DePauw’s campus, in Greencastle, is 28 miles south of Wabash College, in Crawfordsville, on U.S. 231.

Brawl of the Wild: Montana vs Montana State

The fourth-oldest rivalry in the FCS, these in-state rivals have been playing since 1897. This November’s Brawl of the Wild was the 124th all-time meeting.

The schools are on opposite sides of the Continental Divide and play for The Great Divide Trophy, which weights 306 pounds. Since 1993, it’s been the last game of the regular season, usually deciding the Big Sky Conference title. The schools have combined for 40 conference titles and five national titles.

In 2022, ESPN brought ‘College GameDay’ to a freezing Bozeman.

The Biggest Little Game in America: Williams vs. Amherst

Amherst and Williams first met in 1884 and have met 139 times overall, the most games played between Division III rivals and the fourth-most of any NCAA level.

ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ came to Williamstown in 2007, marking the first time the program chose a D-3 school as host.

Extra trivia: The first college baseball game was played between the two Massachusetts schools in 1859.

Anchor-Bone Classic: Ferris State vs Grand Valley State

Only 66 miles separate these Division II powers, who have played since 1972.

Ferris State is the reigning Division II national champions, and has won the national title in three of the past four seasons. 

Grand Valley State is among D2’s all-time winningest program and has four national titles (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006).

‘I mean this is big-time college football being played right here in West Michigan with two programs that are regularly in the top 10,’ Ferris State coach Tony Annese said after his team’s 38-31 win over GVSU on Oct. 25. ‘What a blessing for West Michigan.’

Tuskegee vs. Morehouse

Nicknamed ‘The Granddaddy of All Classics’, it is the oldest rivalry among HBCUs and longest running Division II game in the nation. Morehouse and Tuskegee have been playing since 1902 and at a neutral site since 1936. Most of the rivalry was played in Columbus, Georgia (1936-2019, 2024) but was moved to Montgomery, Alabama this season.

Morehouse won this year’s game 27-20, but Tuskegee leads the all-time series, 73-31-8. 

Some more notable small-school rivalries

Black Hills Brawl: Black Hills State vs. South Dakota Mines (140 meetings)
The Capital Cup: William & Mary vs. Richmond (136 meetings)
Turnpike Tussle: Emporia State vs. Washburn (120 meetings)
Battle for the Brice Cowell-Musket: Maine vs. New Hampshire (115 meetings)
Bayou Classic: Southern vs. Grambling State (76 meetings)
Battle for the Golden Horseshoe: Cal Poly vs. UC Davis (51 meetings)
Battle of the Domes: Idaho vs. Idaho State (47 meetings)

IndyStar reporter Dana Hunsinger Benbow contributed to this story.

Slugging first baseman Pete Alonso is a free agent for the second year in a row, hoping to sign the long-term deal that eluded him last winter, ultimately returning to the New York Mets.

Since debuting in 2019, Alonso’s 264 homers trail only Aaron Judge (285) and Kyle Schwarber (268) over the last seven seasons. Now a 30-year-old veteran, Alonso has been an All-Star five times and holds the Mets franchise record with 264 home runs.

Will the Mets commit to their homegrown ‘Polar Bear’ long-term or will he have a new home for 2026?

Here’s a look at some of the top landing spots for Alonso this winter:

New York Mets

The Mets were hesitant to commit a multi-year deal to Alonso last winter coming off the worst season of his career, but things should be different this time around. Now the team’s all-time home run king, Alonso is beloved in New York and there’s not really any baseball reasons for the Mets not to bring back one of the greatest players in franchise history.

David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, may not be a fan of committing big money to a first baseman, but Alonso is an institution and his departure would not be well received among fans or teammates.

‘Pete is a great Met. He had a fantastic year,’ Stearns said at the end of the 2025 season. ‘I said this last year, and it worked out – I’d love to have Pete back, and we’ll see where the offseason goes.’

Boston Red Sox

Alex Bregman should be the priority, but Alonso is really a perfect fit in Boston. Red Sox first basemen managed just 16 home runs in 2025 using a slew of guys after Triston Casas went down for the season.

Alonso would guarantee Boston the annual 30 homers and 100 RBIs it traded away in Rafael Devers and be a fabulous veteran mentor for the Class of 2025 (Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell).

Casas is still only 25 years old and under team control through 2028, but the Red Sox have the rare opportunity to sign one of the premier power hitters in baseball in Alonso. Alex Cora could use him as the primary designated hitter, further extending what could be an elite lineup – especially if Bregman comes back, too.

New York Yankees

Ben Rice very much earned himself the Yankees’ first base job for 2026 but Alonso could be a high-level backup plan for the Bombers if things don’t break their way with Cody Bellinger and/or Kyle Tucker.

Outfield is a bigger need in the Bronx right now and GM Brian Cashman has expressed his comfort with Rice at first but generational sluggers like Alonso don’t come along very often. Surely Aaron Judge would appreciate the support.

Baltimore Orioles

Until owner David Rubenstein actually breaks open the piggybank for the first time, this is all hypothetical for the Orioles.

Baltimore’s first basemen ranked last in the majors with 14 home runs and Alonso is the type of addition that could revitalize the Orioles project that stalled out in 2025 and faces existential questions about the team’s core despite postseason appearances in 2023 and 2024.

But Camden Yards is now one of the worst parks in baseball for right-handed hitters and Alonso could hesitate to put himself in a stadium that may drastically lower his productivity.

Cincinnati Reds

If you can’t beat them, join them? The Reds edged the Mets for the NL’s final wild card spot on the last day of the season and are expected to be in the market for a big bat this winter.

Great American Ball Park is a home run factory and Alonso would thrive statistically along the Ohio River, but are the Reds prepared to swim in waters this deep? The largest free agent contracts the franchise has ever issued were $64 million deals to Mike Moustakas and Nick Castellanos. Alonso will probably command twice that much this offseason.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is a highly-regarded freshman for Cal who has shined in his first season.
Sagapolutele has stated his commitment to Cal, but the firing of Justin Wilcox opens the door for him to transfer.
There will be plenty of big programs that will try to get Sagapolutele to leave Cal.
Sagapolutele could be like Fernando Mendoza and leave Cal for a better team to play for.

It’s been two decades since California was nationally relevant in college football – yet plenty of eyes this offseason will be on the Golden Bears, as the 2026 season could hinge on what unfolds in Berkeley..

It made sense to fire Wilcox, and while it searches for its next coach, Cal has an even bigger task at hand: keeping its talented freshman quarterback. 

There were already going to be schools check in on Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. But by showing Wilcox the door, it’s been left wide open for teams to entice the young signal caller to enter the transfer portal, as he could be the key for one lucky suitor to make the College Football Playoff.

Might as well learn how to pronounce his name – Kay-ah-vay San-gah-polo-tell-ay – by the way.

Cal benefited from one of the biggest recruiting flips before last year’s signing day. After committing to the Golden Bears, the four-star quarterback from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, signed with Oregon and follow its long line of Polynesian players. But in January, Sagapolutele entered the transfer portal and flipped back to the Golden Bears.

Sagapolutele won the starting job at Cal after an offseason competition with Ohio State transfer Devin Brown and instantly showed promise.

In his first career start, he threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns in a defeat of Oregon State. Despite growing pains, he impressed throughout the season, capped off by a career-best 323 passing yards in an upset of Louisville.

Heading into the final week of the regular season, Sagapolutele leads all true freshmen quarterbacks with 2,787 passing yards.

It looked like this was going to be a one-year deal for Sagapolutele and the Golden Bears as he showcased himself to bigger schools. But Sagapolutele earlier this month quieted that speculation by making it apparent he is committed to California for more than just a year.

‘For sure I want to stay here, this is where I want to be at,” he told Hawaii News Now. “I just want to stay here at Cal and also get my degree here, because it’s probably the most prestigious degree you can get for public schools.”

That should’ve been enough to calm Cal fans and discourage teams from pursuing him. Until Cal got in its own way.

Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele could be another prized Cal transfer QB

With a fired coach, Sagapolutele potentially has the opportunity to enter the transfer portal earlier than than other in-demand quarterbacks this offseason. A new rule for this academic year means the portal is open from Jan. 2-16. However, a player can enter five days after a new coach at the school is announced. For Cal, it’s paramount the Golden Bears get a coach that can convince him to stick around.

There’s some obvious options, like offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin and Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, who played for Cal. Outside of that, it’s unknown if the Golden Bears can bring in a big enough name or someone incredibly persuasive.

There will be plenty of suitors. Expect Oregon to check in to get Sagapolutele to return if Dante Moore leaves. Tennessee, LSU, Florida State, Miami and others might also enter the mix.

All schools that will be more than able to offer Sagapolutele loads of money. Cal will be forced to find the resources to keep him and convince him the future is brighter in Berkeley than other places.

‘Knowing who he is and what he means to us, there’s going to be a lot of thought in who’s next and what that staff’s going to look like as well. Part of it will be about his growth and development as a football player and as a student-athlete,’ said California general manager Ron Rivera. ‘This is still very, very important. Making sure he understands that we are looking in his best interest as well − not just the universities or the football programs − but also we’ve got him in mind.’

It would be déjà vu for Cal fans if Sagapolutele leaves. A beloved quarterback that showed dedication to the school before departing and reaching the next level at their new home.

Sound familiar?

There will undoubtedly be comparisons to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is now one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy. Like Sagapolutele, Mendoza was a star on a mostly middling Golden Bears team.

Mendoza has flourished in Bloomington. He went from relative unknown to an undeniable star, leading the Hoosiers back to the College Football Playoff. By April, he could be one of the first names called in the 2026 NFL Draft.

That gives opposing coaches a great selling point for Sagapolutele to follow suit:

A major decision is coming for Sagapolutele, and his choice will have major ramifications for how the offseason and next season unfolds.

Several teams will hope Sagapolutele can be the next former Cal quarterback to lead them to glory. The #Calgorithm will hope he doesn’t have to leave to do it.

We’re a quarter of the way through the 21st century and have been lucky enough to see some of the greatest players in baseball history over the past 25 years.

Since 2000, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols’ 101.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) leads all players, with Alex Rodriguez tied for second ways back at 89.7 bWAR.

Justin Verlander, now 42 years old, has the highest mark of any pitcher at 82.2 and is one of eight active players who rank among the top 25 in WAR over the past 25 years. Five of the top 25 have already been inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Here’s a look at the full list, using Baseball-Reference’s WAR calculations:

25 best MLB players of the 2000s, ranked by WAR

Albert Pujols – 101.3 WAR
Alex Rodriguez – 89.7 WAR
Adrian Beltre – 89.7
Mike Trout – 87.5
Justin Verlander – 82.2
Clayton Kershaw – 78.1
Mookie Betts – 75.2
Max Scherzer – 74.7
Zack Greinke – 72.4
Robinson Cano – 68.7
Miguel Cabrera – 67.2
Carlos Beltran – 65.1
Chase Utley – 64.6
Freddie Freeman – 64.2
Paul Goldschmidt – 63.8
Joey Votto – 63.6
Roy Halladay – 62.4
Aaron Judge – 62.3
CC Sabathia – 61.8
Manny Machado – 61.7
Ichiro Suzuki – 60
Mark Buehrle – 60
Barry Bonds – 59.1
Evan Longoria – 58.9
Chipper Jones – 58.3

The NBA season is quickly approaching the end of its first full month, but some teams — as always — are already looking to the future.

The NBA draft has seen potentially generational players come through in recent seasons, from Victor Wembanyama going to the San Antonio Spurs as the No. 1 overall selection in 2023, to Cooper Flagg heading to the Dallas Mavericks in April.

The 2026 NBA draft class is poised to be deep and loaded with talent, offering teams the chance to instantly improve. And, given the instant impacts rookies like Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Cedric Coward and VJ Edgecombe have already had this season, this upcoming class should provide the same upside.

Here is the first USA TODAY Sports 2026 NBA mock draft of the season:

USA TODAY Sports 2026 NBA Mock Draft

Draft order determined via record through Nov. 24 games

1. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson (G), Kansas

The Wizards have taken a few swings on guards in the draft, but they need a long-term solution. Tre Johnson (No. 6 overall rookie) may blossom into that, but Peterson, the freshman guard, has excellent size (6-foot-5) and athleticism, and his scoring ability should infuse efficiency into an offense that ranks 28th in rating (107.9). Peterson has been dealing with a hamstring strain, but his versatility and ball handling is sorely needed in Washington.

2. Indiana Pacers: AJ Dybantsa (F), BYU

He’s built like a prototype wing for the modern NBA and Dybantsa, the 6-foot-9 freshman, would thrive in Indiana’s controlled chaos offense. Dybantsa plays above the rim and is an explosive athlete who attacks the basket. His game is fluid and polished, and he would bolster a solid, young core for the Pacers, who could return to championship contention next season, when fully healthy.

3. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Mikel Brown Jr. (G), Louisville

If the Hawks opt to move on from Trae Young at some point, Brown presents an ideal replacement. A point guard with decent size (6-foot-4) built very much in a style similar to Young, Brown has excellent scoring instincts and range, and isn’t afraid to draw contact to get to the line. He dropped 29 points and five assists in an eight-point win over Kentucky.

4. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer (F/C), Duke

The best player on an undefeated Duke team, Boozer leads the Blue Devils in points (21.1), rebounds (9.9), assists (4.0), steals (1.7) and blocks (1.3) per game. Boozer may not be a dominant scoring threat in the pros, but his game is balanced and he consistently makes winning plays, whether or not they show up in a box score. If the Nets look to move center Nic Claxton, Boozer would be a nice replacement.

5. Charlotte Hornets: Caleb Wilson (F/C), North Carolina

Perhaps no player has improved his stock more so far this college basketball season than Wilson, a high-motor forward who is not afraid to operate and rebound near the rim. He’ll need to continue to bulk up and refine his jump shot to draw out defenses more. Hornets forward Miles Bridges is signed through next season, so Wilson, a freshman, provides an excellent frontcourt option for the future.

6. Dallas Mavericks: Nate Ament (F), Tennessee

The Vols finally played a ranked opponent in Houston, but Ament has shown plenty of traits early in his freshman year that project nicely to the NBA; he can handle the ball and distribute, and he can score from all levels on the court. The Mavericks are a tough team to gauge, given that they may be entering a rebuild. Alongside Flagg, Ament would give Dallas a pair of fluid athletes with size.

7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings (G), Houston

This is a case where the need outweighs the draft board. Since trading De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento has needed a point guard. But with Peterson and Brown off the board, the Kings are forced to settle for Flemings, who has shined for the No. 2 Cougars with his efficiency and playmaking. He’s hitting shots at an absurd 63.3% clip and has an explosive get-off when on the ball.

8. Utah Jazz: Chris Cenac Jr. (F/C), Houston

Finding a stretch forward in the same style as Lauri Markkanen would be ideal, but if the Jazz do opt to move him before the deadline, it will be hard to uncover a player with that skill set at this position. Either way, the Jazz need a center and Flemings’ teammate follows him here. Cenac has the frame (6-foot-11, 240 pounds) to step in right away, and his ability to knock down perimeter shots should get him instant playing time.

9. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Koa Peat (F), Arizona

It’s almost unfair for the Thunder to be in position to add even more elite talent, but the Thunder have the unique ability to take on projects whom they can refine. Peat has the physical tools, power, footwork and touch at the rim to play in the NBA, but he needs to develop a more consistent jumper.

10. Memphis Grizzlies: Neoklis Avdalas (G), Virginia Tech

The Grizzlies have a decision to make on Ja Morant’s future, and coach Tuomas Iisalo also needs to make a determination on the shape of the offense; will they emphasize pace and spacing, or will they continue to rely on pick-and-rolls? Avdalas is a versatile playmaker who can play point guard just as easily as small forward. He has excellent vision and thrives in transition. It makes a ton of sense.

11. Milwaukee Bucks: Labaron Philon (G), Alabama

Since the Damian Lillard experiment failed, the Bucks have needed a long-term answer at point guard. Ryan Rollins has been solid, but Philon thrives in pick-and-rolls and would be a seamless fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Knocking down 3s at a 40.7% rate helps, but Philon will need to limit his turnovers.

12. Portland Trail Blazers: Karim López (F), New Zealand Breakers

The Blazers haven’t shied away from unconventional picks, so, in this spot, they go for playmaking and offense along the wing. López is only 18, but has flashed power and determination in his ability to get to the rim. His defense is a question, but his ability to lace shots from deep should make him an interesting project at the pro level.

13. Chicago Bulls: Jayden Quaintance (C), Kentucky

This is a tricky pick to project because Quaintance remains sidelined in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament he sustained while at Arizona State. He was only 17 during his freshman season and he’s not a good perimeter shooter, so he wouldn’t be a long-term replacement for Nikola Vučević, but Quaintance is plenty athletic, can run the floor, protects the rim and can be a lob threat.

14. Boston Celtics: Darius Acuff Jr. (G), Arkansas

Since trading Jrue Holiday, the Celtics haven’t found an answer at point guard, and Acuff fits what Boston does offensively; he’s a steady 3-point shooter (43.8%) and creates for his teammates. He’ll need to stay determined on defense to find a spot in the rotation with the Celtics, but the assertiveness and skill set are all there.

15. Golden State Warriors: Thomas Haugh (F), Florida

This is a perfect fit at a position of need. The Warriors desperately need scoring and fluid offense from the wing, as Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green continue to age. Haugh is versatile on offense and should fit Steve Kerr’s scheme with ease, and he also is an above-average, high-effort defender, which will go a long way — something that has led to Jonathan Kuminga at times falling out of favor.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Hannes Steinbach (F/C), Washington

He has the size and frame to step in right away, and his production shores up Memphis’ frontcourt. He ranks third in the country in rebounds (12.8 per game) and has flashed sound technique on offense, blending power and finesse.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Dame Sarr (F), Duke

This is such a Thunder pick; Sarr is long, hyper-athletic and flashes defensive promise. He’s not a dominant scorer or creator, but his shooting has improved. He’ll be able to sit and develop in what has become the best program in the NBA.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tounde Yessoufou (F), Baylor

The glaring question mark here is his shooting; Yessoufou is knocking down 3s at just 26.3% and will need to stay in the gym to carve out a consistent spot in the NBA. But he’s strong, powerful, aggressive and relentless in his defense and attacking. The Timberwolves will love all that. If his shot improves the rest of the season, he’ll end up in the lottery.

19. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Bennett Stirtz (G), Iowa

They added a ton of shooting last offseason, and the LaMelo Ball uncertainty may prompt the need for a new point guard, especially with Collin Sexton on an expiring deal. In this move, Charlotte nabs an experienced distributor who should fit in right away. Stirtz’s ability to operate in pick-and-rolls makes this a great fit, especially since he won’t need the volume shooting that Ball does.

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Yaxel Lendeborg (F/C), Michigan

Even though he’s one of the older players projected to be available, the Spurs could get a little younger at forward, and Lendeborg presents a plug-and-play option who won’t need to score the ball to find his value. He has high-level basketball intelligence and touch and his passing and defense should make him a rotation staple.

21. New York Knicks: Braylon Mullins (G), Connecticut

This would be a dream scenario for the Knicks. Mullins has yet to make his college basketball debut, but he’s an excellent perimeter shooter and attacks the rim. He’s also a plus defender with his size (6-foot-5). He’ll need to bulk up, but if he flashes, he could rise up the draft board.

22. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Aday Mara (C), Michigan

They picked up Kristaps Porziņģis on a one-year rental, and his deal expires at the end of the season, so finding a long-term replacement is a priority. Mara does not have the shooting range or scoring capability, but Mara is a rim protector whose best offensive gift is his passing. If he bulks up some, he could become dominant on the glass.

23. Miami Heat: Cameron Carr (G/F), Baylor

His freshman season at Tennessee, he averaged 1.6 points per game. As a sophomore, that total jumped to 4.8. But now that Carr has transferred to Baylor, he’s dropping 23.0 and 5.5 rebounds and he fits perfectly with what Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has done to Miami’s offense. Carr is explosive and athletic and excels at driving the ball. He’s shooting the 3 at an absurd 52.9% clip. And his defense, though not wholly refined, is diverse and relies on his length and lateral speed — something the Heat values intensely.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Dash Daniels (G), Melbourne United (Australia)

Cleveland does have its backcourt set, though Darius Garland has become an injury risk as of late. Daniels is much more of a project, anyway. The younger brother of Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Dash Daniels is still 17 and takes after his brother with his defensive prowess. He will need to refine his shooting and demonstrate that it can be a threat, but he’s a developmental prospect.

25. Toronto Raptors: Isaiah Evans (G), Duke

Although he may have a very specified role at the next level, Evans’ shooting ability should earn him playing time early on. He will still need to diversify his game some more and will need to be more consistent on defense, otherwise, teams will target him.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Zuby Ejiofor (F), St. John’s

A bit of a tweener, certain teams may have a hard time finding a fit for Ejiofor. The Thunder, however, will value his defensive intensity and passing. An inconsistent shot may prevent him from moving up the draft board.

27. Los Angeles Lakers: JT Toppin (F), Texas Tech

The Lakers appear as though they will be moving on from LeBron James at the end of the season, so there will be a massive hole to fill at forward. Toppin is a 20-year-old junior who won’t need much time to acclimate and he has a rounded game that should get him instant minutes.

28. Denver Nuggets: Meleek Thomas (G), Arkansas

The benefit about joining a team like the Nuggets is that there won’t be instant pressure to step in. Known for his instant offense, Thomas will need to develop his playmaking and defensive consistency.

29. Detroit Pistons: Matt Able (G), NC State

Though he’s not starting for the Wolf Pack, Able has become the key perimeter scorer off the bench. The Pistons are always looking for more shooting, so the freshman would be a nice developmental piece to pair alongside Duncan Robinson.

30. Washington Wizards (via Thunder): Flory Bidunga (F), Kansas

Though he was known mostly for his defensive presence down low, Bidunga has started the season strong and may be moving up the draft board. He’s averaging 16.7 points per game (after posting just 5.9 last season), and he held his own against Cameron Boozer in a matchup Tuesday, Nov. 18.