Transfers That Should Change the NJSIAA Landscape

Transfers have been a key part of high school basketball in the Garden State as they have provided teams with an immediate boost. First Team All-State selection  CJ Wilcher CJ Wilcher 6'5" | SG Roselle Catholic | 2020 #95 Nation NJ is a prime example of that as he helped lead the Lions to their third straight Non-Public B North title. The transfer market this offseason was full of big names as players took advantage of the ability to play immediately under the new NJSIAA guidelines due to the pandemic. Here are the top transfers that could shake up the state tournament.

Zion Cruz, 6’3 PG Patrick School 2022

Cruz was initially set to leave New Jersey for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, but decided to transfer closer to home. The Hudson Catholic transfer can blow by his defender in the halfcourt and excels at finishing above the rim. Cruz is more than just a slasher as he can knock down perimeter jumpers and shoots the ball with confidence. He is an underrated passer and uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Cruz should start immediately for a talented Celtics team, looking to take home a sectional title.

Amar’e Marshall Amar’e Marshall 6'2" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2021 State NJ , 6’2 SG Roselle Catholic 2021

The Lions lost four guards to graduation, but the addition of Marshall should help cushion the blow. The Montclair Immaculate transfer has a great handle and is at his best attacking the basket. Marshall is a crafty finisher around the basket and is unafraid of contact. He is a good passer and is capable of getting hot from distance as he buried six triples in a game twice. Roselle Catholic returns  Simeon Wilcher Simeon Wilcher 6'4" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #17 Nation NJ  and  Corey Floyd Jr Corey Floyd Jr 6'4" | SG Roselle Catholic | 2022 NJ ., but Marshall’s ability to play on and off the ball is key for the Lions to win their fourth straight sectional title.

Donovan Long Donovan Long 6'6" | SF Rutgers Prep | 2022 State NJ , 6’6 SF Rutgers Prep 2022

The Argonauts have to replace Sacred Heart signee  Nico Galette Nico Galette 6'6" | SF Rutgers Prep | 2020 State NJ  down low, which they should get in Long. The Marist transfer never takes a play off on both ends of the floor and is a force to keep off the glass. Long is unafraid of contact and knows how to finish around the basket. He has a good release on his free throws and uses his length to block shots around the rim. Long is a tough forward prospect who should help  Trey Patterson Trey Patterson 6'7" | SF Rutgers Prep | 2021 State #36 Nation NJ  get cleaner looks in 2020-21.

Donavin Crawford Donavin Crawford 6'3" | SG Nottingham | 2021 State NJ , 6’3 SG Nottingham 2021

The Northstars were expected to have a strong 2020-21 season after they won 22 games in 2019-20, but they got a big boost with the addition of Crawford. The Trenton Catholic transfer is a knockdown shooter who does not need a lot of space to get his shot off. Crawford is more than just a shooter as he can put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He is a good rebounder and uses his athleticism to make plays on defense. Crawford joins  Brandon Raba Brandon Raba 6'2" | CG Nottingham | 2021 State NJ  in a talented Nottingham backcourt that should make a deep run in the Group 3 playoffs.

Spencer Joyner Spencer Joyner 6'4" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , 6’4 PG Arts 2023

Arts may have struggled in 2019-20, but the Jaguars got a big boost in Joyner. The University transfer has a smooth handle and is capable of finishing around the basket. Joyner uses his size to see over defenders and does not make many mistakes with the ball in his hands. He is a good rebounder for a guard and is a solid on-ball defender. Arts has the ability to make noise in the Group 1 playoffs with Joyner running the show.

Other Players to Watch:

Elijah Barlow Elijah Barlow 6'1" | CG St. Joe's Metuchen | 2021 State NJ , 6’1 CG St. Joe’s Metuchen 2021

Hassan Jackson Hassan Jackson 6'4" | SG Covenant College Prep | 2022 State NJ , 6’4 SG St. Peter’s Prep 2021

Isaac Hester Isaac Hester 6'0" | PG Ranney School | 2023 State NJ , 6’0 PG Ranney 2023

Saivon Pressley Saivon Pressley 6'0" | PG Colonia | 2022 State NJ , 6’0 PG Colonia 2022

Mike Jackson Mike Jackson 6'2" | CG Union City | 2021 State NJ , 6’2 SG Hudson Catholic 2021