Building the perfect transfer portal class for Kyle Smith and the Stanford Cardinal
New Stanford head coach Kyle Smith has been making progress in building up his first roster in Palo Alto, but he's still far from the finish line.
While many people are focused on John Calipari and not having a roster at Arkansas, Smith is in a similar situation. Former walk-on Benny Gealer is currently the lone returning player from last season's roster that was actually in the rotation, and while he's a fan favorite who provides a spark off the bench, he averaged just 4.2 points and 2.3 assists on 36% shooting.
This roster is in need of a major overhaul, and even with Smith flipping Evan Stinson and Tallis Toure from Washington State and having a chance to flip top-100 recruit Jase Butler from Illinois, some veteran help is needed. The transfer portal is obviously the path to getting more experience on the roster, but a program like Stanford isn't the easiest to transfer into, especially as a graduate student. Smith has already been putting some feelers out in the portal, and while he may not be able to land all of them, there is certainly some talent.
In a perfect world, Stanford would land around 5-7 transfers, so here is what I would consider to be the perfect transfer portal class. If they are included, they have either been contacted by, recruited by, had offers from other prestigious academic programs, or played at one.
Feb 1, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard Oziyah Sellers (4) dribbles the ball
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Oziyah Sellers, USC, Guard
Stanford struggled with consistent guard play, and need someone who can do a bit of everything on offense while also offering some help on defense. USC transfer Oziyah Sellers is an elite shooter, who can knock down shots and get himself open to do so. At 6-foot-5, he also offers some size at the guard spot, which will certainly help out on the defensive side of the ball. He shot 42% from three this season, with scoring outbursts of 13 against Auburn on the road, and 18 against Colorado while also on the road. He played limited minutes, averaging just 14.3 per game but went on a stretch from January 13-February 3 where he scored in double figures in five out of the six games when his minutes increased and still maintained efficiency. According to reports, he was set to take a visit to Stanford, and could be a major addition for Smith.
Indiana Hoosiers guard Gabe Cupps (2) defends Harvard Crimson guard Malik Mack (2) during the game
Bobby Goddin/Herald-Times / USA TODAY
Malik Mack, Harvard, Guard
Malik Mack brings everything to the table that Stanford has been missing in a point guard, as he can shoot it at a high clip, is shifty and quick, and can also distribute the ball. He averaged 17.2 points as a freshman this past season, while grabbing four rebounds and dishing out nearly five assists per game. He would be a tremendous get for Smith and the Cardinal, as he ranks as the No. 15 player in the portal and will have his pick of the litter when it comes to schools that will want him. Being that he went to Harvard and is going into his sophomore year, it seems likely that he'd be able to get into Stanford.
Dec 20, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; UC San Diego Tritons guard Bryce Pope (4) reacts ahead of
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Bryce Pope, UCSD, Guard
Bryce Pope was one of the first players that Smith reached out to after he took the job, and is a certified bucket-getter. He was First Team All-Big West this past season after averaging 18 points, and has the confidence to let anything fly as he's likely never seen a shot he doesn't like. He may not have as much freedom in Palo Alto, but he would provide someone who can score points in a hurry. He has a visit scheduled to see Stanford and will also see Maryland.
Belmont guard Cade Tyson (10) shoots over Lipscomb guard Derrin Boyd (4) during the second half at
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA
Cade Tyson, Belmont, Guard/Forward
Cade Tyson is one of the best shooters in the entire country, shooting 46.5% from three and averaging 16.5 points per game this past season. This Stanford team will need shooting, length, and size and as a gaurd/forward that stands in at 6-foot-7 he offers all three of those things. He has just about every major program after him, which is expected considering he ranks as the No. 23 trasnfer but at Stanford, he would have a chance to be the focal point of the offense rather than a spot-up shooter like h may be at other schools. The Cardinal did reach out to him shortly after Smith was hired.
Mar 13, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) talks to a team mate
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Maxime Raynaud, Stanford, Center
Typically, Stanford landing the top player in the transfer portal wouldn’t be on the table, but Maxime Raynaud has been at Stanford for the past three seasons and is reportedly expected to return. He was the Pac-12 Most Improved Player this past season, and could really flourish under a coach like Smith who unlocked big man Isaac Jones. Based on the majority of the players that Smith and Stanford have been after, getting a big man may prove to be difficult, so the fact that Raynaud has already been at Stanford and has an attachment to the program is huge.
