By ZACH SMART
As a transfer frenzy took place this summer, several of the country’s most promising recruits now find themselves shouldering major roles at a new location. Here is a look at several top-tier incomiing transfers whose recruitment picked up this summer.
Aiden Derkack, SPIRE Academy–The vertically explosive and gritty, 6-foot-7 guard is coming off a convincing performance at Peach Jam in North Augusta, SC.
Team Final’s Derkack, who went eyeball to eyeball with No.1 national recruit Tyran Stokes in what quickly became a real battle between the two (Derkack finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists), is a proficient scorer with an innate ability to move fluidly and get open.
He was able to exploit nooks and crannies in the defense throughout the event, as he averaged a robust 21.4 points on 56.6 percent from the field.
The New Jersey native brings defensive uniqueness as a stout rim protector who also interrupts passing lanes and pressures the ball in sitting down on smaller guards.
With his work rate and high scoring aptitude, Derkack will be under a national microscope in Kevin Boyle’s inaugural season with the program.
Boyle attained unrivaled success at Montverde, winning eight national championships, including seven in the last 10 years.
With lineups featuring transcendent talent such as RJ Barrett, Andrew Nembhard, Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and more recently Derik Queen, Liam McNeely and Cooper Flagg, Boyle overwhelmed even the most formidable of foes with talent and depth.
Derkack arrives at the doorstep with a winning pedigree of his own, having helped steer Colonia HS (NJ) to multiple state championships.
The Class of 2026 Derkack is currently hearing from the likes of Maryland, Notre Dame, Villanova, Providence, USC, Creighton, Butler, Dayton, and numerous others.
Derkack’s older brother, Jordan Derkack, is currently at Dayton as a physical, seasoned transfer via Rutgers.
Jamaal Mcknight Jr. Long Island Lutheran–The four star, blossoming point guard is part of a sudden influx of talent at LUHI.
McKnight’s arrival gives the national power a stabilizing influence with the ball in his hands, as LUHI looks to fill the gap left by a star spangled backcourt of Nigel James (Marquette), Kayden Mingo (Penn State), and Kiyan Anthony (Syracuse).
The 6-foot-1 McKnight Jr. has made the pull-up jumper and a penchant for space-creation via his electrifying handle bedrock assets of his hardwood trade.
McKnight’s game is tailor-cut for a breakneck attack, as he turned in multiple games of double digit assists while commandeering the speedball attack with Team Durant this summer.
The sudden eruption of McKnight Jr. has been waiting in the wings for a while now.His talent was discovered at a young age when he showed flashes while playing for Team Takeover, no.1 nationally at the time.
While he wowed spectators with acrobatic finishes and cross-overs, he needed some time to grow into his frame and fill out.
With a build that can sustain those punishing hits at the rim and in the driving lanes, McKnight Jr. has college ready translatable traits which continue to generate buzz.
McKnight’s physical at the rim scoring and manipulative handle and surges to the rim have been noteworthy this summer.
Markus Kerr, Brewster Academy–Kerr has steadily evolved into surefire at the rim killer, buoyed by a blend of explosiveness and efficiency in his finishing arsenal.
The Class of 2027 recruit, a transfer via Chambers HS (NC), averaged 20 points and six boards this past season.
He’s improved with his catch and stick game and is emerging into a floor spreader, as he continues to expand on his 3-point range.
As he proved during Peach Jam, Kerr can operate offense as a primary ball handler and play-make or play off the ball.
Kerr has upcoming visits scheduled for Georgetown, VCU, and Oklahoma State.
He will play an elite national schedule at Brewster, which has featured a chock full of high major and professional talent as a traditional prep heavy hitter.
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