The 2027 NBA Draft is already drawing attention from analysts who are looking beyond the usual college stars. While the spotlight often falls on top prospects from power‑conference programs, a quieter wave of transfers is emerging from smaller schools and could significantly alter early draft boards.
Hudson Mayes, a 6‑foot‑5 guard who spent last season at UC San Diego, averaged 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. He shot 58.5% at the rim and posted a 79.8% free‑throw rate, while his 4.0 Box Plus‑Minus highlighted his overall impact. Mayes entered the transfer portal and is now headed to New Mexico, where he hopes to build on that foundation.
Jurian Dixon, another 6‑foot‑5 guard, enjoyed a breakout year at UC Irvine, posting 15.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. His 2.8 Box Plus‑Minus rose to 3.1 in top‑100 quality contests, and he contributed a 16.3 assist percentage with a 9.3 turnover percentage. Dixon’s next step is a move to the University of Virginia, where he aims to further refine his playmaking abilities.
Adlan Elamin, a 6‑foot‑8 forward from Utah State, recorded 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 65.3% at the rim and 83.0% from the free‑throw line. His Box Plus‑Minus climbed to 3.3 and reached 5.0 across eight top‑50 quality games. Elamin will continue his career at Cincinnati, bringing a high‑efficiency interior presence to the Bearcats.
Transfer Destinations
All three athletes have changed institutions: Mayes will wear the Lobos’ colors at New Mexico, Dixon joins the Cavaliers at Virginia, and Elamin heads to Cincinnati. Each program offers a distinct environment that could accelerate their development and visibility ahead of the draft.
What This Means for the Draft
Scouts are beginning to map these transfers into their early projections, noting that Mayes’ efficiency, Dixon’s playmaking metrics and Elamin’s rim‑protection numbers could translate into late‑first‑round or early‑second‑round value. Their ability to adapt quickly to new systems and perform against higher competition will be key indicators as the draft cycle progresses.