Big Ten: 5 Transfers Making An Immediate Impact In 2016-17

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Nov 25, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers guard Akeem Springs (0) dribbles in the first half against the Southern Illinois Salukis guard Leo Vincent (5) at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Akeem Springs, Minnesota (from Milwaukee and Northern Illinois)

This was the hardest selection to make, simply because the Golden Gophers have two outstanding incoming transfers this year. Both Akeem Springs and Reggie Lynch have made instant impacts to Minnesota’s red-hot start. The Gophers have started 2016-17 with a 11-1 record.

Graduate transfer Akeem Springs gets the nod here solely because of how lethal he is from beyond the arc. A volume shooter who can heat up in an instant, Springs has already made 25 shots from long range.

The senior transfer, who is on his third Division I team, is averaging 8.9 points per game off the bench. He has been the definition of instant offense for Minnesota, scoring double figures in seven games so far.

It looks like Springs is just getting started and could improve on his season averages as the season goes on. He had averaged 15 points a game while hitting 10 three balls against NJIT, Georgia Southern and Northern Illinois before cooling off with just eight Wednesday against LIU Brooklyn.

The Gophers have tons of options on offense and Springs has certainly found his niche.

Their rotation is a little bit short for the Big Ten, only going seven players deep. If Springs can keep his hot hand, it could be enough to overcome their bench deficiencies. Minnesota has one non-conference games left until they start Big Ten conference play.

Their first conference game will be Dec. 27 at home against Michigan State.