DaJuan Gordon was not the first Tiger to transfer this year, as Trevon Brazile transferred to Arkansas earlier in the offseason. Gordon, a defensive minded guard who has played for both Kansas State and Missouri, decided to transfer to New Mexico State, a team that reached the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament last year. 

The Aggies are looking to replace some talent that left due to graduation and the transfer portal last season, and a former Power Five guard in Gordon may be more than they could have asked for. Gordon averaged just over 8.0 points per game and just over an assist per game for a struggling Tigers team, which lacked an identity on offense for long stretches of the season. 

The mid-major powerhouse, who are a consistently tough matchup for Power Six opponents in the first round of the tournament, will rely on Gordon to serve as a leader on a relatively young squad. While New Mexico State has some veterans in the front court, the backcourt is headlined by two incoming freshman guards. Having Gordon, someone who has played in games against blue bloods like Kansas and Kentucky, will provide valuable insight in how the two future pieces for the Aggies will grow as college athletes.

Outside of leadership for younger guards, Gordon is a defender who is more than willing to guard the best wing player on the opposing team. Having a player like this who is more than likely coming off the bench is pivotal, as it can take pressure off of the Aggies offensive stars on the other end of the floor. 

Gordon may be a player that would not be that big of a transfer if he went to a major program, but he provides New Mexico State a “glue guy” who can unlock the fullest potential of their team next year and potentially help them get to the second weekend in the tournament.