The JMU Men’s Basketball team is making big moves this offseason with the help of the transfer portal. With key graduations and the departure of head coach Mark Byington, the Dukes are looking to reload and make a splash in the upcoming season.
One of the biggest returns for the Dukes is rising junior guard Xavier Brown. Brown announced he will be returning to JMU after a standout sophomore campaign. Known for his scoring ability and energetic defense, Brown has the potential to be a game-changer for the Dukes in the Sun Belt Conference.
In addition to Brown, the Dukes have added several new faces to their roster. Eddie Ricks III, a forward from Morehead State, brings defensive prowess and offensive upside to the team. Justin Taylor, a guard from Syracuse, is a defensive wing with a strong recruiting background in Virginia. AJ Smith, a wing from Southern Indiana, adds scoring and rebounding to the mix.
The Dukes have also secured the services of Ebenezer Dowuona, a center from NC State/Georgia Tech, and Elijah Hutchins-Everett, a center from Austin Peay/Seton Hall. With their size and scoring ability, these two big men could make a huge impact for JMU in the low post.
While the Dukes have made some significant additions, they have also seen some departures, including Terrence Edwards, Jaylen Carey, and Raekwon Horton. Despite these losses, the Dukes are confident in their ability to reload and compete at a high level in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on the JMU Men’s Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker as the offseason progresses.