Mid-Major Basketball

Guard play is DEEP for the Falcons this upcoming season. Led by the return of Josiah Shackelford, Bowling Green also adds Jayden Johnson, Juan Cranford Jr., and Tristan Beckford. Johnson is a South Carolina State transfer who led the Bulldogs in scoring last season, while adding 3 AST, 3 REB, and 1.5 STL a night. Cranford Jr. averaged 12.1 PPG for Eastern Kentucky while Beckford is a former 2025 3 star from South Florida with loads of upside. Can't forget about their D2 guys either with Zach Howell and Trey Simmons. Simmons averaged 24.2 PPG and 1.5 STL for Frostburg State last season! Big man depth could be deeper, but Seniors Aiden Goins and South Carolina transfer, Christ Essandoko are big time leaders in that starting frontcourt. I think this team has a lot of firepower to be a threat on both ends of the floor.

Austin Ball and Jackson Holt are two of the most underrated returners in the UAC and I think both those guys are gonna lead this team well. They are also surrounded by a lot of great pieces including two high level JUCO transfers, those being Justin McCarter and Drae Vasser. Vasser averaged 17, 6, and 5 for Vincennes last season! West Florida transfer Aric Demings and Amarr Knox join the team as well just adding to their fantastic guard play. Knox redshirted last season but in 2024-25 averaged 14.5 PPG and roughly 2 steals a night for Alabama State. Big man depth is there as well with the return of Yvens Paul, Louisville transfer Mouhamed Camara, and Long Island University transfer, Shadrak Lasu who I think has tons of breakout potential. Overall, I think a down season last year will give them a lot of strive this year and in a fresh new conference.