The Breeze Basketball Preview '26 10.29.26 by The Breeze

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

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Letter from the sPorts editors

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Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Last season, JMU men’s and women’s basketball ended on two different notes. After winning the Sun Belt title — defeating Troy — women’s basketball earned a bid to the NCAA tournament as a No. 12 seed. The Dukes faced No. 5 seed Kentucky, but ultimately fell in the first round. Meanwhile, men’s basketball failed to make it past the third round of last year’s Sun Belt Conference Championship and ended its season with an 18-15 overall record. However, despite the different season outcomes, women’s hoops is listed at the top of conference

preseason rankings, while men’s also has high expectations, ranked second. Both teams are replacing multiple key players and have brought in many new faces. “You’re building a team year after year,” JMU women’s basketball coach Sean O’Regan said. “It looks different every year, but you got the same goal in the [offseason].” Men’s basketball is losing top scorers like guards Bradley Douglas, Cliff Davis and forward Gabe Newhof to exhausted eligibility. The Dukes also lost forwards Justin McBride and Eddie Ricks III to the portal.

Who to look for on the court

What to expect from men’s hoops

A glance into women’s hoops

Best photos from last season

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With only two returners in second-year forward Preston Fowler and third-year guard Paul Jones III, men’s has 10 transfers and three first-years. Women’s hoops is set to rebound without guard Peyton McDaniel and forward Ashanti Barnes. Both were leaders in the JMU record books, with McDaniel sitting at No. 3 in points with 2,325 and No. 4 in rebounds with 1,025. Barnes sits behind McDaniel in rebounds at No. 8 with 317. However, the ladies are more balanced with six returners and seven newcomers — three transfers and four first-years.

‘bounce back’ STAFF

But both teams’ goals remain the same — win the Sun Belt and punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament. In this special section, you’ll find players to look out for ahead of the season, new faces to watch and a glimpse into some of the Dukes’ opponents. Check out “Bounce Back” to learn more about the 2026-27 Dukes.

Sincerely, Libby Mercer Madi Perini Sports Editors

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Women’s names to know

Photos courtesy of JMU Athletics

1 4 11 21 22 25

Maddie Leach First-year guard •

Four-star recruit and No. 3 player in Virginia in the class of 2026, according to 247Sports.

•

Led Menchville High School to the VHSL Class 5A title game by averaging 25 points, seven rebounds and five steals per game in her senior year.

Delilah Soltys Second-year guard •

Played in all 35 games for the Dukes last season, averaging 4.7 rebounds and 3.9 points per game.

•

Finished fifth in assists on the team with 44.

•

Shot 41.1% from 3-point range.

Bree Robinson Fourth-year guard •

All-Sun Belt Defensive Team for 2025-26 season.

•

One of three JMU players to record 100 assists and 75 steals in a single season.

•

Averaged 11.9 points, 3.2 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game last season.

Zakiya Stephenson Fourth-year guard • • •

Led the 2025-26 JMU team in assists with 145 and second in steals with 65. Scored double-digit points in 14 games. Recorded five or more assists in three games in 2023-24 at Ole Miss, the first player since 2019 to do so.

Grace McDonough Second-year forward •

Started in all 35 games for the Dukes as a first-year, the most in program history.

•

Led team in field goal percentage at 63% (102-of-162).

•

Averaged 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Brianna McLeod Fifth-year guard •

Led the team in blocks with 52 in her first season at JMU in 2025-26.

•

Finished fourth nationally in total blocks off the bench.

•

Had 16 games with multiple blocks.

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Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Men’s names to know

1 5 11 12 13 15

Paul Jones III Third-year guard •

Averaged 2.8 points in 20 games for the Dukes last season.

•

Had a season-high nine points at Arkansas on Dec. 29, scoring a pair of threes.

•

Hit season-highs of three assists against Coppin State on Nov. 9 and Omaha on Nov. 25.

Jacob Hogarth Third-year forward •

Started in 25 of 28 games for Gardner-Webb in 2025-26.

•

Averaged 11 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

•

Shot 72.6% from the free-throw line.

Gage Lattimore Third-year forward •

All-MEAC first team at NC Central in 2025-26.

•

Averaged 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Eagles.

•

Had 10 games with more than 20 points, including a 29-point showing against JMU on Dec. 3.

Garrett Sundra Third-year forward •

Played in every game for Notre Dame in the 2025-26 season, averaging 3.5 points per game.

•

Shot 53.3% in the 2024-25 season with the Fighting Irish and tallied a career-high 11 points against SMU on Feb. 19, 2025.

•

Ashburn, Virginia, native who was the sixth-ranked prospect in the state out of high school.

Preston Fowler Second-year forward • • •

Played in every game for JMU last year as a true freshman, averaging 6.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Joined JMU as the highest-ranked recruit in program history Had five games with double-digit points, recording his first career double-double against Georgia Southern with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Brandon Lee Second-year guard • • •

Played in 18 games at Illinois. Averaged 1.8 points per game. Scored four points in the first round of the NCAA Tournament vs. Penn.

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

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Preview | Goals stay the same for JMU women’s basketball By MADI PERINI The Breeze

Heading into its 2026 campaign, JMU women’s basketball finds itself in a much different position compared to last year. As the Dukes entered 2025, they were backed by two key players in Peyton McDaniel and Ashanti Barnes, who have since exhausted their eligibility. Combined with four players leaving to enter the transfer portal, JMU looks to rebuild back to the success it saw last year, winning the Sun Belt Championship and making an appearance in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Entering the season without established leaders, head coach Sean O’Regan turns the page to Zakiya Stephenson and Bree Robinson to step into that role this season. The fourthyear guards were regular starters for the Dukes in 2025, with Robinson starting in every contest. Robinson averaged 11.9 points and 2.3 steals per game, with her season total of 82 steals tying the program’s all-time record. Stephenson averaged 7.9 points and 4.1 assists and found herself tied for second in the Sun Belt in total assists, recording 145 across 34 games. “Specifically [Stephenson] and [Robinson] — we’re asking for more leadership,” O’Regan said. “Their explanations, their

examples — that is where we’re asking more of them than the natural progression of seeing them score more.” Another returner looking to make an impact is secondyear Grace McDonough. During her freshman campaign, the forward made 35 starts, the most by a true freshman in program history. Throughout the season, she averaged 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 18.2 minutes per game. O’Regan credited McDonough’s progression over the offseason, speaking to how much work and dedication she put forth over the summer. “[O’Regan] put an emphasis on being harder to guard and … being more offensively present to make it easier for my teammates to get shots or just so they have to guard me out there.” McDonough said. With its former successes, the league ranked the Dukes first in the preseason coaches poll, along with Robinson, Stephenson and McDonough being named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt first, second and third team, respectively. On the younger side, the Dukes bring in first-year Maddie Leach. A Virginia native from Newport News, the 5-foot-9-inch guard was a four-star recruit and ranked third in Virginia among the class of 2026 coming out of high school. For O’Regan, Leach’s work ethic drives her as she enters her first collegiate season. “Maddie [Leach] is special — [she] may be the most competitive kid I’ve ever coached,” O’Regan. “She is absolutely pissed if she’s losing anything [and] I think the more people you can put on your team like that, you’re going to be successful.” Despite its offseason losses, there is high confidence within the program for a successful season. “I think your team is going to look different [every year,] regardless of returners,” Robinson said. “We’re a lot [closer]

than we were in the past — we still have the same mission, and we still have the same goal. We know what it takes to do it.” CONTACT Madi Perini at breezesports@gmail.com. For more women’s basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.

Three JMU players were named to preseason All-Sun Belt Conference teams. Caden Burch / The Breeze

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Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Preview|JMU men’s basketball looks to fliP the scriPt in 2026 8

By WILL STUNTZ The Breeze

With only two players returning from last year’s team, JMU men’s basketball has had to facilitate another overhaul of its roster. Ahead of last season, the Dukes were in the same situation, with upperclassman forwards Eddie Ricks III and Justin Taylor coming back as the only returners. Now in his third year as head coach, Preston Spradlin had to search far and wide in the transfer portal once again. This year, he’s brought in a slew of new transfer portal talent from different levels all over the country. From NAIA, Division II, other mid-majors and national championship-contending teams, the Dukes have assembled a team that Spradlin has expressed confidence in. “This is a really competitive group,” Spradlin said. “Their focus, their energy and their investment level is really high each and every day.” Although it can be hard to build chemistry among 13 new players, the Dukes don’t see the revamped roster as a challenge. “With 13 new [players], it can be tough,” third-year transfer forward Garrett Sundra said. “But I think we gelled really quick over the summer. We got a lot of guys who work really hard, so it’s been great.” Despite the lack of familiarity between the Dukes, Sun Belt coaches still rank JMU highly, pegging them to finish second in the league in the preseason coaches poll. The same poll also recognized three JMU players: secondyear forward Preston Fowler and third-year transfer guard

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

Gage Lattimore earned spots on the preseason All-Sun Belt second team, with third-year transfer guard K.J. Windham making the third team. Fowler is one of two players returning from last year along with third-year guard Paul Jones III.

Paul Jones lll is one of two returning players for men’s hoops. Caden Burch / The Breeze

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“I thought they were two everyday guys, and that was important,” Spradlin said. “They go to class, they take care of business, they’re in the gym … so that was important that we were able to retain those two guys.” Fowler earned a role as a full-time starter in the latter half of last season, while Jones played just over 11 minutes per game. With both players getting to work on their game in Harrisonburg all summer, Spradlin emphasized the strides the duo has made. “They both really improved their games,” Spradlin said. “They had an opportunity to take advantage of being here all spring, they worked on their bodies and they’ve really increased their skill level.” Many transfers also credited the two for their leadership during the early stages of the season. “They’re two great leaders,” Sundra said. “They knew what to expect … so they kind of built us up and showed us the way, leading by example.” Sundra, who transferred from Notre Dame, is one of 10 transfers joining the Dukes this year, as well as one of three transfers coming from a Power Four program. The 6-foot11 sharpshooter joins the Dukes after starting 16 games for the Fighting Irish and shooting 44.4% from the field and 30.8% from deep. Second-year guard Brandon Lee came to Harrisonburg after his freshman season at Illinois, where he helped the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four. Meanwhile, Windham joining the Dukes after running 12 minutes per game with Northwestern last year. Other notable transfers this year include Adrian Meyers from San Jose State, Jacob Hogarth from Gardner-Webb

BASKETBALL and Lattimore, who went off for 29 points against the Dukes last year with NC Central. “We’ve recruited [Windham] since he was a junior in high school,” Spradlin said. “He’ll have a ton of playmaking responsibilities for himself and for others.” Spradlin also opened roster spots to three first-years. The first of the group to commit: firstyear forward AJ Evans. From Cedar Rapids, Iowa, standing at 6-foot-9-inches and weighing in at 220 pounds, Evans adds a lot of size to JMU’s front court. “[During recruitment,] we kind of had it in our mind, ‘let’s go after a [big high school] guy,’” Spradlin said. “He just checked a lot of boxes for us. So at that point in time, with our roster, that’s what we were looking for.” Former three-star recruit and 6-foottall first-year guard Ashton “Ace” Meeks was the seventh-highest ranked recruit in the state of Maryland and the 27thranked combo-guard in the nation before making his decision last April. Prior to his commitment, Meeks had received offers from West Virginia, Boston College, Temple and a few other mid-majors. “Once we got a better sense of our roster … and what our needs would be, we picked up [Meeks],” Spradlin said. “[Evans and Meeks] come from winning programs, have been coached really well and both very talented.” A month prior to Meeks’ commitment, a local prospect from Luray, Virginia, made his decision to join the Dukes. First-year

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org guard Matthew Owens put up 21 points, five assists and two steals per game his senior year. He was also honored as the player of the year in the Bull Run District and Region 1B, and he earned his second first-team all-state selection. “[Owens] is a winner,” Spradlin said. “He’s talented, and he wants to be here, that’s so important. He wants to be here because he loves JMU.” With those two joining the team, along with Windham, Lee and Lattimore, made it evident that guard depth was a larger focal point for the Dukes this year than in previous years under Spradlin. “This will be a different group [in] how we play — we really put a lot into our guard play this year,” Spradlin said. “Making sure we have enough depth, enough versatility and multiple position players — that was a big part of how we really wanted to construct this roster.” JMU opens up its season at home on Monday, Nov. 3, against the Miami (OH) RedHawks, who are coming off of a historic 31-1 season in which they opened the season with a 31 game win streak. “They had an incredible season,” Spradlin said. “So we’re excited for the opportunity to open here at home … and have a great team come in and test us early.” CONTACT Will Stuntz at stuntzwj@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more men's basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.

Fowler played in every game for the 2025-26 season, making 14 starts. Caden Burch / The Breeze

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

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Miami (OH) - NOV. 2

JMU opens its season on the road in Oxford for the MAC-SBC challenge of the year. This will be the first ever meeting between the Dukes and the RedHawks. Courtesy of Miami OH Athletics

Courtesy of Virginia Tech Athletics

virginia Tech - NOV. 8

The Dukes make the trip to Blacksburg for the first time since 2008. JMU last met with Virginia Tech last season, where it took down the Hokies at home 65-56.

NavY - NOV. 11

The second meeting of all time between the Dukes and Midshipmen will take place on Veterans Day. The last matchup in 1985 saw a blowout 80-53 win for JMU. Courtesy of Navy Athletics

East Carolina - Nov. 15

JMU looks to extend its five-game win streak against soon-to-be conference opponent East Carolina. The Dukes hold a 31-26 record over the Pirates. Courtesy of ECU Athletics

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Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

GEORGE MASON - Nov. 21

JMU heads to Fairfax to face in-state foe George Mason. The Dukes look to bounce back after a 72-57 loss at home last season.

Arkansas - Nov. 25

The Dukes will travel out west to the San Diego Classic where they will face the Razorbacks. Arkansas is one of four Power Four opponents on JMU’s 2026-27 slate.

Penn State - Dec. 2

Courtesy of George Mason Athletics

Courtesy of Arkansas Athletics

JMU will tip off against Penn State for the fourth time in program history. The Dukes look to extend their three-game win streak over the Nittany Lions.

LibertY - Dec. 8

The Dukes hold a dominant 15-4 all-time record over the Flames. JMU hosted Liberty in Harrisonburg last season, coming out with a 71-64 win.

Courtesy of Penn State Athletics

Courtesy of Liberty Athletics

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

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JMU women’s basketball bri ngs on three transfers By LIBBY MERCER The Breeze

JMU women’s basketball signed three new transfers for the 2026-27 season. When looking to rebuild in the portal, the top need for head coach Sean O’Regan’s was players who can rebound, he said. O’Regan lost two key rebounding players this offseason, with guard Peyton McDaniel and forward Ashanti Barnes graduating. McDaniel sits fourth in JMU history with 1,025 career rebounds. Barnes sits a few places behind, tied at eighth with 825. Here’s a look at three new transfers, of the seven new faces to the team:

Trinity Moore, forward

Sixth-year forward Trinity Moore is joining the Dukes from Stephen F. Austin, where an injury took away her 2025-26 season. “It was so off the wall having a kid that didn’t play last year,” O’Regan said. “Really interesting situation.” However, in the 2024-25 season, Moore averaged 11.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. With a 14-point, 10-rebound performance in the Southland Conference Tournament, Moore earned MVP honors. The team then went on to the NCAA tournament to face No. 3-seeded Notre Dame as a No. 14 seed. Despite a 106-54 loss in the first round, O’Regan said it was clear Moore could hold the team by watching the tape. “She’s been great, man,” O’Regan said. “It’s an uphill battle for her, just getting her back into playing shape.” Moore said getting back to playing after taking a season off has been an adjustment for her. “These coaches and my teammates really push me to be where I need to be,” Moore said. “Going in, I know what the standard is here. This is a winning program, so I knew what I was stepping into. [I’m] enjoying the challenge, and it’s definitely a journey and a process for sure.” Having NCAA tournament experience and walking into a team

that made an appearance last year, Moore said she “knows what to expect.” “I think it is a good thing and beneficial as well,” Moore said. “[I know] what the standard is and what it takes to get to that point.”

Ja’Quoia Jones-Brown, guard

Third-year guard Ja’Quoia Jones-Brown started in all 29 game appearances in the 2025-26 season at Long Beach State. She averaged 17.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, leading the team in both stats. Jones-Brown also made the Big West All-Freshman team in 2024-25. As Long Beach State’s leading scorer, Jones-Brown said s h e was frustrated with its 5-25 overall record in the 2025-26 season. She said if it meant taking on another position to win, that’s what she would do. “I was able to score, but I want to win at the same time,” Jones-Brown said. “If I have to go to another position and get less points, then I have to do that.” Jones-Brown stands at 5-foot-5 as a guard. Despite being below the average height for a guard, Jones-Brown said she takes pride in her height. “I may be small, but I’m also strong, so I know I can hold my ground,” Jones-Brown said. “Whether you’re tall, big, I’m able to hold my ground.” O’Regan said Jones-Brown ended up being a “bonus” for the team, rebounding well for her position. “She’s got great instincts,” O’Regan said. With a team of six returners, four first-years and three transfers, Jones-Brown said getting to bond over the summer has helped in the first few practices on the court. “I think we’ve been really good once we got on the court,” Jones-Brown said. “Just being able to connect, knowing each other’s weaknesses and strengths, and being able to come together as one [to] play our game.”

Trynce Taylor, forward

Fourth-year forward Trynce Taylor comes from Kennesaw State after three seasons. Taylor averaged 9.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in the 2025-26 season. Taylor was a starter in 27 of the Owls 30 games last year, and reached the ASUN All-Freshman team in 2023-24. She sat out the 2024-25 season due to injury. O’Regan said Taylor is “finding her own way” since joining the Dukes. “I think we have thrown a lot of stuff at her ... that’s going to be a really important role player for us,” O’Regan said. CONTACT Libby Mercer at breezesports@gmail.com. For

more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.

JMU women’s basketball looks to repeat as Sun Belt champions this season with the help of three news transfers. Photos courtesy of JMU Athletics

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breakdown of men’s hoops transfers 14

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

By RYAN CUPPERNULL The Breeze

JMU men’s basketball brought in 10 transfers for the 202627 season as part of a schematic change from head coach Preston Spradlin and his staff. Spradlin said some of those changes for JMU’s new-look roster include an increased pace of play and a more versatile lineup at every position. Spradlin said he and his staff made some changes to their transfer portal approach by assigning each of his five assistants a different position to evaluate. “The portal is an ever-changing challenge every year,” Spradlin said. “I do think that our staff and our coaches and admin[istration] did a really good job of our portal prep this year.” The Dukes lost five players to the portal and five players who are graduated from last year’s team. Among those losses were forward Justin McBride, who transfered to Kentucky (15.3 points per game last season), guard Cliff Davis, who graduated (13.8 points per game) and guard Bradley Douglas who graduated (11.5 points per game). Here’s a look at those 10 transfers who join the two returning players and three freshmen to make up JMU’s 15-man squad:

Gage Lattimore, guard

Third-year guard Gage Lattimore comes to Harrisonburg with two years of eligibility remaining. After beginning his career at Division II Seton Hill, Lattimore transferred to North Carolina Central for the 2025-26 season, where he averaged 16.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. In a matchup against JMU last year as an Eagle, Lattimore scored 29 points on five made threes.

Lattimore’s impact as a Duke was quickly seen in JMU’s exhibition win over Richmond — the third-year guard scored eight points and was a +18 in just 21 minutes off the bench. Lattimore was also voted to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team, joining returning second-year forward Preston Fowler. Lattimore said his transition to JMU has been smooth, crediting Fowler and third-year guard Paul Jones III for sharing their experience with the new transfers. “[Fowler and Jones] have helped a big deal,” Lattimore said. “Just their vet[eran] presence, them kind of understanding the coaching staff and how things just run here … helped us and nudged us in the right way of how to navigate being here.”

Garrett Sundra, forward

An Ashburn, Virginia, native, third-year forward Garrett Sundra is one of four transfers who bring experience from the Power-Four level — the 6-foot-11-inch forward comes to JMU after spending two years at Notre Dame. Sundra saw an increased role with the Fighting Irish during his second season, averaging 3.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Along with his ability on the glass, Sundra can also stretch the floor as a shooter — something the Dukes have lacked from their big men during the Spradlin era. He shot 30.8% from three on 1.7 attempts per game last season. The third-year big man used that floor-spacing ability in JMU’s exhibition win over Richmond, scoring seven points and going 1-for-3 from downtown as a starting forward. “[Sundra] kind of changes the dynamic of how we’re able to play,” Spradlin said. “He is an elite shooter at 6-foot-11, but he can also use that size to score inside and facilitate.” Sundra said JMU’s squad has come together nicely on the court, despite having so many new faces.

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Windham’s brother Jalen played for Spradlin in the 2024-25 season during his time at Morehead State. “With somebody like K.J., we’ve got three years of equity with him and his family,” Spradlin said. “So when there’s familiarity and there’s trust with people that have had experience playing for myself and my staff, him tapping into that was valuable on both sides because it helped him feel good about his decision quickly.”

see TRANSFERS, page 15

K.J. Windham, guard

Another one of those Power Four transfers is thirdyear guard K.J. Windham, who transferred to JMU from Northwestern. Windham and Spradlin’s relationship started long before the third-year guard transferred to JMU —

Garrett Sundra joins the Dukes from Notre Dame. Michael Oppong / The Breeze

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BASKETBALL Vol. 105, No. 4

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While Lee’s limited minutes at Illinois made it tough for JMU’s staff to scout him, Spradlin used what he called “an extremely valuable relationship” with former coaching mate Orlando Antigua. Antigua currently serves as Illinois’ associate head coach and played a role in recruiting Lee to Champaign. Spradlin and Antigua both served as coaches under John Madison Marketplace is open Calipari for business, and all textat Kentucky from 2009-2014. “With someone like Orlando, he can bridge only listings are FREE! Post job listings, announcements, that gap and say, ‘hey, this is how he is every day from MEN’S rentals and more using our online placement tool. in practice, ’” Spradlin said. “From a personality TRANSFER, side, we were just sold the moment we talked Ads run two weeks page online and in two print editions. 14 to Brandon and his family.” Lee brings a quick-scoring ability to JMU, ANNOUNCEMENTS ITEMS FOR SALE Windham played in 29 games as a freshman, fitting in with the Dukes’ increasingly fastaveraging 5.6 points in 16.7 minutes per game. paced style of play. In the exhibition win over SelfHowever, Serve during ROADSIDE Stand/1mile his sophomore campaign, he Richmond, Lee had 11 points and three assists, Fall Workshop only played in 14 games where south of Dayton Walmarthe averaged 3.5 going 4-for-9 from the field in 20 minutes off September 20,27 & October 4,11 points in 12.4 minutes per game. Windham said the bench. Farm fresh eggs Sunday Afternoons 3 – 5 pm his experience at Northwestern showed him Muhlenberg Lutheran Church Prices dozen whatper he has to do “in order to be successful.” Adrian Myers, guard/forward 218 East Market Steet, Harrisonburg, VA “Being there for two years, I was around -Med$3.50 Fourth-year guard/forward Adrian guys like [Los Angeles Clippers forward] Nick Myers grew up just 20 minutes from JMU in Biblical Storytelling -Large$4.00 Martinelli, [Oklahoma City Thunder guard] Massanutten, but committed to Mississippi Interpretation, Coaching, Brooks Barnhizer [and] guard Jalen Leach,” State out of high school. Myers -XL$4.50 appeared in Windham said. “I was playing around guys that 10 games as aPresentations first-year with the Bulldogs, -Jumbo$5.00 were positive influences in that area; I just saw averaging one point and 0.5 rebounds in Hours Monday-Saturday 7:30am-8:00pm 3.4 minutes per game. the work that it took.” Windham served as JMU’s After redshirting his second year with Spring Chicken Eggs LLC primary ballhandler during its exhibition vs. Richmond, Mississippi State, Myers entered the portal 3039 John Wayland Hwy where he scored 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting and landed at San Jose State, where he started as the starting point guard. Windham was voted 22 games, averaging 11.1 points and 4.9 Dayton Va. 22821 to the preseason All-Sun Belt third team, joining rebounds per game. Lattimore as JMU’s second transfer to make one Myers brings more shooting to JMU’s of the three preseason All-Sun Belt teams. offense, which was a point of emphasis for Spradlin in the offseason. He shot Brandon Lee, guard 37.2 percent from three on 4.6 attempts Transfer No. 3 from the Power Four level is per game last season, and went 1-for-2 second-year guard Brandon Lee, who joins the from deep during JMU’s exhibition win Dukes after spending one year at Illinois. Lee over Richmond. Myers started at small played in 18 games as a first-year for a team that forward for the Dukes in that game but reached the final four, averaging 1.7 points in brings experience playing anywhere from 4.1 minutes per game. 2-through-4. “Obviously, being on a Final Four team, [I] kind of know what it takes,” Lee said. “Winning Jacob Hogarth, forward is my main priority; I’ve been there, so I don’t Third-year JacobL.Hogarth started Led by forward Rev. Laura Schultz, want to go back to losing.” 30 ofM.A. 33 games during the 2025-26 Speech & Theatre, M.season Div. at Lee said he felt “the same vibe he felt at Gardner-Webb. HeFunded led the by Runnin’ Bulldogs in Illinois” this summer with JMU’s team. both points andStorytellers rebounds (7.1) per game. Network of (10.7) Biblical International “[We have] a lotJOB of guys that want to win, work Read moreDonations online at breezejmu.org accepted Adults and older teens hard and just have fun,” Lee said. “Apart from basketball, that was pretty much our main thing CONTACT Ryan Cuppernull at cupperjr@ at Illinois; just having fun together as a team dukes.jmu.edu. For more basketball apart from basketball, and I feel like we have coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports. that same thing going on over [at JMU].”

MADISON MARKETPLACE

JMU men’s basketball finished with a 20-12 record last season. Michael Oppong / The Breeze

Fall Workshop

September 20,27 & October 4,11

Sunday Afternoons 3 – 5 pm Muhlenberg Lutheran Church 218 East Market Steet, Harrisonburg, VA

Biblical Storytelling

Interpretation, Coaching, Presentations

Led by Rev. Laura L. Schultz, M.A. Speech & Theatre, M. Div.

Funded by Network of Biblical Storytellers International Donations accepted Adults and older teens

Thursday, October 29, 2026| breezejmu.org

BASKETBALL

Preston Fowler looks to build on breakout freshman campaign By WILL STUNTZ The Breeze

In 2025, JMU men’s basketball head coach Preston Spradlin brought the 151st nationally-ranked high school recruit to Harrisonburg. Former three-star recruit and current JMU second-year forward Preston Fowler came to the Valley as the program’s highest-ranked recruit in history. “[Fowler] is deserving of being the highest-rated recruit in JMU men’s basketball history,” Spradlin said. “He has great size and feel for the game that complement his tremendous shooting ability.” Despite receiving offers from Power Four programs like Oklahoma State and Wake Forest out of high school, the Dukes’ all-in attitude on Fowler drew him in. “The coaches all recruited me individually, all of them — that’s not usual coming out of high school,” Fowler said. “[JMU] felt like a home with a great atmosphere and a winning program.” The Connecticut native comes from some of the country’s top high school programs, including his AAU team and former high school. “[Fowler] played on the Nike EYBL circuit, he played at Brewster Academy against other Division I players … he was coached really well,” Spradlin said before Fowler’s freshman season in a WHSV interview. “All of those things are going to give him an opportunity to carve out a role and play early on.” Fowler earned a major spot in the rotation early in his freshman season, and his role only grew throughout the season. He played in all 33 of the Dukes’ games, and by season’s end, Fowler was a full-time starter. In his first season, Fowler averaged 6.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game — not exactly standout averages, but his improvement throughout the year was clear. In the first 16 games of last season, Fowler played just over 16 minutes per game and averaged 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds. In the final 17 games as a regular starter, he bumped those numbers up to 29 minutes, 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. One performance from Fowler’s debut season stands out: his first collegiate double-double against Georgia Southern on Feb. 25. That night,

he scored 20 points and hauled in 11 rebounds while shooting 55% from the field and going 9-of-10 from the freethrow line. Both his scoring and rebounding performances marked career highs. “It takes a little bit of time for that talent to be able to come through and to get his confidence going,” Spradlin said after the game. “He’s a terrific player, and it was great for him to be able to [perform like that].” As his second year approaches, Fowler and Spradlin have already identified the points of emphasis for Fowler’s game this year. “[Spradlin wants me] to just play simple and don’t make anything too hard on myself,” Fowler said. “Grab rebounds, play defense, make shots. Don’t do anything that I know I can’t do.” Fowler is one of just two players returning from the 202526 roster, along with third-year guard Paul Jones III. Jones ran just 11.2 minutes a game last year, so as the only key rotational player returning, Fowler will have to take a bigger role in the locker room and on the court. “He’s really increased [his leadership],” Spradlin said. “He went from being that quiet, shy freshman, and now he’s starting to get his voice going, and guys respect that.” With Fowler taking on a bigger leadership role, he emphasized the need to take a more active approach in the locker room. “This year, I have to be one of the leaders instead of just sitting around waiting for other guys to lead,” Fowler said. With all the new talent JMU has acquired from the transfer portal, like Brandon Lee and K.J. Windham from Illinois and Northwestern, respectively. Fowler and the Dukes have high expectations for themselves. “[We’re not setting] too many goals,” Fowler said, “but we definitely want to be in the [Sun Belt] Championship at the end of the year.” The Sun Belt preseason rankings also set high expectations on the Dukes, with JMU earning second place in the preseason coaches poll and Fowler earning a spot on the preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team. But an All-Sun Belt selection isn’t all Fowler is aiming for, emphasizing that he wants to “take it one game at a time.” CONTACT Will Stuntz at stuntzwj@dukes.jmu.edu For

more men's basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X and Instagram @TheBreezeSports.

Fowler is the third-highest ranked recruit in program history. Photos by Caden Burch / The Breeze

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Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

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BEST PHOTOS OF THE SEASON Rowan Potts / The Breeze

Caden Burch / The Breeze

Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

BASKETBALL

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | breezejmu.org

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Vol. 105, No. 5 20

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