JMU men’s basketball’s 2025-26 season was disappointing, with the Dukes going 18-15 and quickly exiting the Sun Belt Tournament. But the Dukes had a few bright spots on the roster, including freshman standouts Preston Fowler and Christian Brown. 

What will the roster look like next season? Here’s a look at the Dukes’ transfer activity as they look to bolster their roster. 

Transfer additions

None, as of April 9. 

Key retentions

Preston Fowler, F — The 6’8 sharpshooter averages 6.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in his first college season. He told the Field of 68 he plans to return to JMU next season, and he’ll enter next winter as a breakout candidate. The highly regarded recruit shot just 29.8% from 3-point range in his first season, but his smooth stroke suggests that could climb to 35% or above next season. His size also makes him a valuable defender, as he blocked seven shots and added 17 steals. If he develops defensively to consistently take advantage of his length, he could blossom into an All-Sun Belt player next year.

Paul Jones, G — Jones could be a valuable piece in 2026-27 despite a subpar 2025-26 season marred by injures. He appeared in 20 games as a sophomore transfer from Winthrop, but only averaged 2.8 points per game and shot under 30% from the floor in limited minutes. He was solid for Winthrop the year before, however, averaging 7.6 points per game as a true freshman on 38% shooting. He’s not expected to be a star, but he has the game to be a solid contributor in the Sun Belt.

Transfer departures

Justin McBride, F — McBride is reportedly going to enter the portal after a productive year in Harrisonburg. He averaged 15.3 points per game, shooting nearly 50% from the floor and making 40% of his 3-point shots. With one year left, McBride should command a significant revenue-sharing deal from a Power Conference team or top mid-major program.

Eddie Ricks, F — He’s reportedly planning to enter the portal after two seasons at JMU and three with Preston Spradlin. While Ricks didn’t put up huge numbers — he averaged 7.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this past season — he was efficient on both ends and a nice piece in a mid-major starting five. He led the Dukes in offensive rating and true shooting percentage in 2025-26, and he was among the team’s most reliable defenders and rebounders. Ricks could thrive in a faster offensive system.

Christian Brown, F — Brown enters the portal after just one season in Harrisonburg. The prospect from Tennessee is highly athletic and was a valuable frontcourt presence with high upside. He struggled to avoid fouling, however, averaging about three per game despite playing 13 minutes per contest. The Dukes didn’t get all that much out of him in 2025-26 as he adjusted to the college game, but his energy, rebounding, and shot blocking make him a coveted low-major option. Brown’s potential made him an ideal player to retain, but he’ll try to maximize his athletic traits elsewhere. It’s a disappointing departure for the Dukes.

Eli Wilborn, F — Wilborn, like Brown and McBride, spent just one season in Harrisonburg. The former Duquesne and St. Francis transfer was a decent rebounder and defender, but he only played 8.5 minutes per game and shot a woeful 25% from the free-throw line. He could’ve taken on a larger role in 2026-27 given his defensive upside, but he’s back in the portal.

Paul Lewis, G — Matt Lewis’ younger brother, Paul played in just 14 games this season because of injuries. He’s talented when healthy and showed flashes at Vanderbilt earlier in his career, but his inability to stay on the court in recent seasons makes it hard to project what he can contribute next winter. 

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications