College basketball rosters are often built through the transfer portal, but teams haven’t completely abandoned high school additions — at least not yet. 

Here’s a closer look at JMU men’s basketball’s 2026 high school commitments: 

AJ Evans, F/C, 6’9 — The Iowa native held other mid-major offers but landed on the Dukes. He adds frontcourt depth to a team losing several of its best post options to graduation and the transfer portal. 

Matthew Owens, G, 6’3 — A Luray product, Owens is a likely redshirt candidate in 2026-27. He held several D2 offers and interest from Navy before picking JMU. He’ll likely be low on the Dukes’ depth chart, but he has upside as a developmental prospect. At minimum, he’s a good practice asset and shows there’s a pathway for in-state talent to land at JMU.

Ashton “Ace” Meeks, 6’0 — Perhaps the crowned jewel of JMU’s 2026 class, Meeks can play right away. He’s a shifty ball handler with three-level scoring ability. He’s an exciting offensive player who drew Power Conference interest. He’ll have a chance to earn time at point guard as a true freshman, and he could become a Sun Belt star if the Dukes can keep him for more than one season. The 3-star play his high school ball at DeMatha.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications