JMU Men’s Basketball 2024 Transfer Portal Tracker

Additions

Eddie Ricks III, F, Morehead State – The 6’7 rising sophomore was part of Preston Spradlin’s 2023-24 Morehead State squad. He led the team in blocks (39) and was fifth in the OVC. He averaged 7.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg last season on 43.1% shooting. He’s a great fit in Spradlin’s system, given his defensive prowess and offensive upside.

Justin Taylor, G, Syracuse – A rising junior, Taylor’s mom played basketball for JMU and he went to high school in Charlottesville. Returning to Virginia likely holds sentimental meaning for the 6’6 guard.

He’s an excellent defensive wing, and he was a former four-star recruit with offensive upside. He averaged five points and four rebounds per game for Syracuse in 2023-24, starting all 32 games. UVA and Virginia Tech recruited Taylor out of high school.

AJ Smith, G/F, Southern Indiana – Smith, a 6’6 wing, comes to JMU with two seasons of eligibility left. He was solid in the OVC in 2023-24, averaging 13.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He was also top three on his team in steals (35) and blocks (18).

Ebenezer Dowuona, C, NC State/Georgia Tech – Dowuona has played 88 games for the two ACC schools, including 43 starts. While his career stats don’t jump off the page (he’s never averaged more than 4.1 points or 4.1 rebounds per game in a season), his size (6’11 and 235 lbs) should be a huge asset in the Sun Belt. He’s a capable rim protector, something the Dukes need in Preston Spradlin’s defensive scheme.

Elijah Hutchins-Everett, C, Austin Peay/Seton Hall – It’s officially a Preston Spradlin transfer portal masterclass. Listed at 6’11 and 255 lbs, Hutchins-Everett is a beast in the post. He averaged 10+ points per game in two seasons at Austin Peay before seeing somewhat limited playing time (13 minutes per game) with Seton Hall. He’s a gifted scorer with elite size, especially for the mid-major level.

With Dowuona and Hutchins-Everett, the Dukes could be extremely dangerous in the low post in Sun Belt play.

Luke Anderson, F, Iowa State/USF/Florida Southern – After playing for a pair of D1 teams, Anderson jumped to the D2 ranks and shined over three seasons. He averaged 19.8 points per game and eight rebounds per contest in 2023-24, shooting 40% from 3-point range. At 6’7 and 225 lbs, Anderson has legit size and a nice shooting stroke. He’ll likely be one of JMU’s most intriguing scoring options in his final collegiate season.

Bryce Lindsay, G, Texas A&M – While Lindsay only played in eight games for the Aggies during his freshman season, he has loads of potential. Villanova and West Virginia were among the schools recruiting Lindsay after a season at the IMG Academy. He also thrived during his high school days in Baltimore. Lindsay doesn’t lack talent, although the 6’4 point guard still has to prove himself at the collegiate level.

Interest

Mark Freeman, G – The 2023 OVC Player of the Year and star for Morehead State missed all of last season with a preseason injury. Per reports, he has been in contact with Preston Spradlin’s staff.

Departures

Terrence Edwards, G/F, Louisville – The 2023-24 Sun Belt Player of the Year, Edwards averaged 17.2 points per game for the Dukes. The versatile wing can defend, shoot, and rebound. He tested the NBA waters this offseason, but ultimately decided to transfer to Louisville to use his final year of eligibility. Edwards teams up with Pat Kelsey, the former College of Charleston coach who was just hired to resurrect the Cardinals.