Gardner-Webb:
Background and 25-26 Recap:
Last season was one to forget for Gardner-Webb faithful. Gardner-Webb began the season with a 25-1 deficit against Minnesota and fell to North Greenville in the 3rd game. Gardner-Webb didn’t get their first win until December, against Brevard. Their first D1 win came against USC Upstate in January, and it was their lone D1 win of the regular season. When March came around, Gardner-Webb got a bit of March magic, once again beating USC Upstate in the 8-9 game of the Big South tournament before eventually falling to High Point.
Despite the shortcomings of last season, a ton of things did go well for the Runnin Bulldogs, including Spence Sims winning Freshman of the Year before then transferring to Winthrop. Sims was not the only departure, as 7 other Runnin Bulldogs left via the transfer portal. Gardner Webb does return 3 key pieces from last season’s team: Ace Talbert, Jacob Hudson, and Jamias Ferere. Alongside the returners, Gardner Webb brings in 6 players from the portal, 1 JUCO transfer, and 4 freshmen, including some family ties.
The Returners:
G: Ace Talbert
There is one men’s player from Big South Media Day last season to return to their team this upcoming season, that player being Gardner Webb’s Ace Talbert. Last season, in his first year at Gardner-Webb, Talbert averaged 6.9 PPG, 1.9 RPG, and 1.4 APG, playing in all but 1 game for the Runnin Bulldogs. Before transferring to Gardner-Webb, Talbert spent two seasons at St. Francis, posting an 8.3 PPG freshman season and a 10.2 PPG sophomore season that was limited to 5 games due to injury.
The attribute Talbert adds to Gardner-Webb is being the oldest guard in the locker room with D1 experience. Gardner-Webb will need a veteran guard to lead their young frontcourt with 4 underclassmen and 3 total freshmen. Talbert, along with our next returner, will be the one doing that leading.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 32 Games (29 Starts) 6.9 PPG - 1.9 RPG - 1.4 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 53.9% - 26.1% - 61.7%
G: Jacob Hudson
Despite initially entering the transfer portal, Gardner-Webb’s leading scorer last season, Jacob Hudson, returns for his junior season. Last season, Hudson had a sophomore breakout, going from 1.1 PPG as a freshman to a tied-for-team-high 10.7 PPG in 29 games. Hudson is also one of only 5 players returning after averaging 10 PPG or more last season.
Last season, Jacob Hudson was the also one of the best defenders for Gardner Webb. Hudson is the only Gardner Webb defender with an 80th-percentile block percentage and Steal Percentage. Hudson does that while doing an elite job of not fouling, with a 99th-percentile PF Efficiency.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 29 Games (17 Starts) 10.7 PPG - 4.0 RPG - 1.7 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 51.8% - 25% - 61.5%
G: Jamias Ferere
Jamias Ferere returns to Boiling Springs after a very solid freshman season capped by an amazing performance against USC Upstate in the Big South Tournament. Last season, Ferere averaged 6.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 0.7 APG, including 10.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 0.8 APG in the last 12 games of the season.
Jamias Ferere’s standout performance came against USC Upstate in the Big South tournament. In that game, Ferere scored 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to help Gardner Webb beat Upstate. Both 21 points and 12 rebounds were Ferere’s season highs.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 32 Games (8 Starts) 6.3 PPG - 2.9 RPG - 0.7 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 46.4% - 23.7% - 77%
The Transfers:
G: Seth Brown - Fresno Pacific (D2)
The lone true transfer guard for the Runnin Bulldogs is Seth Brown, coming in from D2 Fresno Pacific. Last season at Fresno Pacific, Brown averaged 13.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 1.2 APG, shooting 38% from beyond the arc. After the season, Brown earned Second Team All-PacWest honors for his accomplishments.
Brown provides what Gardner Webb lacked last season: 3-point shooting. Last season, only two players shot over 35% from 3. Those two players were Spence Sims and Jacob Hogarth, who left in the transfer portal.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 28 Games (28 Starts) 13.6 PPG - 3.4 RPG - 1.2 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 42.9% - 38% - 84.7%
2025-26 NABC All-Academic
2025-26 Second Team All-PacWest
2023-24 NE-10 All-Rookie Team
G/W: DJ Daniel - Frostburg State (D2)
One of the most exciting gets of the offseason for Gardner Webb has to be sophomore wing DJ Daniel. Daniel transfers to Gardner-Webb after having a stellar freshman season at Frostburg State, averaging 16.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 3.1 APG, which ultimately earning Second Team All-MEC Honors.
DJ Daniel provides insane potential coming in from one of the toughest D2 conferences in basketball. DJ Daniel posted a 98th-percentile WARP last season while playing alongside fellow D1 transfer Trey Simmons.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 29 Games (23 Starts) 16.7 PPG - 5.9 RPG - 3.1 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 60.9% - 38.3% - 71%
2025-26 Second Team All-MEC
F: Jackson Skipper - Vermont
The first of three northeastern US forward transfers, this one being Jackson Skipper from Vermont. Last season, Skipper appeared in 30 games for the Catamounts, including 1 start against Yale. Skipper averaged 1.8 PPG, 1.1 RPG, and 0.3 APG with a season high of 9 points against Northeastern.
Last season, in his limited time at Vermont, Skipper was a solid defensive piece, posting a 70th-percentile DRAPM. Skipper also had a 92nd-percentile 3 Point Attempt Rate, but was hampered by shooting just 27.3% from 3.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 30 Games (1 Start) 1.8 PPG - 1.1 RPG - 0.3 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 50% - 27.3% - 76.9%
F: Mikhail Pocknett - Buffalo
The second northeastern US forward transfer has ties to the Big South region but most recently played for Buffalo: Mikhail Pocknett. At Buffalo this past season, Pocknett averaged 3.9 PPG and 4.1 RPG but played in only 23 games. Before Buffalo, Pocknett spent two seasons at King University, where he averaged 22.2 PPG and 9.3 RPG in his sophomore season.
If Gardner Webb can tap into Pocknett’s D2 ability, they could have a very solid forward. During his sophomore season at King, Pocknett had a WARP of 6.1, above stellar D2 transfers Demitri Gardner and Zach Philipkoski.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 23 Games (0 Starts) 3.9 PPG - 4.1 RPG - 0.3 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 50.7% - 0% - 60%
2024-25 First Team All-Conference Carolinas
2023-24 Conference Carolina Freshman of the Year
2023-24 Second Team All-Conference Carolinas
First Player in King History to reach 1,000 Points in their First Two Seasons.
F: Sam Nosakhare - Quinnipiac
The third and final of the northeastern transfer is former Quinnipiac forward Sam Nosakhare. Last season at Quinnipiac, Nosakhare appeared in 18 games averaging 0.8 PPG and 1.3 RPG in a reserve role. Nosakhare played prep basketball at Putnam Science Academy, winning Putnam’s 5th National Title in 2024-25.
In addition to coming from an elite program that Gardner Webb has had success with at Putnam Science Academy, Nosakhare reunites with teammate Jamias Ferere. Now two of the players who brought Putnam their 5th National Title have a chance to give Gardner Webb their 2nd Big South Tournament Title.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 18 Games (0 Starts) 0.8 PPG - 1.3 RPG - 0.3 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 54.5% - 0% - 28.6%
F: Ginuwine Tropnas - Lincoln PA (D2)
Hailing from Montreal, British Columbia, Gardner Webb’s new big man, Ginuwine Tropnas, comes from Division 2 Lincoln University. Last season at D2 Lincoln University, Tropnas averaged 6.1 PPG and 5.1 RPG in 22.2 MPG. During the two seasons prior at Lake Region State, Tropnas set the Blocks Record with 105 blocks across two seasons.
Despite his limited experience at the top level of college basketball, Tropnas has elite shot-blocking ability. Tropnas had a 93rd-percentile block percentage last season, including an over 8% FG Percentage drop in the paint when Tropnas was on the floor.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 30 Games (15 Starts) 6.1 PPG - 5.1 RPG - 0.5 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 47.4% - 0% - 54.5%
2024-25 Earned 2nd Team All-Mon-Dak Honors
Lake Region State Career Blocks Leader: 105 Blocks
For More on Ginuewin Tropnas, Read The Scout: Ginuewine Tropnas
F: Brave Rutsindura - Navarro College (JUCO)
The lone JUCO addition for Gardner Webb is Brave Rutsindura from Navarro College. Last season at Navarro College, Rutsindura averaged 6.3 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 29 games. Rutsindura also brings national team experience, having played for Rwanda’s U18 National Team in 2022.
Rutsindura provides a much-needed defensive presence down low, along with the rest of GWU’s big-man class. Rutsindura led his team in rebounds and blocks, having 41 blocks across his 29 games last season.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 29 Games (22 Starts) 6.3 PPG - 4.7 RPG - 0.2 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 66.3% - 0% - 68.2%
The Freshmen:
G: Rue Wells - Link Prep Academy (MO)
One noticeable part of Gardner Webb’s freshman class is their reliance on prep school freshmen, including Rue Wells of Link Prep. Wells averaged 14 PPG, 5 RPG, and 3.4 APG at Link Prep in Branson, MO this season.
Wells has very good offensive upside coming from one of the top prep schools in the county. Wells truly excelled at getting to the line last season, drawing over 6 fouls per game for Link Prep.
HS Accolades/Recruiting Info:
Helped lead Springfield HS to a Final 4 as a Junior.
G: Bryson Luther - Thomas Jefferson (NC)
As a local addition and a connection, Bryson Luther is from Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. Bryson Luther is coming in a season in which he averaged 15.5 PPG, leading TJCA to the State Finals. Luther also ended his career as the leading scorer at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy with 1,341 career points.
When you get the chance to add a local talent who set a record, you don’t say no. The talent has clearly been there at a lower level, but that talent can and will rise at least a little. Bryson Luther also has a connection to the staff; if his name didn’t, he happens to be the son of Jeremy Luther. Jeremy himself provided solid D1 minutes at both Robert Morris and Liberty.
HS Accolades/Recruiting Info:
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy All-Time Leading Scorer: 1,341 Points
Took Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy to the 1A Title Game before falling to Vance Charter
G: David Gaymon - Putnam Science Academy (CT)
The lone freshman addition from Putnam Science Academy is guard David Gaymon. Gaymon enters Gardner Webb after being ranked as the 30th player in New England and the 4th guard in the region. Gaymon became the 5th PSA athlete to record a Triple-Double with 33 points, 10 assists, and 15 rebounds on Jan 13th.
David Gaymon comes from a long line of Putnam guards at Gardner-Webb, many of whom have been success stories. Gaymon comes in as one of the best players from last season’s team, including that stellar triple-double.
HS Accolades/Recruiting Info:
30th Ranked Player in New England.
F: Chinedu Okpara - Wilbraham and Monson (MA)
The lone freshman forward for the Runnin Bulldogs once again comes from the Northeast: Chinedu Okpara, from Wilbraham and Monson Academy. Okpara joins Gardner-Webb after being ranked the 45th player in New England, according to PrepHoops.
Okpara provides amazing freshman defensive ability due in part to some very good intangibles. Despite being only 6’7”, Okpara has a 7’ wingspan, which makes him a shot-blocking and rebounding threat.
HS Accolades/Recruiting Info:
45th Ranked Player in New England.
Overall Thoughts:
The first thing that stands out on Gardner Webb’s team is their experience compared to a season ago. Last season, Gardner Webb added only 3 players with over 500 minutes of four-year college experience, and none with over 1,000 minutes. In this season’s transfer portal class for Gardner Webb, they have 5 players with 500 minutes of experience at a non-JUCO institution and 2 with over 1,000 minutes. That experience also isn’t hollow, as 3 of those 500+ minute transfers and both 1,000+ minute transfers were All-Conference players at one point in their careers.
Another big difference for Gardner-Webb is being able to return some of their best guards from a season ago. Last season, Gardner Webb only returned Jacob Hudson and Colin Hawkins; both coincidentally had breakout seasons, with Hawkins transferring to Pitt. Jacob Hudson does return after initially entering the transfer portal but withdrawing his name on April 21st. Returning alongside Hudson is Gardner Webb’s media day representative from last season, Ace Talbert, and Jamias Ferere, who returns after a solid freshman campaign.
Alongside the returning guards, Gardner Webb also brought in a series of talented guards, including D2 transfers DJ Daniel and Seth Brown. DJ Daniel joins Gardner Webb after a stellar freshman season at Frostburg State, averaging 16.7 PPG and bringing elite athletic attributes. Brown comes to Gardner Webb after 3 seasons at the D2 and D3 levels, shooting over 38% from 3PT in both his freshman and most recently in his junior season. Coupled with the returning guards and the two transfers, the team has three freshman guards, with two coming from elite prep backgrounds, helping build the foundation for seasons to come.
The frontcourt leaves a bit to be desired depth-wise, but it has the talent to compete at this level. The forwards are highlighted by two D1 Northeast transfer forwards, Jackson Skipper from Vermont and Mikhail Pocknett from Buffalo. Pocknett thrived on the inside, taking 68% of his shots at the rim last season at Buffalo after taking over half his shots at the rim in his 2 seasons at King. Skipper transfers to Gardner-Webb from Vermont, where, unlike Pockett, Skipper took almost all of his attempts from behind the arc last season, a role that he has had in all 3 seasons of his college career. Joining Skipper and Pockett is traditional forward Chinedu Okpara, also from the Northeast, who played at Wilbraham and Monson Academy as the 45th-ranked player in the Northeast.
At center, the position leaves the most question marks but also the fewest. The talent is a near-complete unknown, with only Ginuwine Tropnas having played more than 10 games of four-year college basketball, but the fewest question marks, with almost 3 players being defensive big men. Tropnas, as mentioned, brings the most experience, having played last season at Lincoln PA and two seasons at Lake Region State. Brave Rutsindura comes to Gardner Webb after two seasons playing JUCO basketball, most recently at Navarro College, leading them in rebounds. Samuel Nosakhare rounds out the centers, coming from Quinnipiac after playing 10 games as a freshman, and adds to the Putnam Science Academy, being the 3rd PSA player on Gardner Webb’s roster.
When you compare last year’s team to this year’s team, it’s night and day. The biggest difference is that Gardner Webb has a more experienced team and overall better talent entering this season. Gardner Webb does vastly better than one season ago. I think Gardner Webb does keep themselves in more games and could compete for the middle of the league but ultimately falls near the bottom of the league at season’s end.
9. Gardner Webb
Last season was a rough one for Gardner Webb and their faithful, with the season resulting in only 4 wins. Despite that, it wasn’t all bad for the Runnin Bulldogs, as they won a game in March against Upstate during the Big South Tournament. Gardner Webb returned some of last season’s better players, including leading scorer Jacob Hudson. D2 Stars highlight Coach Luther’s class like DJ Daniel and Mikhail Pocknett, and NE players like Jackson Skipper, a transfer from Vermont, and David Gaymon from Putnam Science Academy.
Things I Like:
They returned their leading scorer, Jacob Hudson, along with Ace Talbert and Jamias Ferere from last season’s team.
DJ Daniel is one of the best pure athletes in the league and could be a fun impact player.
Overall, much better talent than last season.
Things I Don’t Like:
Very limited offensive ability from their bigs so far in their college careers.
Very young at the guard position when looking past the likely starting returners.