Radford:
Background and 25-26 Recap:
Year One for Zach Chu was a very up-and-down season, to say the least. The Highlanders returned only one player, Walker, who would end up redshirting. The Highlanders would begin their season with 2 wins over Western Illinois and West Virginia Wesleyan before losing 6 straight. To close out the non-conference and the first 4 games of conference play, Radford went 9-3, including wins in their first 4 conference games. Radford would finish 3rd in the regular season before losing to Presbyterian in the First Round of the Big South Tournament.
Entering Year Two, Zion Walker returns for the Highlanders, joined by a group of freshmen led by Frederik Erichsen, along with Warren Keel Jr., Diogo Alves, and Gabriel Ferreira. Like last season, Radford’s portal class has a ton of highly ranked HS talent that, for one reason or another, hasn’t worked out at the D1 level, alongside more proven and experienced talent from lower levels of D1 and other NCAA competition.
The Returners:
G: Zion Walker
Last season, Zion Walker was the lone returner for the Highlanders. Walker redshirted this past season. Walker’s freshman season was cut short at 25 games due to injury; in that freshman season, Walker averaged 5.9 PPG, 1.1 RPG, and 1 APG.
If Zion Walker can build on his freshman-year production, Radford could have an amazing guard. Walker scored 17 and 30 points against Winthrop during conference play and also had double digits against Clemson, Colorado State, and High Point.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2024-25 Stats: 25 Games (1 Start) 5.9 PPG - 1.1 RPG - 1 APG
2024-25 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 50% - 39.1% - 85.1%
Leading Scorer at Burlington HS
2nd Highest Ranked Commit in Radford History
G: Warren Keel Jr
Zion Walker was the 2nd highest-ranked recruit in Radford history; the highest-ranked recruit was Warren Keel Jr. As a freshman, Keel averaged 0.9 PPG, 0.2 RPG, and 0.9 APG in only 14 games. Keel was a 3-star recruit after reclassifying from the Class of 2026 to the Class of 2025.
Warren Keel Jr. could be an interesting player for Radford. Keel’s freshman season would have been this season had he not reclassified. Keel now has a year of D1 basketball under his belt, and that could pay dividends this season.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 14 Games (0 Starts) 0.9 PPG - 0.2 RPG - 0.9 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 45.5% - 20% - 0%
Highest Ranked Commit in Radford History
G: Diogo Alves
The other returning freshman guard is RS Freshman, Diogo Alves. The Brazilian guard did not play for Radford last season after redshirting. Alves played his HS ball for a series of teams ending at Tualatin HS in Oregon.
Alves entered the Highlanders roster last season as an elite shooter. During Alves’s HS career, along with grassroots/non HS, Alves was an elite shooter, including shooting over 40% during 2023 Basketball Without Borders.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: Redshirted
3rd Place - 2023 Brazilian U17 Championship
F: Frederik Erichsen
The most experienced freshman to return from one season ago is Denmark’s Frederik Erichsen. As a freshman, Erichsen appeared in 32 games for the Highlanders, averaging 5.6 PPG and 2.4 RPG. At the end of the season, Erichsen became the 3rd Highlander to earn Big South Freshman Team Honors since 2020.
Like other Europeans who have made the transition to D1 basketball, it took Erichsen time to adjust, but he really started to play well at the end of conference play. Erichsen would earn both of his Big South FOTW awards during conference play.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 32 Games (0 Starts) 5.6 PPG - 2.4 RPG - 0.7 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 62.1% - 30% - 74.3%
2025-26 All Big South Freshman Team
2x Big South Freshman of the Week
F: Gabriel Ferreira
The second Brazilian on the Radford team is another returnee, this time being big man Gabriel Ferreira. Last season at Radford, Ferreira appeared in 11 games, averaging 2.6 PPG and 2.8 RPG. Ferreira finished with a career-high 12 points against Shenandoah and 8 rebounds.
Before Radford, Ferreira played at the NBA Academy in Latin America. Ferreira averaged 15.5 PPG and 10.1 RPG for the Academy. Ferreira also appeared for Brazil’s National Team during the 2024 U18 Competition, averaging 6.3 PPG and 4.5 RPG.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 11 Games (0 Starts) 2.6 PPG - 2.8 RPG - 0.1 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 54.5% - 0% - 55.6%
2023 BWB All-Star
The Transfers:
G: Jordyn Kee - Miami
Following in the footsteps of Del Jones from last season, Jordyn Kee is another former ACC transfer to the Highlanders. Last season, Kee appeared in 8 games, averaging 0.4 PPG, 0.4 RPG, and 0.4 APG at Miami. Before Miami, Kee redshirted after committing as a 3-star to Georgia.
Jordyn Kee is largely an unknown commodity, having appeared in only 8 games across two seasons at the D1 level. Kee was an elite HS guard, and if Radford can tap into that ability, they could have another amazing lead guard.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 8 Games (0 Starts) 0.4 PPG - 0.4 RPG - 0.4 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 0% - 25% - 0%
G: Tristan Gross - Mercer
One of the more tenured transfers for the Highlander is Tristan Gross, transferring in from Mercer. In his lone season at Mercer, Gross averaged 4.2 PPG and 2 RPG, all while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Before that, Gross spent two seasons at Stetson with similar stats as a starter.
Gross provides something that Radford lost after the departure of Lukas Walls, and that is shooting. In all 3 seasons in college, Gross has shot 38% on exactly 200 attempts. In a Radford system that loves to take 3s, Gross should be an impact player.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 28 Games (0 Starts) 4.2 PPG - 2 RPG - 0.7 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 52.3% - 43.5% - 75%
G: Kolier Pruett - UVA Wise (D2)
After playing his HS ball at nearby Narrows and in-state at UVA Wise, Kolier Pruett now heads to Radford. Last season at UVA Wise, Pruett averaged 5.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 1.4 APG, mainly coming off the bench.
Kolier Pruett really makes his living on the defensive end of the ball. During his two seasons at UVA Wise, Pruett posted 90th-percentile block and Steal Percentages at the D2 level.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 31 Games (4 Starts) 5.8 PPG - 3.6 RPG - 1.4 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 67.1% - 26.8% - 40%
G/W: Ja’Corey Robinson - Austin Peay
Coming off a solid freshman season at Austin Peay, Ja’Corey Robinson hopes to capitalize on a system change in Year 2. Last season at Austin Peay, Robinson averaged 6.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 2 APG while playing in just 17.7 MPG.
Robinson was an interesting player analytically last season. Robinson was a top-75th-percentile defender with solid defensive metrics, paired with positive offensive ability and strong efficiency numbers.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 30 Games (0 Starts) 6.6 PPG - 2.9 RPG - 2 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 52.9% - 40% - 75.4%
2024 MaxPreps Kansas Player of the Year
G/W: Mathieu Grujicic - Ohio State
One clear area that Zach Chu has targeted is the European talent, including former Ohio State guard Mathieu Grujicic. Despite playing only 8 games for the Buckeyes, Grujicic is very experienced, with both National Team and Adidas Next Generation Tournament experience.
Mathieu Grujicic showed his scoring ability throughout his European career. Grujicic led 2025 EuroBasket in scoring with 24.6 PPG and was an Adidas Next Generation MVP.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 8 Games (0 Starts) 1 PPG - 0.8 RPG - 0.3 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 0% - 14.3% - 42.9%
2025 EuroBasket U18 Leading Scorer
2025 NextGen ULM Tournament MVP
G/W: Parby Kabamba - Marist
After spending the last two seasons at Marist, Parby Kabamba heads to Radford hoping to build upon a nice sophomore season. Last season, Kabamba appeared in 31 games for Marist, making 13 starts and averaging 5.4 PPG and 3.1 RPG.
Alongside Parby’s experience at Marist, Parby also has a very good HS and non-collegiate career. Parby played HS at South Kent School in Connecticut, one of the best NE HS and Prep programs, and has NBA Academy and BWB experience.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 31 Games (13 Starts): 5.4 PPG - 3.1 RPG - 0.9 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 47.7% - 34.2% - 64.7%
F: Cameron Jackson - UT Arlington
The lone D1 big man addition for the Highlanders is Cameron Jackson coming from UT Arlington, where he spent 2 seasons. Last season, Jackson appeared in 31 games, made 13 starts, and averaged 4 PPG and 3.9 RPG in just over 17 MPG.
Cameron Jackson was very similar to Tyson Brown when they both entered the program. Both averaged the same points and rebounds, and both are elite 2PT scorers who live in the paint and nowhere else.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 31 Games (13 Starts) 4 PPG - 3.9 RPG - 0.5 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 62.7% - 0% - 52.5%
F: Alex Nokes - Santa Fe College (JUCO)
Despite coming from the Junior College ranks, Alex Nokes has D1 experience, including redshirting at Saint Louis and playing in 4 games at Lindenwood. Last season at Santa Fe College, Nokes averaged 2.8 PPG and 4.2 RPG across 14 games.
Nokes has played some of the most elite basketball, including elite prep basketball, Florida JUCO, and A10-level basketball. Nokes also earned all-league honors at Beverly Hills High School.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 14 Games (0 Starts) 2.8 PPG - 4.2 RPG - 0.7 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 65.2% - 12.5% - 66.7%
The Freshmen:
G: Caden Cantrell - Southeastern Prep (FL)
From the same city and high school as Zach Chu is Caden Cantrell, who most recently played at Southeastern Prep in Florida. During Cantrell’s prep season at Southeastern Prep, Cantrell averaged 8.9 PPG and 6.2 APG.
Cantrell was an amazing playmaker for Southeastern Prep, but one thing makes him stand out even more. While averaging 6.2 APG, Cantrell had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.9x.
HS Accolades/Recruiting Info:
2x Texas 5A-6A All-District Team (2024, 2025)
G: Kye Davis - SoCal Academy (CA)
The other freshman addition for Zach Chu and his staff is Kye Davis, most recently playing at SoCal Academy. During his time at SoCal and Palisades HS, Davis won MVP in the Martin Luther Classic and Game MVP in the Lute Olson Classic.
While at Paradise HS, Kye Davis and his entire team received the USBWA Courageous Leadership Award in 2025. Davis and his Palisade HS team went 21-12 that season.
HS Accolades/Recruiting Info:
91st-ranked player in California according to PrepHoops
Other Offers: Pepperdine
Overall Thoughts:
Looking back one season ago, there was a lot to take note of for the Highlanders. Radford brought in stars like Jaylon Johnson, Tyson Brown, and Lukas Walls, who provided production. What set Radford up for a good Year 1 was Coach Chu’s ability to get a ton of production out of overlooked HM transfers Del Jones and Dennis Parker Jr., but at times they relied on them too much. That reliance on their stars came to a head during the Big South First Round game when Presbyterian knocked off the 3rd-seeded Radford in Overtime.
This season Radford has a very similar class to last season. Last season, Radford’s class breakdown was 3 transfer downs (Jones, Parker Jr., and Mari Jordan), 4 established D1 transfers (Johnson, Brown, Walls, and Louie Jordan), and 1 D2 transfer (Land). When looking at this season’s transfer class, Radford has 2 transfer downs, 3 established D1 transfers, 1 D2 transfer, with the addition of a JUCO player.
If there is an area where Radford hopes for growth in their returners or new transfers, it would be in the guard room. No guards for the Highlanders have averaged over 7 PPG in their D1 careers so far. The talent is there as Radford enters with 3 3’s recruits in Jordyn Kee, Zion Walker, and Warren Keel Jr., but none of those played significant time last season. Radford also brings well-traveled guards Tristan Gross and Kolier Pruett, along with intriguing freshmen talents Caden Cantrell and Kye Davis.
The wings/forwards are where this team really has a true collection of elite talents. Frederik Erichsen returns after a strong freshman season and enters his second year of D1 basketball. Mathieu Grujicic joins the team from Ohio State, but what makes Grujicic elite is what he did overseas, leading U18 EuroBasket in scoring. Parby Kabamba adds much-needed shooting and experience to the backcourt. Finishing out the forward room is Austin Peay transfer Ja’Corey Robinson, who averaged 6 PPG as a freshman after being the best HS player in Kansas, and who has a very similar frame and profile to Dennis Parker Jr. from a season ago.
The big man room looks much like what Radford had last season. The Highlanders return Gabriel Ferreria after having a freshman season in which he received limited action. The lone JUCO transfer for Radford, Alex Nokes, comes from Santa Fe College and brings in some OVC and A10 experience. The most experienced big man is Cameron Jackson from UT Arlington, who seems to be their replacement for Tyson Brown given their similarities.
The roster as a whole reminds me of last year’s roster; the talent distribution is very similar for all the newcomers, and the analytical approach to finding some of the hidden gems. The key difference between last season and this season is the level of the talent. Last season, Radford brought in the 3rd-best class in the entire country, according to Matthew Winick. This season, that same Matthew Winick transfer ranking has Radford ranked 214th. I think Radford has a roster that puts them in the mix competitively, but it still falls behind some of the more talented and better-coached rosters in the league.