Winthrop:
Background and 25-26 Recap:
The stars seemingly aligned for Winthrop to make their first NCAA Tournament under Mark Prosser. They were the first team to win a game after beating Queens 81-74 in the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon. Winthrop continued to impress in the non-conference, almost beating George Mason, Arkansas, and Nebraska, and picking up wins against LIU and Mercer. That impressive run carried into conference play, with a win over High Point. Still, an untimely injury to Logan Duncomb that lingered into the Big South Tournament kept Winthrop from the title, as they fell to High Point in the Tournament Final.
After the season concluded, Winthrop was immediately thrust into a rebuild, losing Logan Duncomb, Kareem Rozier, and others via the portal or by running out of eligibility. Winthrop returns Seifeldin Hendawy after averaging 5.7 PPG and 4.3 RPG, coming mostly off the bench. Winthrop also returns RS Freshman guard Kaleb Evans, who was considered one of, if not the best player in SC. Winthrop brings in 8 transfers, along with one professional player, to try to replace over 90% of their minutes from a year ago.
The Returners:
G: Kaleb Evans
If you listen to On3, Kaleb Evans was the best HS player in the Class of 2025 in the State of South Carolina. After committing to Winthrop over the likes of Charlotte and Western Carolina, Evans would end up redshirting last season.
If On3’s assessment of Kaleb Evans is correct, Winthrop could have a real star at the PG position. Evans was ranked alongside players like Jordan Watford, who averaged 11.6 PPG on a tournament team, and Brian Sumpter, who averaged 6.6 PPG and 4.9 RPG as a freshman.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: Redshirted
1st Ranked Player in the State of SC according to On3
G: Cam Christy
After initially entering the transfer portal, Cam Christy returns for his 4th season with the Eagles. Last season, Christy appeared in 8 games for the Eagles, scoring in 3 of them.
Despite limited on-court experience, Cam Christy can make a massive impact as a veteran who can help the new guys gel in the Winthrop system.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 8 Games (0 Starts) 0.8 PPG - 0.4 RPG - 0.1 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 60% - 0% - 0%
G: Henry Harrison
Returning for his fourth season in Rock Hill is guard Henry Harrison. Last season for the Eagles, Harrison saw limited action across 8 games but tied his career high for minutes in Winthrop’s win over Mercer.
Much like fellow returner Cam Christy, Harrison may not see the court as much as others. Harrison can provide much-needed transitional support to new guys and bring experience from multiple seasons in Rock Hill and the Big South.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 8 Games (0 Starts) 0.6 PPG - 0 RPG - 0.1 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 50% - 33.3% - 0%
F: Seifeldin Hendawy
Beginning his career at Loyola Chicago, Seifeldin Hendawy transferred to Winthrop and made an immediate impact. Appearing in all 34 games and making 2 starts, Hendawy averaged 5.7 PPG and 4.2 RPG and scored in double figures in 7 games.
Despite only being 6’8”, Hendawy was one of the best defensive players and rebounders in the Big South. Last season, Hendawy ranked in the 86th percentile of DRAPM and in the Top 90th percentile of ORB% and DRB%.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 34 Games (2 Starts) 5.7 PPG - 4.2 RPG - 1.1 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 45.6% - 20% - 78.5%
F: Tai Hamilton
The lone returning big man for the Eagles is Tai Hamilton, who returns for his 3rd season in Rock Hill. Last season, Hamilton appeared in 21 games for the Eagles, averaging 2.5 PPG and 3 RPG, including 10 points in 12 minutes against Jackson State.
Despite limited action at Winthrop in his two seasons so far, that’s partly because the big men ahead of him have been Kelton Talford and Logan Duncomb. In his limited action, Hamilton was an elite defender, finishing in the 95th percentile of DRAPM last season.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 21 Games (0 Starts) 2.5 PPG - 3 RPG - 0.3 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 60.6% - 0% - 54.5%
The Transfers:
G: Anthony Smith III - North Dakota
Anthony Smith III is one of two players who played against Winthrop for North Dakota last season. As a freshman last season at North Dakota, Smith averaged 7.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG, and 2.3 APG and scored 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting and a career-best 6 rebounds against Winthrop.
Smith was one of the best freshman playmakers in the Summit League last season. Smith finished 2nd in the Summit League in assists by a true freshman while protecting the ball, with a 1.9 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 34 Games (0 Starts) 7.8 PPG - 2.1 RPG - 2.3 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 54.1% - 23.4% - 83.8%
G: Micah Davis - IU Indy
After a homecoming to IU Indy, Micah Davis now heads to Winthrop hoping to build on last season’s success. Last season, Davis averaged 9.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, and 2.9 APG in 32 games, including 6 starts.
Last season, Davis played for one of the fastest D1 teams at IU Indy. That ability to play fast should translate to Winthrop’s recent fast play in the past two seasons under Mark Prosser.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 32 Games (6 Starts) 9.4 PPG - 2.1 RPG - 2.9 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 53.6% - 31.3% - 70%
G: Spence Sims - Gardner Webb
The Big South Freshman of the Year last season now goes 1 hour down the road to join conference rival Winthrop. Last season at Gardner Webb, Spence Sims averaged 9.9 PPG and 1.9 RPG, making 15 starts across 32 games.
Last season, Sims shot 43% from beyond the arc, finishing 3rd in the Big South with over 2 attempts per game. If Sims shoots over 40% from beyond the arc, Winthrop did well with this addition.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 32 Games (15 Starts) 9.9 PPG - 1.9 RPG - 0.8 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 49.4% - 43% - 75.8%
2025-26 Big South Freshman of the Year
6x Big South Freshman of the Week
G: Tyler Parrish - U Indy
Another elite shooter for the Eagles, this time coming from D2 Indianapolis, is guard Tyler Parrish. At U Indy last season, Parrish appeared in 30 games, including starting the final 21 games, averaging 13.9 PPG while shooting over 39% from beyond the arc.
Parrish was a strong offensive option for U Indy last season, posting an 82nd-percentile true shooting percentage. Parrish also ranked in the 95th percentile in OWS per 40 Mins, with 0.11, ranking 9th in the entire GLVC.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 30 Games (22 Starts) 13.9 PPG - 2.4 RPG - 2.5 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 53.3% - 39.9% - 81.1%
G: Kyle Morgan - UT Tyler
Another D2 addition for the Eagles is UT Tyler transfer guard, Kyle Morgan. Last season at UT Tyler, Morgan averaged 11.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 1.7 APG playing in 25 games. Morgan played two prior seasons at Angelina College, including making the NJCAA Elite 8 in 2025.
While Morgan excels at shooting, he’s also an all-around player. Morgan finished in the 69th percentile of ORAPM and 70th percentile of DRAPM last season, along with the 79th percentile in DRB% and the 83rd percentile in Block%.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 25 Games (20 Starts) 11.2 PPG - 4.1 RPG - 1.7 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 45.1% - 38.4% - 85%
2024-25 NJCAA Region XIV Honorable Mention
G/W: Keshawn Fisher - Detroit Mercy
After a strong freshman season at Detroit Mercy, Keshawn Fisher now heads to Winthrop hoping for another jump. After playing the Overtime Elite program, Fisher played at Detroit Mercy in his freshman season, averaging 5.5 PPG and 2.2 RPG in 11.4 MPG.
The base stat line doesn’t tell the whole story for Keshawn Fisher; in 7 of his 20 games, He played under 5 minutes. When Fisher played above 10 minutes, Fisher averaged 9.9 PPG and 4.4 RPG.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 20 Games (1 Start) 5.5 PPG - 2.2 RPG - 0.8 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 54.4% - 27.5% - 82.4%
F: Tee Harris Jr - Wheeling
Another star from the frantically paced MEC conference to the Big South is Tee Harris Jr. of Wheeling. Harris spent 3 seasons at Wheeling, averaging 14.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 1.2 APG last season.
Harris is an analytical darling, and if Winthrop can extract that, he could be All-Conference level. Harris was an 85th-percentile shot blocker and steal creator, along with a 90th-percentile 2PT shooter, while also shooting over 30% from beyond the arc.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 28 Games (28 Starts) 14.5 PPG - 6.2 RPG - 1.2 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 65.6% - 30.1% - 72.1%
F: Eesher Singh Sarai - Ellsworth CC (JUCO)
The first-ever Canadian Turbaned Sikh is an honor that belongs to Winthrop forward Eesher Singh Sarai. Singh Sarai averaged 11 PPG and 6 RPG last season at Ellsworth CC, earning All-Region Honorable Mention Honors.
Singh Sarai comes in as an already well-rounded player. Last season, Singh Sarai averaged a double-double in per-40s, averaged over 1 BPG, and stretched the floor, shooting 30% and over 44% from beyond the arc in conference.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 36 Games (36 Starts) 11 PPG - 6 RPG - 0.8 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 59.4% - 31.7% - 73.8%
2025-26 ICCAC D2 All-Region Honorable Mention
F: George Natsvlishvili - North Dakota
Joining Anthony Smith III as a transfer from North Dakota is Georgian forward George Natsvlishvili. Last season at North Dakota, Natsvlishvili averaged 8 PPG and 4.9 RPG in 34 games, with 14 starts.
George Natsvlishvili, much like Smith, performed very well against Winthrop last season. Natsvlishvili scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, and he played his most minutes of the season at Winthrop.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 34 Games (14 Games) 8 PPG - 4.9 RPG - 1 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 52.9% - 20% - 57%
Played for the Georgia U20 National Team in 2023
The Freshmen:
G: Joel Cwik - Ratiopharm ULM
After spending 4 seasons at OrangeAcademy in Germany, Joel Cwik comes stateside to play for the Winthrop Eagles. Last season at OrangeAcademy, Cwik averaged 13.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, and 1.7 APG, shooting over 35% from beyond the arc after shooting 42% the season prior.
Cwik also played for Poland’s U18 and U20 National Teams. In 2025-26, Cwik averaged 12.6 PPG, tying his international competition career high across 7 games.
Most Recent Player Stats + Awards:
2025-26 Stats: 22 Games 13.5 PPG - 2.5 RPG - 1.7 APG
2025-26 Percentages (2PT/3PT/FT): 61.5% - 35.5% - 76.1%
Overall Thoughts:
Last season, Winthrop had one of their best seasons under Mark Prosser. The Eagles won 23 games for the 3rd time in a row and had their highest KenPom finish under Coach Prosser’s tenure, earning him Co-Coach of the Year. Winthrop also had a star in Logan Duncomb, who won Big South Player of the Year. In the end, Winthrop fell short of both a regular-season title and a Big South Tournament Title, losing to High Point both times.
Following last season, Winthrop lost over 90% of their minutes from one season ago. Despite that, Winthrop returns one of its best players from last season in Seifeldin Hendawy; joining him are Kaleb Evans, Tai Hamilton, and 4-year Eagles Henry Harrison and Cam Christy. Via the portal, Winthrop brought in a lot of talent with serious playing experience from nearly every level of basketball. Of their 10 newcomers, Winthrop brings in 5 Division 1 transfers, 3 Division 2 transfers, 1 JUCO transfer, and 1 professional freshman.
The point guards/high assist guards for Winthrop are a group of 3 starter-level players in one room. Anthony Smith III had a very good freshman season at North Dakota, where he played behind another elite freshman guard who averaged 16 PPG. Micah Davis averaged 9 PPG in one of the most unique offenses in CBB and now enters an elite, high-tempo offense in its own right. Rounding out the group is Kaleb Evans, one of the best players in SC coming out of HS, where he ranked higher than very solid true freshman guards last season.
The rest of the guard room packs a real punch, with some deadly knockdown potential. For the second straight season, Winthrop takes an elite guard from another Big South program; last season it was Daylen Berry, and this season it’s last season’s Big South of the Year, Spence Sims. Winthrop also brings in two elite D2 shooters, Tyler Parrish and Kyle Morgan, both shooting over 35% from beyond the arc. Rounding out the guard group is Joel Cwik, coming from Germany after averaging 12 PPG in Germany’s 3rd Division and playing limited time in Germany’s 1st Division.
The forwards for Winthrop had some of the most proven talent across the entire league. Winthrop brings back both Seifeldin Hendawy and Tai Hamilton, both returning from last year’s team. Keshawn Fisher joins after a strong freshman season at Detroit Mercy and is one year removed from being an elite recruit with P5 offers. Tee Harris Jr. transfers from D2 Wheeling University, where he played 3 seasons and averaged 14 PPG last season as one of the best offensive weapons in the MEC. Eeshar Singh Sarai enters as a big man who can stretch the floor, shooting 31% last season, and George Natsvlishvili transfers in from North Dakota like his teammate Anthony Smith III.
Looking at this season, the talent is there for Winthrop to compete at the top end of this league. Winthrop can almost go 5 deep and have at least a serviceable lineup, but they also don’t seem to have that x-factor. Last season, Winthrop didn’t have a known x-factor before the season, but they found one in Logan Duncomb. Winthrop has guys who can be that x-factor and maybe multiple guys with that ability. The talent alone keeps them close to last season, but if Winthrop can find a few x-factor-level players, this league could be closer than many expect.