ODU Men's Basketball Roster Tracker

Offseason Updates

• UPDATE 5/11/2026: Incoming transfers Kylan Howze, Zamoku Weluche-Ume, and Khoi Thurmon have officially committed to the Monarchs.
• UPDATE 4/27/2026: Incoming transfer Adante' Holiman has officially committed to the Monarchs.
• UPDATE 4/20/2026: Incoming transfers Bubu Benjamin and Jotham Nweke have officially committed to the Monarchs.
• UPDATE 4/8/2026: Elijah Flowers has officially announced that he will enter the Transfer Portal.
• UPDATE 4/6/2026: Donovan Raymond announces that he will be entering the Transfer Portal.

Incoming Transfers

Kylan Howze

INCOMING

6-10 • 235 lbs • Senior • Forward
Prev: Louisiana Tech

Unfiltered Take: Kylan Howze is a 6-foot-10 forward coming to ODU from Louisiana Tech Howze brings elite rim protection and interior defense. Originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, Howze emerged as a standout at Gulfport High School before beginning his collegiate career at Jones College. During his tenure with the Bobcats, he established himself as one of the NJCAA’s premier shot-blockers. As a freshman, he recorded 86 blocks—ranked ninth nationally—and earned NJCAA Region 23 All-Tournament honors. He followed this with a dominant sophomore season, tallying 77 blocks and helping lead Jones to a program-record 30 wins and a #4 national ranking. Howze transitioned to Division I for the 2025-26 season at Louisiana Tech where his minutes fluctuated over the course of the season. In his one year in Ruston, he appeared in 25 games, averaging 2.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and shooting an efficient 55.6% from the field in 10.6 min. The ODU staff hopes Howze’s combination of size, length, and relentless rebounding will make him a force around the basket in their system.

Zamoku Weluche-Ume

INCOMING

6-8 • 220 lbs • Junior • Forward
Prev: NC A&T

Unfiltered Take: Weluche-Ume, a 6-8 forward, has committed to ODU, after a breakout junior campaign at NC A&T in the CAA. He averaged 11.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game across 29 appearances, emerging as one of the Aggies' most consistent interior contributors, while also showing potential to score at all three levels. He posted five double-doubles in a seven-game stretch mid-season, including a career-high 15 rebounds in an 80-73 win over Towson. Zam, who projects as a versatile power forward, is a product of the prestigious Barking Abbey Basketball Academy in London who competed professionally for the London Lions in the British Basketball League at 18 and represented England at the U16 and U18 national team levels before arriving in the United States at George Washington where is contribution was limited as a freshman before a wrist injury derailed his sophomore season. His commitment gives ODU a frontcourt piece with proven production and the physical profile to compete for rebounds and score in multiple ways.

Khoi Thurmon

INCOMING

6-1 • 205 lbs • Senior • Guard
Prev: Oakland

Unfiltered Take: Khoi Thurmon comes to ODU as his next stop on a well-traveled path that has cast him in a role as a solid Division I contributor off the bench, who can provide a defensive spark. A product of Buchtel High School in Ohio, where he averaged 18.1 points and 4.5 assists and earned All-State Second Team honors, he began his college career at Purdue Fort Wayne before taking his game to the JUCO level. At South Plains College, he earned NJCAA Division I All-American honors, averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting 49.3 percent from the field across 35 starts. He then transferred to Oakland in the Horizon League for 2025-26, appearing in all 32 games and totaling 81 points, 22 steals, and 43 assists across 12 minutes per game. His production at Oakland was limited by his role coming off the bench, but his JUCO résumé and defensive instincts — 53 steals in his final JUCO season alone — suggest a player who fits the defensive focus ODU's staff has prioritized in building this roster.

Adante' Holiman

INCOMING

5-11 • 175 lbs • Senior • Guard
Prev: Arizona State

Unfiltered Take: Holiman is a lightning-quick, 5-11 point guard who brings proven Division I scoring experience to Norfolk following stops at UTRGV, UTSA, Georgia Southern and Arizona State, where he redshirted. He is a dynamic playmaker who can create his own shot and break down defenses off the dribble, showing flashes of high-level offensive production and three-point range (38.6%) at Georgia Southern. However, his smaller frame means he can be targeted defensively against bigger, more physical backcourts. Bottom Line: Holiman offers an immediate injection of speed, ball-handling, and perimeter scoring, making him a strong candidate to either initiate the offense or get a bucket for himself when needed.

Bubu Benjamin

INCOMING

6-7 • 220 lbs • Senior • Wing
Prev: George Washington

Unfiltered Take: A 6'7, 220-pound guard/forward from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada (Edge School), who comes to Old Dominion after one season at George Washington. He began his college career at Tarleton State (WAC), where as a sophomore in 2024-25 he broke out in a big way—starting 31 of 32 games, leading the Texans in scoring at 13.9 points per game (plus 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals) while playing a WAC-high 36.0 minutes per night and shooting 44% from the field and 38% from three. After transferring to GW for 2025-26, his role decreased amid a knee injury and team struggles, and he averaged 5.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game (18 starts). Benjamin brings proven scoring, size on the wing, and three-point range to the Monarchs, where he’ll have one year of eligibility remaining.

Jotham Nweke

INCOMING

6-7 • 208 lbs • Senior • Wing
Prev: Wayne State

Unfiltered Take: A 6'7, 208-pound defensive minded forward from Oak Park, Michigan (Detroit Loyola HS), who most recently played at Wayne State University (D2, GLIAC) in 2025-26 before committing to Old Dominion. In his lone season with the Warriors, he started 26 of 27 games, averaging 9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 41.2% from the field and 31.7% from three; he posted three double-doubles, a season-high 21 points, and a career-high 14 rebounds, earning GLIAC All-Defensive Team and All-Academic Excellence honors. Prior to Wayne State, Nweke was a standout at Macomb Community College (JUCO), where he helped the program to strong seasons with double-digit scoring and rebounding production. At ODU, the athletic, versatile wing with length and defensive instincts is expected to provide immediate frontcourt depth and energy on the defensive end.

Outgoing Transfers

Robert Davis Jr.

OUTGOING

6-6 • 190 lbs • Junior • Guard
Prev: UMass

Unfiltered Take: Rob seems like a great person and we wish him well at his next stop. In year one at ODU he brought a lot of excitement and built a reputation as a serious threat to drop 30 on any given night. Year two was disappointing. Bottom Line: RDJ was a solid Monarch, but a change of scenery is probably best for all parties.

Drew McKenna

OUTGOING

6-7 • 220 lbs • Junior • Guard/Forward
Prev: Glenelg Country School

Unfiltered Take: This guy has the talent, frame, and athleticism to play at the highest levels of Division I college basketball. Unfortunately, he has not yet figured out how to tap into them. Bottom Line: McKenna was definitely worth taking a shot on, but coachability appears to be a problem. For Drew, we hope the next coach is the one who can unlock his limitless potential.

Donovan Raymond

OUTGOING

6-10 • 225 lbs • Junior • Forward
Prev: Hampton

Unfiltered Take: Raymond is rangy and athletic at 6-foot-10, but two years in the program did not prove enough to produce any significant development from the Hampton transfer. Raymond hits the portal after averaging 1.5 pts, 1.4 reb and 6.6 minutes on the season.

Elijah Flowers

OUTGOING

6-7 • 195 lbs • Freshman - RS • Forward

Unfiltered Take: Flowers is expected to enter the portal, so we won't spend too much time here. Bottom Line: Flowers redshirted his first year with the Monarchs and appears ready to hit the portal before he ever steps on the court.

Incoming Freshmen

CJ Harper

INCOMING

6-3 • - • Freshman • Wing / Point
Prev: The Paideia School

Unfiltered Take: Harper is a versatile 6-foot-3 combo guard who brings excellent length and the fluid ability to either initiate the offense or play off the ball on the wing. However, he will need to significantly tighten his handle and add strength to withstand the bruising, aggressive perimeter defense he will face nightly at the Division I level. Bottom Line: Harper's raw upside is undeniable, but relying on him as a Day 1 starter is a gamble for a team that lacks the consistency that strong upperclassmen provide.

CJ Lyons

INCOMING

6-2 • - • Freshman • Point Guard
Prev: Clinton Grace Christian School

Unfiltered Take: Lyons is a 6-foot-2 lead guard who projects to bring dynamic shot creation and scoring bursts. However, to survive the physical Sun Belt, he will need to add strength and adjust to college-level defensive pressure. Bottom Line: Lyons is a very nice prospect, but we shouldn't expect to rely on a freshman point guard to give us 30 minutes a night.

2026 - 2027 Current Roster

Kylan Howze

INCOMING

6-10 • 235 lbs • Senior • Forward
Prev: Louisiana Tech

Unfiltered Take: Kylan Howze is a 6-foot-10 forward coming to ODU from Louisiana Tech Howze brings elite rim protection and interior defense. Originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, Howze emerged as a standout at Gulfport High School before beginning his collegiate career at Jones College. During his tenure with the Bobcats, he established himself as one of the NJCAA’s premier shot-blockers. As a freshman, he recorded 86 blocks—ranked ninth nationally—and earned NJCAA Region 23 All-Tournament honors. He followed this with a dominant sophomore season, tallying 77 blocks and helping lead Jones to a program-record 30 wins and a #4 national ranking. Howze transitioned to Division I for the 2025-26 season at Louisiana Tech where his minutes fluctuated over the course of the season. In his one year in Ruston, he appeared in 25 games, averaging 2.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and shooting an efficient 55.6% from the field in 10.6 min. The ODU staff hopes Howze’s combination of size, length, and relentless rebounding will make him a force around the basket in their system.

Zamoku Weluche-Ume

INCOMING

6-8 • 220 lbs • Junior • Forward
Prev: NC A&T

Unfiltered Take: Weluche-Ume, a 6-8 forward, has committed to ODU, after a breakout junior campaign at NC A&T in the CAA. He averaged 11.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game across 29 appearances, emerging as one of the Aggies' most consistent interior contributors, while also showing potential to score at all three levels. He posted five double-doubles in a seven-game stretch mid-season, including a career-high 15 rebounds in an 80-73 win over Towson. Zam, who projects as a versatile power forward, is a product of the prestigious Barking Abbey Basketball Academy in London who competed professionally for the London Lions in the British Basketball League at 18 and represented England at the U16 and U18 national team levels before arriving in the United States at George Washington where is contribution was limited as a freshman before a wrist injury derailed his sophomore season. His commitment gives ODU a frontcourt piece with proven production and the physical profile to compete for rebounds and score in multiple ways.

Khoi Thurmon

INCOMING

6-1 • 205 lbs • Senior • Guard
Prev: Oakland

Unfiltered Take: Khoi Thurmon comes to ODU as his next stop on a well-traveled path that has cast him in a role as a solid Division I contributor off the bench, who can provide a defensive spark. A product of Buchtel High School in Ohio, where he averaged 18.1 points and 4.5 assists and earned All-State Second Team honors, he began his college career at Purdue Fort Wayne before taking his game to the JUCO level. At South Plains College, he earned NJCAA Division I All-American honors, averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting 49.3 percent from the field across 35 starts. He then transferred to Oakland in the Horizon League for 2025-26, appearing in all 32 games and totaling 81 points, 22 steals, and 43 assists across 12 minutes per game. His production at Oakland was limited by his role coming off the bench, but his JUCO résumé and defensive instincts — 53 steals in his final JUCO season alone — suggest a player who fits the defensive focus ODU's staff has prioritized in building this roster.

Adante' Holiman

INCOMING

5-11 • 175 lbs • Senior • Guard
Prev: Arizona State

Unfiltered Take: Holiman is a lightning-quick, 5-11 point guard who brings proven Division I scoring experience to Norfolk following stops at UTRGV, UTSA, Georgia Southern and Arizona State, where he redshirted. He is a dynamic playmaker who can create his own shot and break down defenses off the dribble, showing flashes of high-level offensive production and three-point range (38.6%) at Georgia Southern. However, his smaller frame means he can be targeted defensively against bigger, more physical backcourts. Bottom Line: Holiman offers an immediate injection of speed, ball-handling, and perimeter scoring, making him a strong candidate to either initiate the offense or get a bucket for himself when needed.

Bubu Benjamin

INCOMING

6-7 • 220 lbs • Senior • Wing
Prev: George Washington

Unfiltered Take: A 6'7, 220-pound guard/forward from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada (Edge School), who comes to Old Dominion after one season at George Washington. He began his college career at Tarleton State (WAC), where as a sophomore in 2024-25 he broke out in a big way—starting 31 of 32 games, leading the Texans in scoring at 13.9 points per game (plus 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals) while playing a WAC-high 36.0 minutes per night and shooting 44% from the field and 38% from three. After transferring to GW for 2025-26, his role decreased amid a knee injury and team struggles, and he averaged 5.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game (18 starts). Benjamin brings proven scoring, size on the wing, and three-point range to the Monarchs, where he’ll have one year of eligibility remaining.

Jotham Nweke

INCOMING

6-7 • 208 lbs • Senior • Wing
Prev: Wayne State

Unfiltered Take: A 6'7, 208-pound defensive minded forward from Oak Park, Michigan (Detroit Loyola HS), who most recently played at Wayne State University (D2, GLIAC) in 2025-26 before committing to Old Dominion. In his lone season with the Warriors, he started 26 of 27 games, averaging 9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 41.2% from the field and 31.7% from three; he posted three double-doubles, a season-high 21 points, and a career-high 14 rebounds, earning GLIAC All-Defensive Team and All-Academic Excellence honors. Prior to Wayne State, Nweke was a standout at Macomb Community College (JUCO), where he helped the program to strong seasons with double-digit scoring and rebounding production. At ODU, the athletic, versatile wing with length and defensive instincts is expected to provide immediate frontcourt depth and energy on the defensive end.

CJ Harper

INCOMING

6-3 • - • Freshman • Wing / Point
Prev: The Paideia School

Unfiltered Take: Harper is a versatile 6-foot-3 combo guard who brings excellent length and the fluid ability to either initiate the offense or play off the ball on the wing. However, he will need to significantly tighten his handle and add strength to withstand the bruising, aggressive perimeter defense he will face nightly at the Division I level. Bottom Line: Harper's raw upside is undeniable, but relying on him as a Day 1 starter is a gamble for a team that lacks the consistency that strong upperclassmen provide.

CJ Lyons

INCOMING

6-2 • - • Freshman • Point Guard
Prev: Clinton Grace Christian School

Unfiltered Take: Lyons is a 6-foot-2 lead guard who projects to bring dynamic shot creation and scoring bursts. However, to survive the physical Sun Belt, he will need to add strength and adjust to college-level defensive pressure. Bottom Line: Lyons is a very nice prospect, but we shouldn't expect to rely on a freshman point guard to give us 30 minutes a night.

Zacch Wiggins

RETURNING

6-4 • 200 lbs • Sophomore • Wing

Unfiltered Take: Wiggins is a rangy wing who can score at all three levels, rebounds well for his position, and shows real promise as a defender. He had a very nice freshman campaign. Bottom Line: We expect Wiggins to take a step forward into a leading role for the 2026-27 Monarchs.

Scottie Hubbard

RETURNING

6-6 • 210 lbs • Junior • Wing/Forward

Unfiltered Take: Hubbard is an interesting case. He is a streaky shooter — mostly a standstill catch-and-shoot threat — but he has nice size as a wing. He struggles to defend in space, though he holds up better against bigger, slower players. He also rebounds well for a wing. Bottom Line: If ODU is going to take a step forward, Hubbard is a rotation player at best, and to become a solid rotation piece he must become a more consistent shooter and a better defender in space.

Jared Turner

RETURNING

6-8 • 215 lbs • Senior • Forward
Prev: Northeastern

Unfiltered Take: Turner is a player without a true position. At 6-foot-8, he lacks the quickness to defend on the perimeter and the shot-making ability to play as a true wing, but he also lacks the physicality and athleticism to function as a true power forward. Turner is a standstill shooter who is streaky but capable of posting a solid three-point percentage over the course of a season. Bottom Line: Turner is at best a rotation player who can provide spot minutes at the three and four positions, potentially offering a three-point spark off the bench.

Ben Nacey

RETURNING

6-8 • 250 lbs • Junior • Center/Forward

Unfiltered Take: We love Big Ben, but progress has been slow and hampered by limited playing time. He has a nice touch around the rim, but his lack of athleticism makes it difficult for him to guard and rebound at the Sun Belt level. Bottom Line: Ben projects as a depth piece who could provide solid minutes against the right matchup, but it is hard to expect him to be a significant contributor.

CJ Parker

RETURNING

6-6 • 210 lbs • Sophomore • Guard

Unfiltered Take: Parker is a walk-on in his third season with the Monarchs and is not expected to fit into the rotation. Bottom Line: Parker is a solid team-first guy who has spent time in the system. If he can provide leadership and help newcomers absorb the culture and the system, he has done his job.

Rieco Hellams

RETURNING

5-10 • 165 lbs • Junior • Guard

Unfiltered Take: Hellams has played spot minutes at times. He is a quick and willing defender but lacks the size and strength to be a consistent contributor. Bottom Line: Hellams has been a great culture guy who shows leadership and is clearly respected by his coaches, but his greatest contributions will remain the things he does behind the scenes. We appreciate what he brings to the program, even when we don't see it on the stat sheet.