During the latest summer workouts, Dayton Flyers head coach Anthony Grant took the opportunity to outline the shape of the 2026‑27 roster, stressing that cultural connectedness and a relentless work ethic are the bedrock of his vision.
Grant explained that the staff has moved beyond traditional stats, adopting a suite of performance metrics — including total deflections, hustle rate and hustle points — to capture the less obvious contributions that often decide games.
The Value of ‘Dirty Work’
He described ‘dirty work’ as the collection of small, often overlooked actions — like a timely screen or a defensive scramble — that collectively build a cohesive foundation and make the team harder to beat.
New strength coach Lou DeNeen has introduced unconventional drills, such as rope jumping before basketball-specific work, to enhance explosiveness and reinforce the squad’s physical identity.
The roster itself reflects a blend of experience and transition: five returning players, six transfers, three freshmen and three senior walk‑on guards, amounting to 14 scholarship athletes — the most ever in a single practice session for the program.
Among them, Jalen Haynes, who missed the previous season due to injury, has shown noticeable progress in integrating into team routines, while forward Julian Washington, though absent from recent practice, made an appearance in a recent scrimmage that featured both current and former Flyers.
Looking Ahead Amid Legal Uncertainty
Grant acknowledged the ongoing litigation involving several recruits from the 2022 class who are seeking a fifth year of eligibility, noting that the outcome could reverberate across college basketball and football, but emphasized that the team’s immediate focus remains on on‑court development.
The added depth not only bolsters the squad’s resilience against injuries but also provides a laboratory for players to experiment with roles, ensuring that the culture Grant envisions continues to take root as the season approaches.