The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) has unveiled its roster for the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season, a lineup that blends proven returning talent with a wave of new faces.
A roster built for competition
Among the returning players are DJ Jamerson and Clayton Moore, who were instrumental in the Lopers’ 8‑5 record last season and helped the team knock off two Top 25 opponents.
The fresh additions come from seven different U.S. states and from Senegal, bringing a mix of styles and backgrounds that coach hopes will deepen the squad’s depth.
Highlights among the newcomers include Nate Kelley, the 2027 Omaha World‑Herald Boys Athlete of the Year, and Phillip Nadeau, an All‑State forward who averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 rebounds last year.
Other transfers worth noting are Cristian Simmons, who earned second‑team Class 6A All‑Region honors, and Jamaria Clark, nicknamed ‘Juice’, a Division I All‑Region selection who previously starred at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.
Tavian Cruse arrives after being named NJCAA Division II All‑American and Kansas Junior College Conference MVP, while Mouhammed Mbaye returns following a stint on a 2025 national championship team.
Amarion Savage, a Sweet 16 participant at Lenoir‑Rhyne College and Eastern Washington, adds experience from the Division II ranks, and defensive specialist Elhadji Thiam contributed 10.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game at Lakeland College.
The Lopers open the season at home on November 9 against Wayne State, with preseason practice scheduled to begin on October 8, setting the stage for a promising campaign.