Boise State’s basketball program suffered a blow when four‑star guard Brandon Mason Jr., a top prospect from Missouri’s Link Academy, announced his commitment to Xavier University. The decision came after an official visit that highlighted a personal connection with the coaching staff, a factor that ultimately tipped the scales for the Albuquerque native.
Mason Jr. grew up in Albuquerque and is the son of former Lobos assistant coach Brandon Mason Sr., a link that added a layer of familiarity to Xavier’s recruiting pitch. The young guard’s choice underscored the importance of relationships in modern recruiting, especially for a player who had previously been courted by several high‑profile programs.
A Recruiting Crossroads for the Broncos
Xavier’s coach, Richard Pitino, brought a compelling résumé to the table. Having steered New Mexico to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a second‑round run in 2025, Pitino’s track record resonated with Mason Jr. His experience at the collegiate level, combined with a perceived familial tie to the program, helped seal the commitment.
Boise State, still reeling from the loss of all five starters from the previous season, entered the 2027 recruiting cycle without a verbal pledge. The Broncos nonetheless secured two promising transfers: Brady Hennig from Washington and Kaur Tomann from New York. Hennig, who led Mount Si High School to a 24‑5 record and a fourth‑place finish in the Class 4A state tournament, averaged 19.9 points per game last season. Tomann, an Estonian international who shone at the FIBA U18 European Championships, overcame a December Achilles injury to be slated for a full return.
The incoming roster also features six fifth‑year seniors — Rayzhon Bergersen, Dovydas Butka, Brennan Ramirez, Ty Rodgers, Lamar Washington and Damari Wheeler‑Thomas — who bring a blend of experience and potential. Ty Rodgers, an Illinois transfer, may be sidelined for the entire season due to injury, but the NCAA’s sixth‑year eligibility rule could grant him an additional year of competition.
The moves illustrate a shifting landscape for the Broncos, who must blend fresh talent with seasoned veterans to remain competitive in the Mountain West. While the loss of Mason Jr. represents a setback, the additions of Hennig and Tomann provide a foundation upon which the coaching staff can build a resilient squad for the upcoming campaign.