The Transfer Surge
The Atlantic 10 Conference enters the 2026 campaign with an unprecedented influx of talent, as twelve of the eighteen players who earned first, second or third team honors last season arrived via transfer. This movement reflects a broader trend of top prospects using the league as a springboard before reaching larger platforms.
Among the most talked‑about arrivals is Lazar Djokovic, who posted a 13.2‑point average at Virginia Commonwealth after a stint at Charleston, and Trey Green, who contributed 10.7 points per game at Saint Louis following his transfer from Xavier. Both are expected to bolster their new programs’ scoring depth and defensive versatility.
Dayton’s roster will see the addition of Grant Randall, a 6‑9 forward who averaged 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds at Quinnipiac, and De’Shayne Montgomery, who compiled 13.4 points per game after experiences at Mount St. Mary’s and Georgia. Their inside presence should alter the Flyers’ tactical approach against traditional rivals.
The incoming 2026‑27 transfer class promises further reshaping, with prospects such as Nick Janowski, who averaged 16.3 points as a sophomore at St. Thomas, heading to Davidson, and Amon Dörries, a 6‑11 forward who posted 16.2 points as a freshman at Bucknell, set to join Richmond. These moves signal a continued emphasis on recruiting players who can immediately impact conference play.
Beyond individual statistics, the transfer wave reflects a strategic shift among Atlantic 10 programs to assemble competitive lineups through targeted recruitment rather than relying solely on high school prospects. As coaches integrate these newcomers, the conference’s balance of power may tilt toward teams that successfully blend experience with emerging talent.