University of North Florida’s men’s basketball program is entering a pivotal season under head coach Bobby Kennen, who is steering the team toward a strategy that blends retention of existing talent with a focused high‑school recruiting push.
A Retain‑and‑Develop Blueprint
For the first time, the Ospreys will distribute name, image and likeness (NIL) funds to every player on the roster, a move that reshapes how scholarships are allocated and signals a new financial model for the university.
Kennen has emphasized that the roster will be built around keeping current players and adding fresh talent from the high‑school ranks, a decision that deliberately sidesteps the transfer portal in favor of a retain‑and‑develop philosophy.
The team has already secured six new signees and is on track to add one more before the next recruitment cycle, a plan that underscores the program’s intent to grow from within.
Among those returning, the second‑, fourth‑ and fifth‑leading scorers — Kent Jackson, Mason Lee and B.J. Plummer — will once again lead the offense, providing continuity and proven scoring ability.
New arrivals include high‑school prospects Asa Kohn, Chris Perry and Isaiah Brown, each expected to contribute immediately, while junior‑college recruit JR Bartelus brings a 12‑point average and 7.3 rebounds per game from Chipola College.
Portal transfers Elijah Elliott and Eddie Placer add experience; Elliott earned a spot on the Mid‑American Conference’s all‑freshman team in 2024‑25, and Placer averaged 8.5 points for Wagner College last season.
Mason Watkins, a true point guard, is expected to give UNF a significant lift at that position, while Isaiah Brown is described as college‑ready with a strong motor and physical presence.
The roster will reconvene on June 8, when players are allowed to work together for up to eight hours per week, setting the stage for a competitive preseason.