Old Dominion’s men’s basketball coach Mike Jones is shaping a revamped roster for the 2026‑27 season, announcing the addition of seven transfers who are expected to inject fresh talent and depth into the squad.
Among those newcomers is Kylan Howze, a 6‑foot‑10‑inch forward who spent the previous year at Louisiana Tech before committing to the Monarchs. Known for his defensive instincts, Howze brings a blend of size, timing and the ability to alter shots across the paint.
Howze’s defensive resume includes a standout freshman season at Jones College, where he ranked 44th among junior‑college prospects nationally and logged 86 blocks — the second‑most in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference. His sophomore year culminated in a MACCC regular‑season title, with the team posting a 13‑1 conference record.
During his sophomore campaign he started 19 of 30 games, averaging 5.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, while his 77 blocks placed him 14th nationally among Division I prospects. At Louisiana Tech, he appeared in 25 games, making four starts, and posted a season‑high nine points on 3‑for‑3 shooting against Nevada.
High school highlights at Gulfport High in Mississippi saw Howze help the Admirals to a 26‑5 record and earn a spot in the Mississippi/Alabama All‑Star Game, underscoring his reputation as a dominant interior presence.
Defensive Anchor Arrives in Norfolk
The move also ties Howze to a broader recruiting pipeline that links Virginia’s coastal region with Mississippi’s basketball hotbeds, a connection that could influence future talent flows.
Coach Jones praised the addition, noting that Howze’s length and shot‑blocking ability will complement the team’s defensive schemes and provide a versatile option off the bench.