Coastal Carolina University is set to reshape its men’s basketball lineup for the 2026‑27 season as eleven new players prepare to join the program. The incoming class features a mix of experienced transfers and promising freshmen, each bringing a distinct skill set that coaches hope will translate into additional wins.
The Chanticleers concluded the previous season with a 19‑win record and a tie for second place in the Sun Belt Conference. That foundation has set the stage for a competitive push, and the athletic department sees the new roster additions as a critical catalyst for continued growth.
Among the transfers, Ashton Hardaway arrives after a stint at Memphis where he contributed 5.6 points per game and was once a four‑star recruit. Jaylen Cross, a former prep standout at Caldwell Academy, accumulated more than 2,000 career points before enrolling. Caleb Middleton, known for shooting nearly 59 percent from the field in college, adds interior efficiency, while Trey Perry, who averaged 5.8 points as a freshman at Miami University, brings guard depth. Darius Washington III, who appeared in 24 games for Kennesaw State and scored in double figures four times, rounds out the experienced influx.
Fresh Talent Joins the Mix
The freshmen cohort includes JT Kelsheimer, who helped St. Edward High School reach the Ohio Division I state semifinals, and Bryson Sams, a South Carolina all‑state selection who averaged 21.5 points per game in high school. Both players are expected to inject youthful energy and scoring punch into the backcourt.
The coaching staff also welcomes back key veterans such as DaJohn Craig, Derrick Green, and Tristan Thompson, who will provide continuity and leadership alongside the newcomers. Together, the blend of seasoned transfers, high‑school standouts, and returning players creates a roster that balances experience with untapped potential.
With a schedule that includes conference rivals and non‑conference powerhouses, the Chanticleers are poised to test their new chemistry early in the season. Early performances will likely serve as a barometer for how effectively the team can integrate its diverse talent pool.