LIVINGSTON, Ala. – With the 2026-27 men's basketball season set to begin this weekend, UWA Athletics takes an in-depth look at this year's West Alabama roster.
West Alabama enters the 2026-27 campaign following a historic 2025-26 season. The Tigers finished with a 27-6 record, captured the GSC Regular Season Championship, and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
UWA lost several key contributors, including Rasean Frederick, Christian Thompson, and Elliot Tulip, but returns six players from last year's championship squad: BJ Brown Jr., Caleb Parr, Jakobe Singleton, Amillion Buggs, Tristan Watson, and Braden Peters.
Along with its returning core, West Alabama added nine newcomers through the transfer portal and recruiting process. Tyler Byrd, Michael Cooper, Michael Nwoye, Avaughn Johnson, Arthur Williams, David Oriaku, Adrian Cruz, Jonathan Goldson, and Jordan Smith headline an incoming class assembled by Head Coach Nick Woodruff and Assistant Coach Justin Allison.
GUARDS
BJ Brown Jr. leads the Tigers' backcourt after earning All-GSC honors last season and being named to the Preseason All-GSC Team. The point guard averaged 11.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in 2025-26 and returns as one of West Alabama's top playmakers.
Tyler Byrd brings an established scoring presence to the backcourt after transferring from Alabama State. The former Division I guard averaged 10.3 points per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and adds another scoring option to the Tigers' lineup.
Jonathan Goldson joins West Alabama after competing at Thomas University. The sophomore averaged 15.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 46 percent from the field, 41 percent from three-point range, and 83 percent from the free-throw line. Goldson was named the SSAC Freshman of the Year and earned Second Team All-Conference honors.
Caleb Parr returns as one of the Tigers' top contributors after serving as a starting wing last season. Parr averaged 9.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field. He also established himself as one of West Alabama's top on-ball defenders in his introductory season last year.
Arthur Williams adds another scoring threat to the backcourt. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 42 percent from beyond the arc. Williams scored in double figures in 19 games last season and brings an efficient scoring presence to Livingston.
Adrian Cruz joins the Tigers as a graduate transfer from St. Thomas. Cruz brings experience and perimeter shooting to the backcourt while providing another option at the point guard position.
Braden Peters rounds out the returning guards for West Alabama. Although he saw limited playing time last season, Peters possesses one of the top shooting abilities on the roster and will look to make an impact in his return.
FORWARDS
Jakobe Singleton returns as one of West Alabama's top scoring options after averaging 9.0 points per game off the bench last season. The forward was highly efficient, shooting 51.6 percent from the field, and provided a valuable scoring presence for the Tigers throughout their championship campaign.
Michael Cooper is another key addition to the frontcourt after transferring from Wagner. Cooper also brings experience from previous stops at Vincennes and North Platte Community College. Named to the GSC Newcomers Watchlist, Cooper offers athleticism, rebounding, defensive versatility, and the ability to score at all three levels.
Michael Nwoye also earned a spot on the GSC Newcomers Watchlist after an impressive freshman campaign at Cumberland. Nwoye averaged 12.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 54.4 percent from the field. He recorded 11 double-doubles in 2025-26 and gives the Tigers another productive presence in the frontcourt.
Amillion Buggs returns after making significant contributions on the defensive end late last season. The athletic forward played an important role in West Alabama's GSC Championship run and provides the Tigers with another versatile defensive option.
Avaughn Johnson joins the Tigers after spending last season at Mississippi College, where he averaged 14.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the field. Johnson is a score-first forward who is comfortable operating inside the three-point line but also has the ability to stretch the floor from beyond the arc.
David Oriaku brings athleticism and rim protection to the frontcourt after transferring from Texas A&M-Kingsville. The junior gives West Alabama another defensive presence around the basket and adds length and athleticism to the Tigers' frontcourt.
Tristan Watson is another returning option for West Alabama. Standing at 6-foot-6, Watson provides a perimeter threat as a stretch forward with the ability to knock down shots from three-point range. After seeing limited action last season, Watson will look to earn a larger role in the Tigers' rotation.
SEASON OPENER
West Alabama enters the new season with a retooled roster that combines returning championship experience with an influx of talent. With several scoring options, added depth, and versatility on both ends of the floor, the Tigers will look to build on last year's success as they begin their pursuit of another championship.
UWA opens the 2026-27 season this weekend at the GSC-SIAC Crossover. The Tigers will face Lane College on Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Pruitt Hall to begin the season.
