LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history, No. 10 West Alabama men's basketball opens the 2026-27 campaign this weekend against Lane College on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Central State on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the GSC-SIAC Crossover in Pruitt Hall.
The Tigers enter the season ranked No. 10 nationally in the NABC Division II Preseason Poll after finishing the 2025-26 campaign with a 27-6 record, capturing the Gulf South Conference Regular Season Championship and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. Under Head Coach Nick Woodruff, West Alabama looks to carry that momentum into another championship pursuit.
Although UWA lost several key contributors, including Rasean Frederick, Christian Thompson and Elliot Tulip, the Tigers return six players from last year's championship squad. The returning group is led by BJ Brown Jr., Caleb Parr and Jakobe Singleton, who each played important roles in West Alabama's success.
Brown Jr. returns as the centerpiece of the Tigers' backcourt after earning All-GSC honors last season while being named to the Preseason All-GSC Team a couple weeks ago. The point guard averaged 11.5 points, 5.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game last season, establishing himself as one of the conference's top playmakers.
Parr provides another experienced option after averaging 9.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field. Singleton also returns after contributing 9.0 points per game off the bench and shooting an efficient 51.6 percent from the floor.
West Alabama's returning core is complemented by a strong incoming class featuring nine newcomers who bring collegiate experience, scoring ability and added depth to the roster.
Tyler Byrd headlines the incoming backcourt additions after transferring from Alabama State, where he averaged 10.3 points per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field. Jonathan Goldson also joins the Tigers after an impressive season at Thomas University, averaging 15.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while earning SSAC Freshman of the Year honors.
Arthur Williams adds another established scoring option after averaging 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 42 percent from three-point range. Adrian Cruz, a graduate transfer from St. Thomas, provides additional experience and depth at the point guard position.
The Tigers also added significant size and production to their frontcourt. Michael Nwoye joins West Alabama after averaging 12.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game at Cumberland, recording 11 double-doubles during his freshman season. Avaughn Johnson adds another productive presence after averaging 14.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game at Mississippi College.
Michael Cooper, who transferred from Wagner, and David Oriaku, who arrives from Texas A&M-Kingsville, give the Tigers additional athleticism, versatility and defensive presence around the basket.
With a combination of returning championship experience and an influx of proven collegiate talent, West Alabama enters the season with depth and versatility across its lineup. The Tigers will look to establish their identity early.
THE OPPONENT: LANE COLLEGE | CENTRAL STATE
Lane College enters the 2026-27 season under first-year head coach Barry Wellington. The Dragons finished 10-17 last season and were picked 13th in the SIAC Preseason Predicted Order of Finish.
Lane returns several experienced players, including Xavier Bell, who averaged 8.3 points per game while shooting 38.8 percent from three-point range, and Chase Murray, who averaged 7.2 points per game and shot 35.4 percent from beyond the arc.
The Dragons also feature considerable size in the frontcourt, with multiple players standing 6-foot-10 or taller. Mathok Chol, Chase Murray, Paul Pullins, Benjamin Byrd and Jerome Beya give Lane several options to create challenges around the basket.
With a new coaching staff and a roster featuring a combination of returning players and newcomers, Lane will look to challenge a strong UWA team on opening night.
Central State enters the season looking to grow after a 12-18 campaign in 2025-26. The Marauders averaged 71.9 points per game last season while shooting 44.9% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range.
The biggest storyline surrounding this roster is the turnover in its offensive production. Central State lost its three leading scorers from last season, Micah Bays, Ramar Pryor and Javantae Randle. Those three combined to average 43.8 points per game.
Head coach Travis Lewis returns with a retooled roster featuring a mix of experienced players, transfers and underclassmen.
West Alabama opens the 2026-27 season against Lane College on Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Pruitt Hall as part of the GSC-SIAC Crossover. On Saturday, UWA will conclude the Crossover with a 4:30 p.m. matchup against Central State. Tickets can be purchased here.
