Men's Basketball: New Talent Inbound
Local Division I men's basketball programs are busy securing commitments from high school prospects and experienced transfers to build their future rosters.
Appalachian State University has finalized its 2025-26 recruiting class with the signing of three players. The Mountaineers have added Tre McKinnon, a 6-5 wing from Lake Norman High School, along with Jacari Brim, a 6-2 guard from West Forsyth High School, and forward Davin "Ted" Neal from Newton High School in Georgia. The team has also added transfers Eren Banks from Georgia Southern and Kasen Jennings, who previously played at South Florida, to their roster.
UNC Asheville has signed two players for the 2025-26 season, securing commitments from Myles Mayfield and Brayden Rivers. The Bulldogs are continuing their recruiting efforts with recent official visits from prospects, including Sage Tolentino and Justin Wright.
Western Carolina University has been active in the transfer portal, recently adding Julien Soumaoro. The 5-10 guard, who previously played for Gardner-Webb and ECU, will join the Catamounts for the 2025-26 season, adding a key piece to their backcourt.
In Charlotte, the UNC Charlotte program has focused on both domestic and international talent. The 49ers recently added Raúl Villar, a 6-4 guard who was the captain of Spain's U18 Eurobasket championship squad. He joins two other freshmen in their upcoming class, as the program continues to utilize the transfer portal to round out its roster.
Women's Basketball: Laying the Foundation
While specific recruiting commitments have not been a major focus in recent reports, women's basketball teams at these regional universities are actively preparing for their seasons, with each program competing at the Division I level.
Appalachian State is a member of the Sun Belt Conference, playing its home games at the Holmes Center. The Mountaineers will look to build on their roster ahead of conference play.
UNC Asheville competes in the Big South Conference. The Bulldogs are preparing to defend their home court at Kimmel Arena and compete for a conference title.
Western Carolina University's women's program is part of the Southern Conference, with the Catamounts playing their games at the Ramsey Center. The team is aiming to be a strong contender in the SoCon.
UNC Charlotte is a member of the American Athletic Conference. The 49ers will host their home games at Halton Arena as they navigate a highly competitive conference schedule.
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