HICKORY, N.C. - Coming off the arguably the most historic season in Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Basketball history, second year head coach Brent Owen has officially closed out his recruitment for the 2025-26 season. 

After losing three of the Bears' top four scorers from last year's NCAA Division II Elite Eight squad, Coach Brent Owen and staff have loaded up for next season. This year's team will feature nine returners and eight newcomers. 

To view the entire 2025-26 roster, click HERE.

What coach is saying:

#2 Keyishon Miller - Forward | 6'6" | 180 | Senior | Philadelphia, PA | Sacred Heart University

• "Keyishon is an athletic wing who has the ability to score in several ways and defend at a high level. He averaged 19 points and 7 rebounds a game in a very competitive junior college league while shooting 50, 40, 80 from FG, 3FG, and FT line including 174 made free throws. Those numbers are incredible and typically numbers from that conference translate well to our level."

#3 Tyler Burraston - Guard | 6'4" | 195 | Senior | Draper, UT | University of Alaska Anchorage

• "Tyler has proven himself over and over again to be one of the best shooters in the country. He is a smart, tough player who puts the team first. His shooting ability immediately makes everyone on the court better because of the amount of attention he will require of the opposing defense."

#4 Rogelio Rivera - Guard | 6'2" | 180 | Freshman | Indianapolis, IN | North Central HS

• "I've known Papi since he was 10 years old as he was the younger brother of Mateo Rivera who served as the starting point guard for our 2019 Final Four team when I was at the University of Southern Indiana. He is a highly skilled combo guard who can shoot, pass, and handle the ball with the best of them. He's a competitor who played in one of the best high school basketball leagues in the country, winning two county championships, which has left him well-prepared to have an opportunity to play right away."

#7 Akili Evans - Guard/Forward | 6'5" | 185 | Senior | Waterbury, CT | Austin Peay State University

• "Akili is a smart player who is a long, athletic playmaker. He can shoot, score off the dribble, finish above the rim, and has great vision for finding open teammates. His 6'9 wingspan and competitive attitude makes him a versatile defender who will frequently draw the other teams' best offensive player."

#10 Jake Mattachione - Guard | 6'3" | 160 | Freshman | Apex, N.C. | Moravian Prep

• "Jake comes to us from Moravian Prep, one of the best prep school programs in the country. He is a tough, smart guard who can shoot and defend. He is a culture guy who cares about winning first and will be a great asset to our program."

#17 Clayton White - Center | 7'1" | 275 | Sophomore | Keller, TX | Keller Central HS

• "Clayton brings another round of unusual size to our already loaded front court. He has a great frame at 7'1" and possesses good touch around the rim. His potential is through the roof and our entire coaching staff is excited to have the chance to work with him."

#23 Blessin Kimble - Forward | 6'7" | 215 | Senior | Charleston, MO | New Mexico Highlands University

• "Blessin is the strong, physical, tough, athletic, versatile type of player that is really hard to find. He will make a significant, immediate impact as a forward who can rebound and lead the break, get to the free throw line, and guard anyone on the floor."

#33 Landon Vaughan - Forward | 6'9" | 180 | Freshman | Catawba, N.C. | Bandys HS

• "Landon is a great young man with tons of potential. His 6'9 frame and his strong work ethic and positive attitude make for a great combination. He knows that he has work to do to get ready for the SAC but he has already demonstrated the desire to put in that work this summer on his own. I think he has a chance to help our program now and into the future."

"I'm so excited to add these young men to our program and get to work with them in the coming weeks. Our two assistant coaches, Tyrone Grady and Cesar Lujan-Flores, did an outstanding job working hard to help us find the right talent and character to fit our championship culture," states Coach Owen. "I believe these additions put us in position to compete with the best teams in the country. Once the schedule is released you will want to mark your calendars for some exciting nights in Shuford Arena this season!"

The Bears aren't shying away from anyone this year as they open their season on November 1st and 2nd at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Lakeland, Florida. There they will face off against two NCAA Tournament teams in Daemen and Michigan Tech.