News Summary
Western Kentucky University’s men’s basketball team is making significant changes ahead of the new season, reshuffling their roster with fresh talent. A standout addition is junior forward Noah Boyde from LSU, who brings impressive skills to the court. The team also faces challenges, including a recent DUI incident involving sophomore guard Jack Edelen. With new recruits and returning players focused on growth, WKU aims to build a cohesive and competitive team for the upcoming season.
Changes and New Faces for Western Kentucky University’s Basketball Team
Bowling Green, Kentucky – The buzz around Western Kentucky University’s men’s basketball team is palpable as they gear up for a new season filled with fresh talent and changes. With the recent ups and downs the team has experienced, they’ve been busy reshuffling their roster and adding new players to make a strong comeback.
A Tribute to a Late Coach
One of the most heartwarming stories emerging is that of graduate thrower Kaison Barton. He has been training hard, driven by a deep desire to honor the memory of his late coach, Brent Chumbley, who sadly passed away in late January. Barton is channeling his grief into motivation and aiming to make his coach proud.
Diving into the Basketball Roster Changes
The recent basketball season left fans feeling mixed emotions with a 17-15 overall record and an 8-10 showing in the Conference USA. The team has already seen some significant roster changes. Notably, rising star guard Julius Thedford, who was recognized on the Conference USA All-Freshman team last season, entered the transfer portal at the end of March. He has now committed to Memphis, searching for new opportunities.
Welcoming the Newest Addition
In exciting news, the WKU men’s basketball team recently added former LSU junior forward Noah Boyde, who brings impressive skills to the court. Standing tall at a striking 7 feet, Boyde hails from Monchy, St. Lucia, and spent the past two seasons at McCook Community College in Nebraska. During his time there, he garnered attention by averaging 11.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, leading the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX in rebounds for the 2022-23 season.
Boyde’s debut season at LSU was unfortunately marred by an ACL injury, limiting him to just five games in the 2024-25 season. Despite those setbacks, he scored a total of seven points and averaged 2.2 minutes per game. Nonetheless, his potential shines through, and he has already proven himself in college basketball with notable achievements including 23 double-figure scoring games and 14 double-digit rebounding games. His remarkable talent even earned him a spot on the FAB 50 list of junior college freshmen by JucoRecruiting.com.
The addition of Boyde marks the fourth player acquired via the transfer portal for WKU, joining hands with fellow forwards Bryant Selebangue from McNeese State and Louie Semona from Stonehill, along with guard Cam Haffner from Evansville.
Recruits and Future Prospects
Moreover, the excitement doesn’t stop there, as WKU has welcomed new freshmen shooting guard Armelo Boone from Woodford County and forward Lawson Rice from Butler County during the early signing period. This blend of new talent creates a promising outlook for the team’s future.
Addressing Challenges and Support
However, not everything has been smooth sailing, as the team faced a tough situation when sophomore guard Jack Edelen was arrested for DUI and a traffic violation on February 2, 2025. The WKU program has expressed support for Edelen as they work through this matter internally. It has been confirmed that Edelen will not travel with the team for their upcoming road trips against Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State, ensuring focus and support for the rest of the roster.
Looking Ahead
In light of these changes and challenges, the Hilltoppers are gearing up for a new season with anticipation. As new players join the ranks and current ones focus on personal growth and support, WKU Basketball is working hard to create a cohesive and competitive team. With the right mindset and determination, fans can look forward to an exhilarating season ahead.
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WKU Football and Softball Make Headlines in Bowling Green
Additional Resources
- WKU Herald: Men’s Basketball Adds Forward
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Basketball
- BG Daily News: WKU Women’s Basketball
- Google Search: WKU Basketball
- WBKO: WKU Men’s Basketball Player Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- FIU Sports: Men’s Basketball Takes on WKU
- Google News: WKU Men’s Basketball
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
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