The beginning of the men's basketball season is just days away, and the River States Conference is excited to preview the 2026-27 seasons for our member schools! Each RSC school talked with players and coaches from their teams, with those interviews linked below as part of Media Day!
Additionally, each school has spotlighted players expected to be major contributors during the 2026-27 campaign, and are also listed below as our 2026-27 Players to Watch!
BRESCIA
Media Day
Players to Watch
Eugene Bryant
Junior | Tampa, Florida | Guard
According to coaches, Bryant arrived at Brescia from Potomac State College with a chip on his shoulder and athletic ability described as "second-to-none." He is projected to be a high-level defender and a Day 1 slasher on the offensive end. Coupled with a relentless ability in transition, he has the ability to score in bunches. Coaches say he reads the game at a high level and is a very capable shooter.
Ty Price
Sophomore | Morgantown, Kentucky | Guard
Price is a Division I transfer from UT Martin that coaches say came in "with a chip on his shoulder, ready to compete and win at the NAIA level." Coaches hope he will be a problem as a scorer, shooter, and passer at the NAIA level. He is also described as the hardest worker on the team, and has shown great leadership on and off the floor.
IU COLUMBUS
Media Day
Players to Watch
Eric Jackson II
Sophomore | Indianapolis, Indiana | Forward
Jackson returns to IU Columbus after scoring more than six points per game as a freshman last season. He is described as "a perfect example of the potential growth in this program." Coaches say Jackson has taken every opportunity possible to improve, learn and grow in the early parts of this season, and is producing and leading a very impressive way.
Damontae Thompson
Senior | Madison, Wisconsin | Guard
Thompson was a Third Team All-River States Conference selection last season. He is described by coaches as "a bonafide leader hungry to have a significant impact on this program and campus community." Thompson has been at the forefront of all aspects of the IU Columbus program this offseason. He represents all coaches want in their student-athletes — humble, working and grateful for the opportunity to play the game he loves.
IU EAST
Media Day
Players to Watch
Tarrell Jewell
Senior | Cleveland, Ohio | Forward
Tarrell Jewell enters his fifth season at IU East. Jewell played 28 games last season, making seven starts. The Cleveland native shot better than 63 percent from the field, scoring nearly 100 points on the season.
Dae'Shaun Showes
Sophomore | Middletown, Ohio | Forward
Showes brings some returning size to the IU East frontcourt. The 6-10 forward started eleven games for the Red Wolves as a freshman, and shot better than 58 percent from the field.
IU KOKOMO
Media Day
Players to Watch
Joseph Annan, Jr.
Senior | Indianapolis, Indiana | Forward
A First Team All-RSC selection last season, Annan Jr. returns as the Cougars' leading scorer and rebounder after totaling 494 points and 240 rebounds a year ago. With 1,022 career points and 499 rebounds to his name, the senior forward will once again be a key piece of IU Kokomo's success this season.
Jake McGraw
Sophomore | Frankfort, Indiana | Guard
Coming off an impressive freshman campaign in which he totaled 288 points, 164 rebounds and 49 assists, McGraw looks to build on a strong start to his collegiate career. The sophomore guard is expected to take another step forward and play an important role in the Cougars' success this season.
IU SOUTHEAST
Media Day
Players to Watch
Cole Thomas
Sophomore | Elizabeth, Indiana | Guard
Thomas ended his 2025-26 season on a high note, as the then-freshman scored 20 points and played 36 minutes in the Grenadiers' NAIA Tournament game at Friends.
Jordan Treat
Sophomore | New Albany, Indiana | Guard
Treat appeared in all 32 games last season, shot 34% from three-point range, and scored a season-high 14 points vs. SMWC in early February. The hometown New Albany native is expected to take a step forward this season.
KENTUCKY CHRISTIAN
Media Day
Players to Watch
Jayden Loydd
Senior | Lake Wales, Florida | Guard
Loydd is one of the top returning players in the River States Conference, earning Second Team All-Conference honors last season. The guard averaged more than 12 points per game a year ago, and was among the RSC leaders in steals and assists.
LeMar Northington II
Senior | Hopkinsville, Kentucky | Guard
Northington finished strong last season, averaging 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the final ten games of the season. Northington looks to have a big senior season building off the strong end to his junior campaign.
MIDWAY
Media Day
Players to Watch
Sam Parrish
Junior | Lexington, Kentucky | Guard
Parrish returns to Midway after putting in significant work throughout the offseason in preparation for the upcoming season. He will look to take the next step in his development and have a breakout year for the Eagles in 2026-27.
Amari Wales
Senior | Owensboro, Kentucky | Guard
Wales returns for his senior season after earning All-Conference honors in each of the past two years. He will look to build on his previous success and finish his collegiate career on a high note while playing a key role for the Eagles during the 2026-27 season.
RIO GRANDE
Media Day
Players to Watch
Parker Penrod
Junior | Troy, Ohio | Guard
Penrod comes to Rio Grande as a transfer from Ohio Christian University. The Troy native was the former RSC member's top scorer last season, averaging more than 17 points per game. He was the rare 50-40-90 player, shooting 51 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range, and 90 percent from the free throw line.
Caleb Schmelzer
Junior | Lancaster, Ohio | Forward
Schmelzer also came over with head coach Ron Miller from Ohio Christian. The junior averaged 16.4 points per game, and added nearly seven rebounds per contest for a Trailblazers team that advanced to the NCCAA Tournament and finished 28-5.
ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS
Media Day
Players to Watch
Terrance Hill
Redshirt Junior | Indianapolis, Indiana | Guard
Hill returns as an experienced backcourt option for the Pomeroys after appearing in 25 contests last season. His defensive activity and efficient shooting should make him a valuable contributor as he looks to take on an expanded role in the SMWC rotation.
EJ Reese
Junior | Lafayette, Indiana | Center
Reese brings an immediate interior presence to the Pomeroys after a productive season at Judson, where he established himself as an efficient scorer and reliable rebounder. At 6-foot-8, the Lafayette native figures to be a key addition to the SMWC frontcourt, providing size, scoring ability and a strong presence on the glass.
WVU TECH
Media Day
Players to Watch
Ian Goings
Senior | Columbia, South Carolina | Forward
Goings was a Third Team All-Conference player for the Golden Bears last season. The South Carolina native averaged 14.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in 2025-26.
Trayten Woods
Sophomore | Hazard, Kentucky | Guard
Woods averaged almost 11 points per game last season, and shot better than 46 percent from three-point range. The Kentucky native led the conference in three-point percentage among players with a minimum of 100 attempts.