WINFIELD, Kan. — An experienced returning core and five incoming transfers will lead the Southwestern College men's basketball team into the 2026-27 season as the Moundbuilders look to build on a national tournament appearance.
Southwestern finished 21-10 last season, including a 14-8 record in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference play, and earned an at-large berth in the NAIA national tournament. The Moundbuilders' season ended with a 61-58 loss to Benedictine Mesa in the first round.
Now entering his 18th season, head coach Matt O'Brien will look to blend established contributors with newcomers to uphold the program's standard.
Southwestern averaged 79.2 points per game last season while shooting 50.5% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range. The Moundbuilders also averaged 16 assists per game, providing an offensive foundation they will look to carry into the new season.
Senior Evan Barber headlines the returning backcourt after earning third-team All-KCAC honors. Barber averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game last season. He connected on a team-high 83 3-pointers while shooting 43.2% from beyond the arc, giving Southwestern an established perimeter threat.
Graduate student Nigel John returns as a key presence inside after receiving honorable mention All-KCAC recognition. John averaged 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 67.4% from the field. He also collected 72 offensive rebounds, creating additional opportunities around the basket.
Redshirt junior Eli Sawyers will look to build on a season in which his role steadily increased. Sawyers averaged 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 50.4% from the field. He added 55 assists and 13 blocks in 27 appearances, contributing in several areas as his responsibilities grew.
Logan Churchill and Jesse Ledbetter provide additional returning experience. Churchill appeared in 24 games, including two starts, and averaged 1.7 points and 1.5 rebounds. Ledbetter averaged 2.0 points in 14 appearances, making 12 of his 18 field-goal attempts.
Reid Jessen also returns after appearing in 25 games last season, averaging 2.2 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 56.7% from the field. Kaiden Abasolo rounds out the returning group, giving Southwestern additional continuity as it incorporates five transfers.
Senior Kelton Coleman joins the Moundbuilders from the University of Mary, and junior Isaiah Williams arrives from Eastern Oklahoma State College. Senior RJ Chatman comes from Northwest Nazarene University, while redshirt senior Massimo Malterer joins from Rockhurst University. Junior Anthony Coke rounds out the transfer class after playing at Quincy College.
The Moundbuilders also welcome freshmen Theo Allen and Xavion Lawson-Kennedy. Allen comes to Southwestern from Wylie, Texas, where he attended Wylie High School. Lawson-Kennedy is from Dallas and attended Duncanville High School.
The newcomers will join a returning group seeking to turn last season's experience into another postseason opportunity. Developing that combination will be central to Southwestern's pursuit of success in the KCAC and a return to the national tournament.
O'Brien's staff includes associate head coach Jimmy McSorley, assistant coaches Micah Gabler and Cody Ripato, and graduate assistant Ryan Rice.
The Moundbuilders open the season against Calvary University in the annual Champions of Character game at noon Friday, Oct. 23, inside Stewart Fieldhouse.
