To be honest, I wasn't too far away from your point of view on Les. After watching the team implode late last season (and really look awful in Henderson), there was part of me that was ready for a new vision/direction. Hopefully the bump in recruiting will result in a more competitive team next year.

I was thinking she's the first Aussie recruit also. Her X profile lists her as class of 2026.

Probably not a coincidence that the two programs moving to the MW had good recruiting classes

and it’s nice to see us getting guys over some bigger programs. Abdullah had offers from Utah, South Carolina and Wyoming

So our squad is probably set now:

Post: Jon Noudjihidi 6’11”
Isiah Chappel 6’9”

Wings: Ylan Esso-Essie 6’8”
Omer Suljanovic 6’9”
Abdullah Amir 6’7”
Marsalis Roberson 6’6”
Nils Cooper 6’5”
Jalen Stokes 6’5”
chase Rawlings 6’6”
Marcus Wilson 6’4”
Sione Lose 6’4”
Carl Daughtery 6’3”

Point: Braden Fagbeymi 6’0”
Connor Seville 6’0”

I think that’s everyone.

Easily the best recruiting class.

https://ucdavisaggies.com/news/2025/6/10/abdullah-amzil-to-join-mens-basketball-program.aspx

so Omer’s older brother, Imran, is going to be a freshman at St. John’s. My daughter’s boyfriend is a St John’s alumni and a big time Johnys fan and apparently they are all very worried that Imran will have visa troubles getting into the country. I don’t know if there are specific worries or just a general concern, but it’s something to keep an eye on for Omer.

For what it’s worth, it looks like he just started following ucdavismbb on instagram. Who knows if that means anything, but I do hope he commits. Another wing with good size and a nice outside shot would be a great add

Regardless, it certainly seems like Les has stepped up his recruiting. Wonder if it’s more money to offer or the just the lure of playing in a higher profile conference.

Well if anyone was wondering if we still had a scholarship left to offer, I guess that was answered with a new offer today for Abdullah Amzil (6'7") from Finland. He already holds offers from South Carolina, Wyoming, and Utah, among some others, so I don't know if we have a chance. But the fact that we offered leads me to believe we have a spot available.

I wonder if TJ Shorts, who just claimed back to back French league MVP, influenced Essos’ decision to commit to the Aggies.

I’ve been waiting for this one. He was followed by both coach Vogt and coach nosek so figured there was a good shot at getting him. Good size, good experience and can flat out shoot. Putting together a great recruiting class. Marsh is going to really be challenged this season

Nice to see some size coming in. 6’11” and 6’8”. Esso-Essis had a lot of D1 offers including Unlv. Both look to see a lot of time next season

Another add...Graduate transfer from Wofford.

I also hope that Robinson is healthy. Poor kid definitely has the injury bug

Really good get for the Aggies. He was a McDonald's All-American nominee had offers from New Mexico and Freson State before choosing WSU. He only played four games his freshman year before going down with a shoulder injury. Sounds like a good defensive player, which will fit right in.

New commitment from Manhattan University

Our new point guard. Transfer from central Arkansas
We seem to have a pipeline to CAU

Could we please sign Stoney Hadnot!

I saw that Lose item on verbalcommits. I'm guessing it has something to do with getting a scholarship.

Teams going to look totally different next season.

Great write up TR67! I tend to agree with your takes. As me and the kids were sitting in Henderson watching the women's run to the finals, we talked a lot about where this team will be next year. Absolutely no doubt that Norris, Epps and Bennett will be starters (of course barring injuries). I like both Sussex and Glad and as of right now, they would start. It wouldn't surprise me, though, if one of the freshman (or a transfer) starts with Sussex as first off the bench (i worry a bit about starting two 5'8" guards). Glad had a couple of good moves in Henderson and I liked her aggressiveness. If she gets a bit stronger so she can push people around down low, she could be a very good scorer. But again, it wouldn't surprise me if we try and get a 6 foot-ish scorer in the portal and plug her into the Sabel roll.

Bottom line, Coach Gross will have a competitive team and regardless of starting/bench, if you play hard and smart, you'll get plenty of minutes.