Let Chris Mack Cook

CofC Makes Big Moves in Transfer Portal, Building Title Contender for '26

The College of Charleston men's basketball program has made its ambitions clear: aggressively retool its roster through the transfer portal with an eye toward reclaiming the CAA title and securing a return to March Madness in 2026.

The Cougars' strategic reload began with the early commitment of Colby Duggan, a versatile forward transferring from Campbell. The 6'7" Duggan was named First Team All-CAA last season and finished as the conference's leading scorer during the regular season, immediately injecting high-level talent and scoring ability into the Cougars’ frontcourt.

Next, Charleston landed towering 7’2” center Christian Reeves, a highly-touted 4-star recruit out of Oak Hill Academy, who arrives from Clemson after starting his collegiate career at Duke. Reeves will finally have the opportunity to see significant minutes, and his impressive size and experience will undoubtedly be assets during CAA play, providing elite rim protection and interior scoring.

The Cougars further bolstered their backcourt with the addition of Jlynn Counter from Middle Tennessee State. The 6’3” guard averaged 10.6 points per game last season, starting 26 games and consistently showcasing his efficiency by shooting 43% from the field. Counter, who previously earned All-Horizon League honors at IUPUI, adds veteran leadership and a knack for timely scoring to Charleston’s perimeter.

Another important addition is Connor Hickman, a proven scoring guard transferring from Cincinnati. Hickman, who surpassed 1,000 career points last season, shot an impressive 41% from the field despite an injury-shortened stint with the Bearcats. Hickman is currently pursuing an extra year of eligibility after playing just 13 games last year due to a season-ending injury. Prior to Cincinnati, Hickman starred at Bradley, earning two All-Missouri Valley Conference honors while averaging 14.5 points per game. His seasoned scoring ability and experience could significantly elevate Charleston's offensive potency.

Charleston then looked internationally, adding dynamic young guard Martin Kalu from Braunschweig, Germany. At just 20 years old, the 6'5" point guard was remarkably efficient in Germany’s top basketball league, shooting 48% from the field. During the 2023-24 season with FC Bayern München II in the German ProB league, Kalu averaged 19.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 44.3% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range. His playmaking and scoring versatility promise an exciting dimension to the Cougars' backcourt.

The latest commitment arrived from Winthrop sharpshooter Bryce Baker. The 6’5” guard was a reliable role player for Winthrop, known for his lethal accuracy from beyond the arc, where he led the Eagles in three-point shooting last season. Baker’s ability to stretch defenses and knock down critical shots provides Charleston with another critical perimeter weapon, particularly valuable in late-game situations.

Adding to the excitement, the Cougars welcome back key returning players, notably Jaxon Prunty, who will return as a redshirt freshman after starting at shooting guard last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Additionally, Djorje Curcic and Joey Scarpitti return from last year's squad, providing Charleston with valuable depth off the bench, essential for the team’s aspirations of a deep postseason run.

Charleston's numerous transfer portal signings come in response to significant roster turnover. Deywilk Tavarez, Elijah Jones, Justus Stonkus, Lazar Djokovic, AJ Smith, Evan Kilminster, and Stef Van Bussell have transferred out, and seniors Derrin Boyd, Adam Comer, Jack Miller, and Ante Brzovic will graduate. These key acquisitions, combined with impactful returning players and incoming freshman talent such as point guard Chadlyn Traylor, position Charleston as a favorite heading into the 2025-26 CAA season. Coach Chris Mack and his staff have methodically built a team poised not just to compete, but to dominate. With additional moves still possible, one thing is crystal clear: this squad has the toughness, experience, and versatility to surpass last year's 24-win campaign.

Coug nation, get ready—something truly special is brewing on George Street.

The Charleston Edge

The Charleston Edge Collective is dedicated to empowering CofC student-athletes through NIL opportunities, ensuring they have the resources to build their brands and succeed both on and off the playing surface.

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