Reloaded and Ready: Charleston's 2025–26 Roster Breakdown
Meet the 2025-26 CofC Men's Basketball team
Chris Mack's first year at the helm of College of Charleston basketball was an undeniable success. Taking over in April 2024, Mack led the Cougars to a 24–9 overall record and a 13–5 mark in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play. Despite the challenges of integrating a brand new roster and coaching staff, Mack's leadership kept the Cougars at the top of the conference throughout the season.
The season concluded with a disappointing narrow 68–67 loss to UNC Wilmington in the CAA semifinals, kickstarting the offseason sooner than expected.
Following the season, the Cougars faced historic roster turnover (which is becoming the new normal in college basketball), losing all five starters and several key contributors to graduation and the transfer portal. In response, Coach Mack and his staff masterfully executed a strategic and aggressive approach to roster reconstruction, bringing in a blend of seasoned transfers and promising young freshmen.
Below is a detailed look at the new and returning players:
Newcomers:
Bryce Baker – Senior Guard (6'5", 200 lbs)
Hometown: Mooresville, NC
High School: Donda Academy (CA)
Previous School: Winthrop University
2024–25 Stats at Winthrop: 7.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 APG
41.2% FG, 39.4% 3PT (65-165), 57.9% FT
Season High: 24 points @ UNC Asheville (Jan 18), 7 threes @ Longwood (Feb 27)
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Bryce Baker joins Charleston after a breakout season at Winthrop where he emerged as one of the top three-point shooters in the Big South. He knocked down 65 triples at nearly 40%, including a pair of 7-three outings late in the year — most notably a 24-point explosion at UNC Asheville. At 6’5", Baker offers size and versatility on the wing, with the ability to space the floor, defend bigger guards, and contribute as a secondary scorer. His confidence as a shooter and experience at the Division I level make him a strong addition to a Charleston backcourt that will look very different from last season.
Jlynn Counter – Senior Point Guard (6'3", 195 lbs)
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
Previous Schools: Middle Tennessee State, IUPUI
2024–25 Stats (Middle Tennessee): 10.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 43.4% FG, 77.4% FT
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Jlynn Counter brings veteran poise and steady production to Charleston’s point guard position. He started 55 games over the past two seasons—first at IUPUI, then Middle Tennessee—and enters the year with over 1,200 career points and more than 300 assists at the Division I level. He averaged double figures each of the last three years, and last season posted a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio while leading Middle Tennessee in assists and free throw percentage.
Counter is a physical, downhill guard who can facilitate, absorb contact at the rim, and defend multiple positions. He’ll be one of the most experienced ball-handlers in the CAA from day one and is expected to anchor the Cougars’ backcourt both on the floor and in the locker room.
Chris Davis Jr. – Freshman Guard (6'4", 195 lbs)
Hometown: Sun Prairie, WI
High School: Sun Prairie East
Accolades:
Two-time Big Eight Conference Player of the Year
Fifth all-time leading scorer in Wisconsin high school basketball history
Played for Team Herro 17U on the Nike EYBL circuit
Led Sun Prairie East to the WIAA Sectional Finals as a senior
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Chris Davis Jr. arrives in Charleston as one of the most accomplished scorers the state of Wisconsin has ever produced. With over 2,200 career points, he sits fifth all-time in Wisconsin scoring history—ranking ahead of names like Sam Dekker, Johnny Davis, and Sam Okey. A fierce competitor and two-time Big Eight Player of the Year, Davis led Sun Prairie East to a deep postseason run in his final season, then turned heads on the Nike EYBL circuit with Team Herro, one of the nation’s premier AAU programs.
Mister Dean – Sophomore Guard (6'6", 210 lbs)
Hometown: Miami, FL
Previous School: USC Upstate
2024–25 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.4 APG; 57.2% FG
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Dean made an immediate impact at USC Upstate, earning Big South Freshman of the Year honors. His athleticism and defensive versatility allow him to guard multiple positions effectively. Dean's slashing ability and transition play will bring energy and toughness to the Cougars' lineup. His experience and skill set are expected to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor. Oh, and did we mention he made Sportscenter’s #1 Top Play?
Colby Duggan – Junior Forward (6'7", 225 lbs)
Hometown: Monson, MA
Previous School: Campbell University
2024–25 Stats (Campbell): 15.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.3 APG; 46.1% FG, 34.0% 3PT, 72.6% FT
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Duggan was one of the most efficient and consistent scorers in the CAA last year, earning First-Team All-Conference honors after averaging 15.7 points on 46.1% shooting from the field. He hit 55 threes at 34% and proved to be a difficult matchup as a stretch forward with legitimate size and touch.
He had multiple signature performances, including a 33-point explosion at Delaware (12-18 FG, 4-4 from three) and a 32-point outing in Chapel Hill against North Carolina (11-18 FG, 5-9 from three, 5-7 FT), showing he can rise to the occasion in big environments. Duggan scored in double figures in 25 of 32 games, reached the 20-point mark nine times, and hit at least three triples in 10 games.
At Charleston, he’ll be counted on as one of the top scoring options in a brand-new lineup — and one of the few players in the league who’s proven he can score 30+ on any given night.
AJ Fowler – Freshman Guard (6'4", 150 lbs)
Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
High School: Jackson Hole High School (WY)
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Standing at 6'4", AJ Fowler has honed his perimeter game, setting school records for three-pointers made in both a single game and a season at Jackson Hole High School. Fowler’s experience with AAU circuits, including Lang Academy, has exposed him to competitive play beyond his hometown, preparing him for the collegiate level. As he transitions to Charleston, his shooting prowess and work ethic position him as a valuable asset in Coach Mack’s system.
Connor Hickman – Graduate Guard (6'3", 200 lbs)
Hometown: Bloomington, IN
Previous Schools: Bradley University, University of Cincinnati
2024–25 Stats (Cincinnati): 4.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.2 APG; 37.1% FG, 34.9% 3PT
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Connor Hickman brings a veteran presence and 1,000-point scoring pedigree to Charleston’s backcourt. A proven three-point shooter (career 35% from deep), Hickman spent three seasons at Bradley where he was a two-year starter, then transferred to Cincinnati last season to play in the Big 12. He made 27 threes in limited minutes at UC while averaging over 15 minutes per game against elite competition.
Hickman has a mature, steady game — he doesn't turn the ball over, can hit shots off the catch or off movement, and understands how to operate within a team system. He’ll give Charleston a trusted rotational guard who can help space the floor, defend multiple positions, and raise the team’s basketball IQ. Expect him to be an immediate leader in the locker room and a key piece of Coach Mack’s backcourt rotation.
Martin Kalu – Freshman Guard (6'6", 210 lbs)
Hometown: Quakenbrück, Germany
Previous Team: FC Bayern München II
2023–24 Stats (Regionalliga / Bayern II): 15.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.2 APG; 43.5% FG, 33.5% 3PT
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One of the most intriguing freshmen in the CAA this season, Martin Kalu arrives in Charleston with professional experience under his belt, having played in Germany’s Regionalliga for FC Bayern München II. At 6'6", Kalu combines positional size with a smooth, confident scoring package, able to shoot it from deep, operate in the midrange, and play through contact at the rim. His 15.9 points per game last season came against grown men, not teenagers, and that experience against pros will give him a leg up in adjusting to the college game.
Kalu plays with poise and maturity beyond his years, with the versatility to guard 2s and 3s and switch across multiple actions defensively. While he'll still be adjusting to the American pace and physicality, his offensive instincts and pro background give him the tools to contribute early in Charleston's system. Long-term, he has the upside to be one of the more impactful international players the program has brought in.
Chol Machot – Redshirt Sophomore Center (7'0", 200 lbs)
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Previous School: Florida SouthWestern State College
2024–25 Stats (FSW): 11.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.7 BPG; 60.4% FG, 36.6% 3PT
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Chol Machot arrives at Charleston as a modern 7-footer — long, mobile, and skilled on both ends of the floor. At Florida SouthWestern, he averaged 11.6 points, 6.5 boards, and nearly 3 blocks per game while shooting over 60% from the field and an impressive 36.6% from three. His ability to space the floor offensively and protect the rim defensively makes him a high-upside fit in Chris Mack’s frontcourt rotation.
With fellow 7-footer Christian Reeves anchoring the paint, Machot adds a complementary dimension — he's capable of playing alongside another big or sliding into the five in smaller, faster lineups. He was originally committed to Mississippi State before flipping to Charleston, where he'll have the chance to make an immediate impact in a deep, retooled frontcourt. If the game slows down for him early, he has all the tools to be one of the most versatile bigs in the CAA.
Will Mortimore – Sophomore Forward (6'9", 220 lbs)
Hometown: Maitland, New South Wales, Australia
Previous School: Colorado Mesa University
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Mortimore is a physical, blue-collar forward who gives Charleston size, motor, and long-term upside in the frontcourt. Originally from Australia, he spent his freshman year at Colorado Mesa before transferring to CofC, where he'll continue his development in a more structured Division I environment. At 6'9", he brings ideal size and toughness to the four or small-ball five, with a skillset built around rebounding, screen-setting, and interior defense.
Christian Reeves – Redshirt Junior Center (7'2", 253 lbs)
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Previous Schools: Duke University, Clemson University
Notable: Former four-star recruit; Top-100 nationally out of Oak Hill Academy
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Christian Reeves brings elite size and ACC experience to Charleston's frontcourt. A 7'2" rim protector with a 7'5" wingspan, Reeves spent two years at Duke learning under Jon Scheyer before transferring to Clemson, where he gained valuable high-major reps in the ACC. He was ranked as a Top-100 prospect coming out of Oak Hill Academy and has trained in some of the most competitive programs in college basketball.
Reeves excels as a vertical threat on both ends — he’s a lob target, shot-blocker, and defensive anchor who alters how opposing teams attack the paint. His mobility and timing make him more than just a space-eater, and his experience going against pro-level bigs in the ACC gives him a unique edge in the CAA. With Charleston rebuilding its core, Reeves will have the opportunity to take on a major role and be a stabilizing force in the middle from day one.
Kendall Taylor – Graduate Guard/Forward (6'5", 205 lbs)
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
High School: Capitol Christian High School
Previous Schools: Danville Area Community College, Wingate University
2024–25 Stats at Wingate: 24.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.6 APG; 53.5% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 87.0% FT
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Kendall Taylor arrives at Charleston following a historic senior season at Wingate University, where he led the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) in scoring and earned D2CCA Third-Team All-American honors. His offensive arsenal was on full display throughout the season, including a school-record 44-point performance against UVA Wise, where he went a perfect 20-for-20 from the free-throw line. Taylor's versatility allows him to contribute as both a guard and forward, bringing scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities to the Cougars. His leadership and experience are expected to make an immediate impact, providing a steady presence on and off the court.
Chadlyn Traylor – Freshman Point Guard (6'3", 180 lbs)
Hometown: Huntersville, NC
High School: North Mecklenburg High School
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Traylor arrives at Charleston as a proven winner from one of North Carolina’s powerhouse programs. He helped lead North Mecklenburg to back-to-back NCHSAA 4A state championships and was named Queen City Conference Player of the Year during his senior campaign. A McDonald's All-American nominee, Traylor plays with poise, pace, and toughness — a true floor general who defends, distributes, and doesn’t shy away from big moments. He’ll add immediate depth at point guard and brings the kind of pedigree and mentality that fits perfectly in Chris Mack’s system.
Returners:
Jaxon Prunty – Redshirt Freshman Guard (6'6", 190 lbs)
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
High School: Lexington (SC)
Position: Guard/Forward
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Prunty started one game early last season before suffering a shoulder injury that required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He redshirted and has spent the offseason rehabbing and rebuilding strength, and is expected to be 100% by the start of the season. At 6'6" with length and fluid athleticism, he’s one of the most intriguing long-term pieces on the roster — a versatile perimeter player who can defend multiple positions and eventually slide into a 1-through-4 role.
Djordje Ćurčić – Junior Guard (6'3", 190 lbs)
Hometown: Čačak, Serbia
Previous School: St. Louis
Position: Guard
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Ćurčić returns as a veteran guard with international experience and a sound feel for the game. He’s played limited minutes his first two years but has shown flashes of being a confident shooter and reliable ball-mover when called upon. Originally from Serbia, Ćurčić brings poise and professionalism to Charleston’s backcourt, and his familiarity with the system will be a plus on a team with so many new faces. He’ll add mature depth behind the team’s new lead guards and continue to push for a larger role.
Joey Scarpitti – Sophomore Guard (5'11", 170 lbs)
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
High School: St. Edward (OH)
Position: Point Guard
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Scarpitti returns as a walk-on point guard who adds energy and grit in practice and on the bench. While his in-game minutes have been limited, he’s carved out a valuable role behind the scenes with his work ethic, vocal leadership, and understanding of the team’s system. At 5'11", he’s undersized but fundamentally sound and steady with the ball — the kind of player who helps raise the floor of the program in day-to-day competition. He’ll continue to provide depth and culture as one of the few returning Cougars on a reloaded roster.
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