CONWAY, S.C. – Eleven newcomers will join the Coastal Carolina men's basketball program for the 2026-27 season, head coach Justin Gray announced Wednesday.

The incoming class, which includes previously announced signees Jordan Buzzard and Q Williams IV, features seven transfers and four freshmen. The group brings a blend of Division I experience, proven production and young talent to a Coastal Carolina program coming off a 19-win season and a tie for second place in the Sun Belt Conference standings.

"We talk a lot about having that Coastal EDGE — Energy, Discipline, Grit and Excellence — and this group possesses a lot of those qualities," Gray said. "We're excited to welcome these young men to Coastal and have them as part of our program."

Leading the class are Division I transfers Ashton Hardaway, Jaylen Cross, Caleb Middleton, Trey Perry and Darius Washington III.

Hardaway arrives in Conway after spending the past three seasons at Memphis and Saint Mary's. A former four-star recruit, he has appeared in 88 Division I games and averaged 5.6 points per game last season at Memphis. Cross joins the Chanticleers from Wake Forest after appearing in 13 games as a freshman and previously scoring more than 2,000 career points during a decorated prep career at Caldwell Academy.

Middleton brings two years of Division I experience from New Hampshire and Elon, appearing in 60 collegiate games while shooting nearly 59 percent from the field during his career. Perry averaged 5.8 points per game as a freshman at Miami University and scored in double figures eight times, while Washington played in 24 games at Kennesaw State and reached double figures four times during his debut season.

Coastal Carolina also added two accomplished transfers from outside the Division I ranks in Fletcher Bigham and Jaevian Alston.

Bigham was named the Southern Athletic Association Athlete of the Year after averaging 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per contest at Sewanee, while Alston averaged 13.1 points and 6.7 rebounds as a freshman at Mount Olive and earned Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Month honors twice.

The Chanticleers also welcome freshmen JT Kelsheimer and Bryson Sams. Kelsheimer helped St. Edward High School reach the Ohio Division I state semifinals and earned All-Ohio Special Mention honors as a senior, while Sams earned South Carolina all-state recognition after averaging 21.5 points per game at nearby Socastee High School.

The 11 newcomers join returning players DaJohn Craig, Derrick Green and Tristan Thompson, giving Coastal Carolina a dramatically reshaped roster heading into the 2026-27 season.