Washburn Ichabod men's basketball coach Brett Ballard has announced the signing of three transfers for the 2026-27 season: Lucas Mercandino from Lubbock Christian, Carson Yale from Minot State, and Harvey White from Colorado Mesa. Ballard praised the new additions, emphasizing their talent and character, and expressed confidence that these players will enhance the team's depth and competitiveness. Each player brings substantial college experience and impressive statistics, which Ballard believes will help maintain the Ichabods' high performance after their successful 2025-26 season.

By the Numbers
  • Lucas Mercandino averaged 11.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game at Lubbock Christian.
  • Carson Yale scored 8.8 points and grabbed 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the field at Minot State.
  • Harvey White averaged 10.5 points and 3.4 assists per game at Colorado Mesa.
State of Play
  • The Ichabods won both MIAA regular season and tournament championships in the 2025-26 season.
  • Washburn finished ranked No. 3 in the final NABC rankings with a 31-2 record.
  • The team is integrating three high school recruits alongside the new transfers to strengthen their roster.
What's Next

The upcoming season will see these new transfers blended with existing talent, aiming for another championship run. As the team prepares, focus will be on building chemistry and harnessing the skills of all players, particularly those new to the program. The coaching staff will likely utilize summer practices to integrate their playing styles before the season begins.

Bottom Line

With the addition of three skilled transfers, the Ichabods are poised to continue their championship legacy. These signings not only boost the team's talent but also add depth, setting high expectations for the coming season. Washburn looks to leverage its successful foundation to compete at the highest level again.