Drake Men's Basketball has announced the addition of five new players for the 2026-27 season, including four transfers and a high school prospect. The transfers are Justin Burns (Northwest Florida State College), Jon Carroll (Morehead State), Dre Kindell (Wichita State), and Gabe Oldham (Denver), while Mason Matulis joins as a high school recruit. Coach Eric Henderson expressed enthusiasm about the new recruits, emphasizing their potential to enhance the team's athleticism, rebounding, and defense. The recruits are expected to fit well within the team's current offensive strategy.

By the Numbers
  • Justin Burns averaged 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season with NWFSC.
  • Jon Carroll led the OVC in total rebounds with 262, averaging 7.9 rebounds per game.
  • Gabe Oldham ranked second in the Summit League in conference rebounds at 8.2 per game.
  • Mason Matulis averaged 16.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game during his senior year.
State of Play
  • These additions aim to strengthen the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
  • Integrating four transfers may enhance team cohesion and depth quickly.
  • Matulis joins as a promising high school talent, showing great potential based on his performance.
What's Next

As the new players integrate into the team, on-court chemistry will be crucial for success in the upcoming season. Coach Henderson and the staff will focus on developing a strong training plan to maximize their potential. Fans can expect to see these athletes in action at the Knapp Center once the season begins.

Bottom Line

The recruitment of these five players positions Drake Men's Basketball to sharpen their competitive edge. With the right development and teamwork, this roster could bring significant improvements to the team's performance in the coming season. The excitement around this new class hints at a promising future for the Bulldogs.