West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's men's basketball team has announced its roster for the 2025-26 season, featuring a significant influx of new talent. The team welcomes 14 newcomers from various levels, including Division I, Division II, Junior College, NAIA, and high school. The only returning player is Ifiok Peter, who redshirted last season after transferring from Cal State Monterey Bay.

The roster includes three players from Wisconsin: Tyran Cook from Indiana State University, Steven Tipton from Northern Illinois University, and Jack Riley from Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa. Cook played nine games with the Sycamores last season and previously started 23 of 32 games at VMI. Tipton comes with experience from NIU where he appeared in 36 games over three seasons. Riley joins after averaging a double-double at his previous institution.

True freshmen Makai Kvamme and Jake Edwards are also part of the lineup. Kvamme hails from Chicago's DePaul Prep High School and contributed to three consecutive state championships. Edwards comes from Winfield Mount Union High School in Iowa where he averaged 19 points per game during his senior year.

Danny Stephens joins the team after two seasons at the University of Missouri without game action due to redshirting and injury. Stephens was Southeastern High School's all-time leading scorer.

Graduate seniors Isaiah Griffin (Idaho State), Francis Okwuosah (William Woods), Nick Hittle (Southern Indiana), and Goanar Biliew (Bradley) bring additional experience to the squad. Griffin started all games during his tenure at Idaho State while Okwuosah was recognized as AMC Newcomer of the Year among other accolades.

Other additions include Lucas Lorenzen (Dordt University), Marcus Pigram (Gulf Coast CC), Antwaun Massey (Southern Illinois-Carbondale), and Karyiek Dixon (Emporia State University). Lorenzen had an impressive season at Dordt University being named to the NAIA All-American First Team.

After finishing tenth in the Ohio Valley Conference last season, Western Illinois aims for a strong comeback with these new recruits.

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