American Conference | Head Coach Ron Hunter | Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse

The Green Wave enter the 2026-27 campaign with a dramatically rebuilt roster after a significant transfer portal exodus following an 18-15 (8-10 American) finish in 2025-26. Star point guard Rowan Brumbaugh and several key contributors departed, leaving coach Ron Hunter to construct a new core around holdover forward Tyler Ringgold and a wave of proven transfers plus high-upside freshmen. Early returns are promising: in the season opener, junior transfer Krystian Lewis exploded for 40 points in a double-overtime thriller against UT Martin.

American Conference coaches tabbed Tulane 10th of 13 in the preseason poll, reflecting the unknowns of a portal-heavy roster. However, the addition of high-volume scorers and shooters, combined with size at the rim, gives Hunter a roster with the tools to improve on last year's mark and push for a higher conference finish.

Coaching Staff & Support Staff

Head coach Ron Hunter enters his eighth season at Tulane (89-89 overall entering 2026-27). The staff was finalized in spring 2026 with the returns of Kim Lewis and the promotion of RJ Hunter.

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Ron Hunter
• Associate Head Coach: Ray McCallum
• Assistant Coach: Kim Lewis
• Assistant Coach: Gebereal Baitey
• Assistant Coach: RJ Hunter
• Assistant Coach / Director of Player Personnel: Ben Miner

Support Staff

• Executive Director, Men’s Basketball: Nate Summers
• Senior Athletic Trainer (MBB): Quinton Nease
• Assistant Coach, Strength and Conditioning (MBB): Dan Rickaby
• Head Manager: Ross Weaver

Source: Tulane Athletics official staff directory (2026-27).

2025-26 American Conference Standings

Tulane finished 18-15 overall (8-10 in the American) in 2025-26, placing in a three-way tie for 8th in the conference. South Florida won the regular-season and tournament titles.

Tulane highlighted. South Florida also won the 2026 American Conference Tournament. Source: American Conference official standings / RealGM (2025-26 final).

2026-27 Full Roster

Complete roster with position, height, and weight. Data from Tulane Athletics official roster (as of November 3, 2026).

Source: Tulane Athletics official roster. Heights and weights as listed.

2026-27 Schedule

Tulane opened the season 1-0 with a 100-98 double-overtime home win over UT Martin on November 2 (Krystian Lewis 40 points). Exhibition win over Spring Hill College (108-97) on October 28. All times local. Conference games marked with *.

* = American Conference game. Tulane plays 18 league games (9 home, 9 away). Source: Tulane Athletics official schedule (current as of November 3, 2026).

Transfer Departures from 2025-26

The portal hit Tulane hard after the 2025-26 season. Key losses included the team's primary engine and several rotation pieces who combined for the bulk of the production.

• Rowan Brumbaugh (PG, to SMU) — Second-team All-American Conference. Led the team in scoring (19.2 PPG), rebounding (4.9), assists (3.5), and steals (1.6) while averaging 36.1 minutes. The clear focal point of the offense.
• Curtis Williams Jr. (G/F, to High Point) — 12.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG. Started 32 games and provided secondary scoring and rebounding.
• Scotty Middleton (Wing, to San Jose State) — 6.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG in 25.8 minutes. Former high-level recruit who started 19 games.
• Luke Rasmussen (F, to Marshall) — Started 11 games late in the season after limited earlier role.
• Asher Woods (G) and others entered the portal; additional depth pieces such as Percy Daniels and Davion Bradford also moved on or exhausted eligibility.

Result: Only Tyler Ringgold returns as a consistent full-time starter from the previous season. The backcourt and wing production must be almost entirely replaced.

New Transfer Additions

Hunter responded by bringing in seven transfers, emphasizing shooting, scoring volume, and length. The group includes high-usage scorers from mid-major programs and developmental pieces.

Krystian Lewis | G | 6'2" | Junior | Louisiana-Monroe

The headline addition. Started all 32 games at ULM, leading the team with 18.4 PPG (36.2% FG, 31.5% 3PT, 84.1% FT). Also contributed 3.2 APG and 1.4 SPG. Strong driver who gets to the free-throw line at a high rate. In his Tulane debut, he scored a career-high 40 points (11-25 FG, 17-18 FT) with 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the 100-98 double-OT win over UT Martin — the first 40-point game by a Wave player since 1974 and the first in a debut.

TJ Nadeau | G | 6'5" | Junior | Detroit Mercy

Efficient shooter who started all 31 games last season, averaging 13.8 PPG on 49.0% FG and an excellent 46.7% from three. Third-team All-Horizon League. Adds size and spacing on the wing. Opened the season with 15 points (including 3-3 from deep) against UT Martin.

Ryan Blount | G/F | 6'7" | Junior | Tampa (DII)

High-volume scorer at the Division II level, averaging 21.0 PPG and shooting 41.0% from three in 2025-26. Career averages of 16.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG across two seasons at Tampa. Provides length and shooting from the wing or as a stretch forward.

Carson Schwieger | F | 6'9" | R-Junior | Queens

Stretch big who shot 40.9% from three (92 makes) while averaging 10.1 PPG. Helped Queens win the 2026 Atlantic Sun Tournament. Redshirted at Wright State and had limited minutes at Valparaiso earlier in his career. Projects as a floor-spacing forward.

Joah Chappelle | F | 6'8" | Junior | Georgia State

Started 19 of 28 games at Georgia State, averaging 7.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG while leading the team in offensive rebounds (51) and blocks (24). Strong rebounding and rim protection potential. Had a solid opener with 13 points.

Jordann Dumont | F | 6'8" | R-Junior | VCU

Limited role at VCU (7 games) after earlier time at Villanova. Canadian national team experience at youth levels and productive high school career at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy. Depth piece with size.

Dame Salane | C | 7'1" | R-Freshman | Arizona State

Massive rim protector with a reported 7'6" wingspan. Redshirted at Arizona State. Previously played professionally in the Swiss Basketball League (7.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.4 BPG in 10 games for Lugano). Dominant at the U23 level. Senegal/Italy dual nationality; developed at Oak Hill Academy and Stafford HS (TX). Projects as a long-term anchor inside if he adjusts to the college game.

2026 Recruiting Class (True Freshmen)

Three true freshmen round out the newcomers. The highest-rated is a 4-star wing who will miss early-season action due to injury.

Tobias Brinkley | Wing | 6'7" | Freshman | Decatur HS (Atlanta, GA)

Four-star recruit per ESPN (No. 56 SF nationally, No. 10 in Georgia). Averaged a double-double of 15.3 PPG and 10.2 RPG as a senior, helping Decatur reach the Georgia 5A Elite Eight. Torn ACL in the state tournament; expected to be unavailable until January. High upside once healthy.

Noah Mister | PG | 6'3" | Freshman | Victory Rock Prep (Chicago, IL)

Point guard addition from the prep ranks. Will compete for minutes in a crowded backcourt as he develops.

Ryan Meltzer | G | 6'1" | Freshman | Newman School (Miami Beach, FL)

Guard depth piece. Limited public ranking information; expected to contribute primarily in practice and spot minutes early.

Returning Players

A small but important group of holdovers provides continuity, led by the only consistent returning starter.

Tyler Ringgold | F | 6'8" | R-Junior | Baton Rouge, LA (Texas A&M)

The primary returning piece. Averaged 9.4 PPG and 3.9 RPG in 24.8 minutes while often playing out of position at center. Started 32 games. Versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor modestly (29.9% 3PT). Local product who will be counted on for leadership and rebounding. Opened the season with 14 points and 6 rebounds.

KJ Greene | G | 6'3" | Junior | Atlanta, GA

Backup point guard who averaged 4.4 PPG and 1.6 APG in 14.8 minutes behind Brumbaugh. Now expected to handle primary point guard duties. Shot 35.8% from the field and 22.5% from three in limited opportunities last year. Hunter has emphasized the need for improved play from Greene to stabilize the backcourt.

Josiah Moore | G | 6'5" | Junior | Leander, TX (Oral Roberts)

Averaged 3.7 PPG and 1.9 RPG in 12.8 minutes. Efficient 46.8% shooter from the field in a limited role. Can provide wing scoring and athleticism off the bench.

Robert Moore | G | 6'7" | Sophomore | Charleston, SC

Limited action as a freshman (1.6 PPG in 5 games). Long wing who could see an expanded role with the new roster.

Luke Cronin | F | 6'8" | Senior | Great Neck, NY (Yeshiva)

Walk-on / depth forward. Minimal statistical impact in prior seasons. Provides practice bodies and emergency depth.

Positional Breakdown

Point Guard

KJ Greene is the incumbent after backing up Brumbaugh. Krystian Lewis can function as a secondary ball-handler and high-usage scorer. Freshman Noah Mister provides long-term developmental options. The position is the biggest question mark on the roster — Greene must elevate his efficiency and decision-making for the offense to function at a high level.

Shooting Guard / Wing

Loaded with scorers. Lewis (primary option), Nadeau (elite shooter), Blount (volume scorer with size), and Josiah Moore. This group should produce points and spacing. Lewis has already shown he can carry an offense in his debut.

Small Forward

Blount and Chappelle can slide here. Robert Moore and the returning Josiah Moore offer length. Brinkley (when healthy) projects as a high-upside option at this spot with his double-double high school production.

Power Forward

Tyler Ringgold is the clear leader. Chappelle and Schwieger add rebounding and stretch potential. Dumont provides additional size. This group must improve on last year's rebounding margins.

Center

Dame Salane is the purest center with elite length and rim protection potential. Ringgold and Schwieger can also play minutes at the five. The frontcourt has more size than recent years, which should help defensively.

Projected Lineups

Based on the season opener, preseason comments, and roster construction:

Projected Starters

• PG: KJ Greene
• SG: Krystian Lewis
• SF: TJ Nadeau or Ryan Blount
• PF: Joah Chappelle
• C: Tyler Ringgold

Alternative / Big Lineup

• PG: KJ Greene
• SG: Krystian Lewis
• SF: Ryan Blount
• PF: Tyler Ringgold
• C: Dame Salane (when the 7-1 is ready)

Schwieger can replace Chappelle or Ringgold for spacing in either lineup. Nadeau provides high-percentage shooting off the bench or in a smaller configuration.

Key Players & Breakout Candidates

Players expected to drive the 2026-27 Green Wave.

Three Key Players

Krystian Lewis – G, 6'2", 190 lbs (Jr., ULM)

Immediate impact transfer who scored a career-high 40 points (11-25 FG, 17-18 FT) with 7 rebounds and 5 assists in his Tulane debut, a 100-98 double-OT win over UT Martin. Led ULM in scoring last season at 18.4 PPG. Primary offensive engine and go-to scorer.

Tyler Ringgold – F, 6'8", 230 lbs (R-Jr., Texas A&M)

Returning frontcourt anchor. Solid double-double threat who provides interior scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. Expected starter and veteran stabilizer for a young/transfer-heavy roster.

KJ Greene – G, 6'3", 175 lbs (Jr.)

Returning point guard and primary ball-handler. Controls tempo and facilitates the offense. Consistency as a distributor and decision-maker will be critical for maximizing the talent around him.

Three Breakout Players

TJ Nadeau – G, 6'5", 190 lbs (Jr., Detroit Mercy)

Efficient perimeter scorer who shot 46.7% from three last season at Detroit Mercy (13.8 PPG). Scored 15 points (including 3-3 from deep) in the opener. High-upside wing with clean shooting stroke who can stretch the floor.

Noah Mister – G, 6'3", 170 lbs (Fr.)

True freshman who already earned meaningful minutes in exhibition play. Showed scoring ability, playmaking, and steals. High-motor guard with the tools to earn a rotation role early if he continues to defend and push tempo.

Joah Chappelle – F, 6'8", 195 lbs (Jr., Georgia State)

Versatile forward transfer who impressed in preseason. Athletic and capable of defending multiple positions. Offers length and activity that fills a clear need; could emerge as a high-impact two-way contributor off the bench or in the starting five.

Scouting Reports — Key Players

Krystian Lewis (Transfer)

Elite get-to-the-rim ability and free-throw drawing. At ULM he was a high-usage lead scorer who also created for others. The 40-point debut confirms he can produce at the AAC level immediately. Needs to improve three-point consistency (31.5% last year) to maximize spacing. Projects as the team's leading scorer.

TJ Nadeau (Transfer)

High-percentage catch-and-shoot threat with size. 46.7% from three on solid volume is elite. Can also attack closeouts. Excellent academic profile. Should be a high-efficiency complementary scorer next to Lewis.

Tyler Ringgold (Returner)

Versatile 6'8" forward who has started the majority of his career at Tulane. Can defend the post and perimeter. Not an elite athlete or shooter, but reliable. His leadership and experience will be critical on a young/new roster. Needs to improve rebounding rate to help the frontcourt.

Dame Salane (Transfer)

The most intriguing long-term piece. True 7'1" with elite wingspan and professional experience. Rim protection numbers from Switzerland are strong. Must add strength and adjust to the physicality and speed of the AAC. If he can stay on the floor without fouling, he changes the defensive identity of the team.

Joah Chappelle (Transfer)

Active rebounder and shot-blocker who has shown the ability to score in double figures. Athletic enough to play on the perimeter of the defense. Should be a reliable starter or high-minute rotation piece.

Ryan Blount (Transfer)

Proven scorer who put up big numbers at Tampa. Size allows him to match up with wings or small-ball fours. Three-point percentage (41%) is a major asset. Transition from DII to DI will be the key variable.

2027 Recruiting Class

As of early November 2026, Tulane has zero hard commits in the 2027 men’s basketball recruiting class according to 247Sports and major recruiting services. The 2026 class (freshmen currently on the roster) is the focus of the immediate rebuild, while the staff continues evaluating high school juniors and underclassmen for the 2027 cycle.

Basketball’s early signing period typically falls in mid-to-late November. With the 2026-27 season just underway, the Green Wave’s recruiting efforts for 2027 remain in the early stages. Priority areas are expected to include ball-handlers, shooting, and frontcourt depth to complement the current portal-heavy roster and the developing freshmen (Brinkley, Mister, Meltzer).

No individual scouting reports are available at this time due to the absence of commitments. This section will be updated as verbal commits and official signings materialize. Fans should monitor official Tulane Athletics announcements and major recruiting services for developments through the spring of 2027.

Season Outlook

Tulane has more scoring punch and shooting than the 2025-26 roster, headlined by Lewis’s immediate impact. The defensive identity will depend on Salane’s development and the ability of Greene and the wings to contain the ball. Rebounding was a weakness last year; the new frontcourt has the length to improve it.

Non-conference slate includes home games against Jackson State, Nicholls, UL-Monroe, Louisiana, and others, plus road trips to Akron and Louisiana Tech and a neutral-site event in Fort Myers. Conference play opens on the road at UAB on December 30. The American is competitive; a middle-of-the-pack finish (6th–9th) is a realistic target, with upside if the new pieces gel and Lewis remains a consistent 18+ PPG option.

Early indicator: The 100-98 double-overtime win over UT Martin showed the roster can score in bunches and has resilience. Consistency on defense and from the point guard spot will determine whether this is a true step forward or another rebuild year.

Sources: Tulane Athletics official releases and roster, nola.com reporting, Sports-Reference, RealGM, CBS Sports. Data current as of early November 2026.

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