WILLIAMSBURG— As the basketball world focused on the NBA draft Tuesday night, William & Mary was busy assembling its own future.
The Tribe announced a 12-player incoming class for the 2026-27 season Wednesday, adding a mix of transfers and freshmen as head coach Brian Earl looks to build on a promising second season in Williamsburg. William & Mary finished 20-12 overall and 10-8 in Coastal Athletic Association play in 2025-26, pairing one of the nation’s better offenses with a fast-paced system built on spacing and versatility.
Much like NBA front offices evaluating prospects based on size, positional flexibility and upside, Earl appears to have targeted players who can handle the ball, defend multiple positions and stretch the floor.
“We are excited about the mix of players coming into the program,” Earl said. “First and foremost, this group will be great representatives of the program in the classroom and the community. On the court, we feel like this group really fits the style of play.”
The class is headlined by former four-star recruit Jayden Forsythe, All-Sunshine State Conference forward John Roland Jr., South Dakota standout Jesse McIntosh and 6-foot-10 George Mason transfer Stas Sivka.
Forsythe arrives with the highest recruiting pedigree after entering college as the No. 123 overall prospect in the 2025 class and spending his freshman season at West Virginia. Earl called him “a talented player” who “will bring a level of toughness to our program” and said the guard’s shooting should translate well to the Tribe’s up-tempo style.
Roland may be the most college-ready addition after averaging 13.9 points and 9 rebounds per game at Lynn while earning all-conference and all-defensive honors. Earl said Roland “plays incredibly hard” and praised his rebounding and ability to step outside and hit the 3-pointer.
McIntosh brings proven Division I production after averaging 7.5 points per game as a freshman at South Dakota. Earl described the 6-foot-7 guard as a versatile playmaker who “thrives in transition by making great decisions.”
Sivka adds size and high-level experience after helping George Mason reach the NIT in each of the past two seasons. Earl called the Slovenian big man “a skilled big” whose ballhandling, passing and shooting range give the Tribe “an added dimension.”
The 12-player class gives William & Mary added size, shooting and positional versatility across the roster. The Tribe will opens their season Nov. 3 at Kaplan Arena against Georgian Court.
