Washburn men’s basketball adds three transfers to its squad

Washburn men’s basketball adds three transfers to its squad

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Washburn men’s basketball is adding three transfers to its 2026-27 roster.

Washburn men’s basketball head coach Brett Ballard announced the signing of three transfers on April 28. The new additions include Lucas Mercandino (Lubbock Christian), Carson Yale (Minot State), and Harvey White (Colorado Mesa), who all come from DII programs.

“We really like to try and take the Division II guys because I think there is, one, that they have proven at this level they can play at this level and two, I think there’s an appreciation for the Division II level.”

From Lubbock Christian, Mercandino, a 6’6″ forward and Argentinian, averaged 11.6 points last season with 3.3 rebounds and assists. He played against Washburn this past season and put up 13 points, with six rebounds and five assists.

“Lucas out of Lubbock Christian is a versatile forward,” Ballard said. “We played against him this year, and he played well against us and learned he’s a versatile forward that can do a little bit of everything.”

Washburn also adds a 6’10” big man from Minot State. Yale started in 29 games last season, putting up 8.8 points per game and 5.2 rebounds. The redshirt freshman shot 55% from the field and filled out the stat sheet with 18 total blocks, 12 steals and 27 assists.

“A Division II transfer who had really good numbers as a freshman,” Ballard said. “He’s long and athletic, and I think will fill a big role at that five spot.”

Ballard added another international player in White, a sophomore guard from Colorado Mesa. White averaged 10.5 points per game with 110 total assists and 32 steals.

“Harvey White out of Colorado Mesa, a combo guard, another DII kid who put up really good numbers as a sophomore,” Ballard added.

Washburn lost four starters from last season’s squad, and these new transfers will look to help fill some missing key pieces and add to some key returners for the Ichabods next season. The ‘Bods will also add three high school signees.

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