Forward Ze’Rik Onyema grew up in El Paso, moved to San Antonio and played at Jay High School and then signed out of high school with the UTEP Miners. Now he’s a member of the Texas Longhorns. In this file photo, Onyema warms up for UTEP before a game at UTSA on Feb. 11, 2023. – File photo by Joe Alexander
By Jerry Briggs
Special for The JB Replay
Seasons change, and, inevitably, so do the rosters in NCAA Division I basketball. At least five former San Antonio area athletes in men’s hoops have transferred and have found new homes since the end of last season, according to online research.
Forward Ze’Rik Onyema has moved from UTEP to Texas. Guard Jalen Jackson, from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to Western Kentucky. Guard Ja’Sean Jackson, Jalen’s brother, from Abilene Christian to Lamar. Guard Austin Nunez, from Arizona State to Ole Miss. And, also, guard Juan Reyna, from Campbell to UTSA.
Editor’s note: Here’s an early look at San Antonio area talent in Division I men’s basketball. Likely, developments will necessitate changes in this list before too long. So, stay tuned for updates. — Thanks, Jerry.
Adam Benhayoune, LSU, a 6-5 junior guard from O’Connor HS
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, Arkansas-Little Rock, a 6-8 freshman forward from Warren HS
Kwabena Davis, Army, a 6-3 senior guard from Steele HS
Kendrick De Luna, Cal State-Fullerton, a 6-10 freshman forward from TMI Episcopal
Marques Gates, Houston Christian, a 6-0 sophomore guard from Clemens HS
Kaden Gumbs, Texas State, a 6-1 freshman guard from San Marcos HS
Vincent Iwuchukwu, Southern Cal, a 7-1 sophomore center, formerly of Cole HS, La Lumiere, Ind., Montverde Academy, Fla., Southern California Academy
Jalen Jackson, Western Kentucky, a 5-11 grad senior guard from Wagner HS, transfer from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
Ja’Sean Jackson, Lamar, a 6-0 junior guard from Wagner, transfer from Abilene Christian
Carlton Linguard Jr., UTSA, a 7-foot junior center from Stevens HS, transfer from Temple JC and Kansas State
Langston Love, Baylor, a 6-5 redshirt sophomore guard, formerly of Steele HS, Montverde Academy, Fla.
Jordan Mason, Texas State, a 6-2 sophomore guard from Clark
Kevin McCullar, Jr., Kansas, a 6-6 redshirt senior guard, formerly of Wagner HS, a transfer from Texas Tech.
Austin Nunez, Mississippi, a 6-2 sophomore guard from Wagner HS, transfer from Arizona State
Ze’Rik Onyema, Texas, a 6-8 junior forward from Jay HS, transfer from UTEP
Juan Reyna, UTSA, a 6-3 junior guard from Antonian, transfer from Alabama State, Campbell, S.C.
Brendan Wenzel, Wyoming, a 6-7 senior guard from O’Connor HS; transfer from Utah
Players with roots in the San Antonio area who attended high school elsewhere
Josiah Allick, Nebraska, a 6-8 senior from Lincoln North Star HS (Neb.), transfer from Missouri-Kansas City and New Mexico
Zach Clemence, Kansas, a 6-11 junior forward from Findlay Prep (Nev.) and Sunrise Christian Academy (Kan.)
Micah Peavy, TCU, a 6-7 senior forward from Duncanville, transfer from Texas Tech
New in The JB Replay: Guard Juan Reyna hits a sweet step-back jumper at UTSA practice last week. Reyna, from Antonian, is one of at least 18 athletes from the San Antonio area in NCAA Division I men's basketball. 🏀 https://t.co/hyCDEtJ4sq pic.twitter.com/X9HSWiXig2
— Jerry Briggs (@JerryBriggs) October 2, 2023