The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers finally returned to the Dance for the first time since 2013. Now comes the fun part seeing if Hank Plona can build on the momentum that Steve Lutz started and build upon a roster that could look very similar to to the 2023-24 version that reached the long sought out prize of the NCAA tournament. As you will see below the potential is there for WKU to return potentially 90+% of last years roster. With the transition from Lutz to Plona, I expect there to be more turnover as we look for Plona to put his stamp on the program and the players must decide if they want to follow Lutz to Stillwater andwhat they’re looking to get out of next season (roster fit, playing time, NIL $, etc). The potential is still there for over 50% of the roster to be back next season. We’ll continue to update over the course of the coming weeks and months as news breaks but here is where the roster currently stands:
*Jackson is petitioning for extra season after season ending injury in December of 2023
^Murdix redshirted in 2023-24 as he recovered from injury
*Edelen could be awarded a scholarship
Forward- BJ Marable
Forward- Dontaie Allen* (transferring to Wyoming)
Guard- Brandon Newman* (transferring to Oklahoma State)
*Newman & Allen may have an extra year of eligibility remaining but they both took part in Senior Day festivities on February 17th
Center- Rodney Howard
The potential for the 2024-25 roster is sky high. Plona could return what is now rare in college basketball, a giant core of a successful roster that knows his system and is used to playing together. Bolster that group with a few high level impact transfers that plug holes and the ceiling is raised dramatically for next season. NIL will play a factor in retaining and attracting players so please join the Red Towel Trust if you’re looking to help the Hilltoppers build on last years success. Please share any information that we don’t have listed on here and we’ll be sure to update along the way.
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