AUSTIN, Texas – Following one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Concordia Texas men's basketball team enters the 2026-27 campaign looking to build on last year's momentum with an experienced group of returners and several newcomers under the direction of head coach Stan Bonewitz, who enters his 23rd season at the helm.
The Tornados finished the 2025-26 season with a 23-5 overall record, including a 14-2 mark in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) play, earning second place in the regular-season standings and advancing to the SCAC Tournament Championship game.
Concordia established itself as one of the nation's most explosive teams, ranking third in NCAA Division III in scoring at 99.6 points per game and third nationally in forced turnovers. The Tornados' high-tempo offense and aggressive defensive approach helped fuel their success throughout the season.
With several key contributors returning, Bonewitz believes the experience gained from last year's run will be valuable as the team prepares for another competitive season.
"We were fortunate to have some success last year, and we have a good chunk of those guys back," Bonewitz said. "I think the expectations are kind of understood, and I think guys are eager to try to get back in that position we were in last year, but they also know it takes a lot of work."
Among the returning leaders is senior forward Percy Green, who earned All-SCAC Third Team honors after averaging 13.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season. Green shot an efficient 56.7 percent from the field and recorded 26 blocks, providing a consistent presence in the paint.
After serving as the sixth-man last season, Green enters his final campaign embracing an increased leadership role. The Oklahoma City native focused on improving his physical conditioning during the offseason while preparing to set an example for his teammates.
"I know I have a bigger role being able to lead, and I wanted to be able to lead by example," Green said. "Guys see me in the gym, and maybe they see that, want to reciprocate that energy and just go work out and try to be the best version of themselves as well."
Green will be joined by fellow returning All-SCAC selections Anariss Brandon, Aaron San Miguel and Jaiden Gastile, giving Concordia an experienced foundation heading into the season.
Brandon, a junior guard, also earned All-SCAC Third Team recognition after starting all 27 games and averaging 15.2 points per contest. He shot 48.6 percent from the field while adding 110 rebounds, 54 assists and 48 steals, establishing himself as a consistent contributor on both ends of the floor.
San Miguel returns for his redshirt senior season after receiving All-SCAC Honorable Mention honors. The San Antonio native averaged 12.1 points per game and connected on 57 three-pointers while shooting 40.1 percent from beyond the arc. He also led the Tornados with 96 assists and contributed 43 steals, proving to be a true point guard.
Gastile, another All-SCAC Honorable Mention selection, appeared in all 27 games last season and averaged 6.2 points per contest. The junior forward shot 47.1 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three-point range while adding 19 steals and nine blocks.
The Tornados also return several familiar faces, including seniors Tariq Muhammad and Khaleel Thomas, along with Jeffrey Kirven, Darone Leakes and Tremayne Martin.
Despite the returning experience, Concordia will have to replace the production of former standout Joey Ramirez, who earned SCAC Player of the Year & First Team recognition after averaging 22.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Bonewitz acknowledged the challenge of replacing Ramirez and fellow departed senior KC while emphasizing the importance of having veteran players who understand the program's expectations.
The Tornados will also welcome several new faces to the roster, including transfers Travon Williams, Terrion Benson, Jonah Johnson and Jayden Gordon.
Williams, a 6-foot-8 center from St. Edward's University, adds size to the frontcourt, while Benson arrives from fellow SCAC member Colorado College. Johnson transfers from another fellow SCAC school in Texas Lutheran University and Gordon comes to Concordia from Southwestern Christian University.
Freshmen Uyiosa Osawemwenze, Quentin Proctor and Sean Mwesigwa round out the newcomers as the Tornados look to develop their depth throughout the season.
With a mixture of experienced returners and incoming talent, Green emphasized the importance of helping the newcomers adjust to the expectations of the program.
"We just kind of try to take those guys under our wing a little bit and just point them in the right direction because we know what's expected of us from coach," Green said.
While last season's accomplishments provide confidence, Bonewitz has stressed that the team's success will depend on maintaining the habits and preparation that helped produce those results.
"My guys should be confident, but they should be confident in the process that we went through and the way we practiced and the steps we took," Bonewitz said. "Be confident in the everyday habits of what we try to do."
That approach will remain central to Concordia's identity as the Tornados look to continue playing at a fast pace while applying pressure defensively.
For Green and the returning veterans, the goal is to build on last season's success without allowing previous accomplishments to create a sense of entitlement.
"The main thing is just coming in and not thinking we deserve anything because of what we did last year," Green said. "We got to focus on this year because it's a whole new season."
With another opportunity to compete for an SCAC championship ahead, Bonewitz hopes his team's commitment to preparation, selflessness and consistency will continue to define the program.
"We always tell our guys you're fighting every day for your identity," Bonewitz said. "More than anything as a coach, you want your team to be about something."
SCHEDULE OUTLOOK
Concordia will open the 2026-27 season at home this Saturday, Nov. 7, against Whitworth University. as the Tornados begin their pursuit of another successful campaign. The Tornados will begin SCAC competition on the road against the University of Dallas on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m.
Concordia Texas will conclude the regular season at home against Austin College on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m., before turning their attention to the SCAC Men's Basketball Tournament, scheduled to begin Friday, Feb. 26, at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Shreveport, Louisiana.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the CTX men's basketball program, follow us on social media @ctxathletics and visit athletics.concordia.edu.
