High Point Panthers basketball is back and aiming even higher after a record-breaking 29-win season and the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. With Flynn Clayman now promoted to head coach, a new era kicks off in 2025–26. Known for orchestrating one of the nation’s most explosive offenses last season, Clayman wasted no time retooling the roster after 10 players moved on through graduation or the transfer portal.
Despite the turnover, the Panthers are built to contend again. Clayman has blended veteran transfers, talented youngsters, and key returners into a squad that’s ready to continue to dominate in the Big South and make waves nationally. Here’s your comprehensive breakdown of the upcoming season:
A New Era: Clayman’s Offense and Vision
Clayman’s fingerprints were all over High Point’s success last year, crafting a top-three nationally ranked offense. Expect more of the same—fast-paced, heavy on ball movement, and lethal from beyond the arc. His deep recruiting connections have stocked the roster with versatile, athletic players who fit his system.
After former head coach Alan Huss departed, Clayman doubled down on building a roster that’s ready to win now. No rebuilding here—just a reload with serious firepower.
Key Returners Add Stability
- Terry Anderson (6’6” G/F): A versatile senior with the ability to defend multiple positions while providing leadership and energy.. Last year, he averaged 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds but it came off the heels of a late offseason injury. Prior to that injury those in the know were touting Anderson as one of if not THE best player on the roster. I think it’s safe to say if Terry can stay healthy all year he’s in for a huge season.
- Chase Johnston (6’3” G): One of the nation’s top shooters, Johnston hit nearly 39% from three last year. His clutch shooting and nearly 1,500 career points make him a steadying force for a team with a lot of turnover. Johnston punishes any team that takes a possession off or leaves him any room to get his shot off.
- Wild Cards: There’s buzz about Bobby Pettiford, Laye Thiam, and D’Maurian Williams seeking extra years of eligibility. All three played pivotal roles in last year’s success, but their return hinges on eligibility approvals and roster space under the new 15-player scholarship cap.
Sophomores Set to Shine
- Josh Ibukunoluwa (6’10” F): A breakout candidate, Ibukunoluwa showcased flashes of defensive brilliance and versatility last season. With his size and mobility, he could anchor the frontcourt and emerge as a key rim protector. Heard from those close to the team that believe JI could be an all time HPU great when it’s all said and done. That’s this young man’s potential.
- Braden Hausen (6’7” G/F): A sharpshooting wing, Hausen connected on 50% of his threes in limited action. His combination of length and shooting makes him a potential X-factor, especially in Clayman’s space-and-pace offense. I expect a big jump from the highly touted recruit from Texas.
New Faces: Transfers Ready to Make Noise
Clayman hit the portal hard, bringing in a standout group of eight experienced newcomers:
- Rob Martin (5’10” PG, Southeast Missouri State): An electric point guard who averaged 14.8 points and shot over 41% from three. Martin was SEMU’s leading scorer and passer en route to an All-Conference season in the OVC. He’ll likely be the primary floor general, bringing tempo and shot-making. He’s a walking bucket that will remind Big South fans of Asheville’s Jordan Marsh.
- Jaydon Young (6’4” G, Virginia Tech): An explosive scorer with ACC pedigree. Young finished last season on a tear and could step in as HPU’s go-to offensive weapon. I believe the Triad native is best suited to step into the void that D’maurian leaves.
- Cam’Ron Fletcher (6’7” G/F, Xavier): A former top-40 national recruit, Fletcher brings elite athleticism and defensive versatility. If healthy, he’s a mismatch waiting to happen on both ends.
- Scotty Washington (6’4” G, Cal State Northridge): Averaged nearly 15 points last season and adds veteran shooting and scoring depth to the backcourt. Washington can score from absolutely anywhere on the court and will force teams to cover every inch of the court. Him and Martin’s midrange game will really open things up for the team’s sharp shooters from deep.
- Conrad Martinez (6’0” PG, Arizona): A crafty playmaker from Spain, Martinez brings international flair and a knockdown jumper. In FIBA U18 competition, he averaged 10.5 points and 4.2 assists, showcasing his vision and scoring touch against top younger players across the globe.
- Youssouf Singare (6’10” C, UConn): A defensive anchor with elite length and shot-blocking skills. While playing limited minutes at UConn, he learned what it takes to compete at the highest level. He was a highly touted recruit for Dan Hurley and a player the program and fans loved.
- Owen Aquino (6’9” F/C, Liberty): A mobile big with rebounding and rim-running ability. Aquino averaged 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds last year, adding depth and versatility to the frontcourt. His unique size and strength is something the team didn’t have last year.
- Vincent Brady II (6’4” G, Missouri State): A scoring guard who put up 13.5 points per game last season. He brings an attacking mindset and experience to HPU’s wing rotation. The Panthers got an up close and personal look at Brady’s game when he torched HPU in the Cayman Islands to the tune of 27 points.
Freshmen to Watch
- Abu Yarmah (6’7” SF): A high-motor forward from the Overtime Elite league, Yarmah is ready to make an impact with his rebounding, defense, and athleticism. His versatility makes him a perfect fit for Clayman’s up-tempo system.
- Caden Miller (6’10” C): A shot-blocker and rebounder from Kentucky, Miller could see early minutes alongside Ibukunoluwa. His size and instincts will be crucial against bigger Big South opponents.
Roster Outlook and Rotation
Expect a dynamic lineup built around guard play and spacing. Martin and Martinez bring a perfect blend of scoring and playmaking at point guard. Martin excels in the mid-range, while Martinez is a deep shooter and skilled facilitator.
On the wings, Young, Washington, Fletcher, Anderson, Hausen, and Brady II offer a blend of size, athleticism, and shooting—rare for a mid-major. This group can stretch defenses, slash to the rim, and lock down opponents on the perimeter.
In the frontcourt, Singare, Ibukunoluwa, Miller, and Aquino bring length, defense, and rebounding. Singare and Ibukunoluwa’s rim protection will be key, while Miller and Aquino provide valuable depth.
This roster is built to run, defend, and shoot—the hallmarks of Clayman’s style.
Big South Outlook
High Point enters the season as a top contender in the Big South. With their offensive firepower, athleticism, and depth, they have the tools to make another title run. As it stands, Radford, UNC Asheville, and Winthrop figure to be the biggest threats, but HPU’s ceiling should be the highest if chemistry develops quickly and the team stays healthy.
Bottom Line
The 2025–26 High Point Panthers are reloaded and ready to roar. Under Coach Clayman’s leadership, they’ve assembled a roster that blends experience, talent, and athleticism in a way that few mid-majors can match. With the Qubein Center rocking, expect another exciting season filled with high-scoring games, breakout stars, and a shot at returning to March Madness.
Pantherstooth 
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