With new transfers, Dillard’s men’s basketball hopes for another winning season

After winning the championship last season, the Bleu Devils basketball team is a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent. With the loss of four key seniors: Armond Williams, No. 10; Justin Warren, No. 11; Tory Cargo, No. 5; and Khalif Allim, No. 22, the coaching staff went out recruiting new players over the summer.

Alongside the seven returning players, they were able to bring in nine new players, including transfers and freshmen, all ready to make an impact on the court. With a mixture of the veteran-players and newcomers, the team looks forward to making it back to the championship and defending their title.

One of the new additions to the roster is transfer forward Charles Hervey, who joins the Bleu Devils from Arkansas Tech University.

“I’m adjusting well. It’s just new levels to it, new teammates and new coaches—but it’s been good,” Hervey said.

He added that a highlight of attending Dillard is the brotherly atmosphere and the pride of joining an HBCU.

“It looked like a family program. And it’s an HBCU, more people that look like me out here,” said Hervey.

Shane Davis, a junior forward from Madison, MS, is one of the seven returning players. He’s helping bridge the gap between old and new teammates.

“Mostly just off the court, being able to communicate with them and build chemistry,” Davis stated about growing the team’s camaraderie. He also noted that this year’s team is younger but more versatile.

“We have a lot more shooters who can really spread the floor,” Davis said.

Head Coach Joseph Price emphasized the importance of recruiting the right players. He said building a team is like building a puzzle, you have to find the perfect fit.

“Upon recruitment, we were looking for specific kids that we knew would be a good fit for the returning players and for what we were building,” he said.

The coach also praised several players who have stepped into leadership roles.

“Tyler Wiley has done that automatically. Christian Pichon Jr. has taken that next step to be more vocal, and Devin Lewis has done a great job as well,” noted Price.

Pichon is a junior from New Orleans who plays point guard. Tyler Wiley is a senior point guard from Inglewood, CA. Devin Lewis is a senior guard from New Orleans.

As the season approaches, the team’s goal is clear.

“Well, of course, the goal is to start winning another championship, but I think the main goal for this is just to leave our mark as a team,” said Davis.

“I want to get another ring and good stats this year,” Hervey said after being asked about the upcoming season.

With returning leadership, promising newcomers, and a winning culture, the Bleu Devils believe they’re ready to defend their crown and make another deep run this season.

The Blue Devils Men’s Basketball team’s first game is Oct. 25, 2025. They will face off against the College of Biblical Studies.