Rice men's basketball has announced the signing of five new players for the 2026-27 season: Carmelo Adkins, Jacob Dar, Jarne Elouna Eyenga, Zalan Flasar, and Tristan Vukotic. Coach Rob Lanier emphasized their potential contributions as they join the team, highlighting their previous stats and playing experiences. This recruitment marks a strategic effort to enhance the roster with proven performance, skill, and versatility to elevate the program's competitiveness.

By the Numbers
  • Carmelo Adkins averaged 13.5 points and 4.9 rebounds last season at USC Upstate.
  • Jacob Dar averaged 10 points in AAC games during the 2024-25 season at Rice.
  • Zalan Flasar averaged 10.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists at the FIBA U18 Eurobasket.
Yes, But

While the signings bring immediate experience, there are questions regarding how well these new recruits will gel with the returning players. Their past performances, though promising, may not guarantee success without proper integration into the team's dynamics.

State of Play
  • The Rice Owls aim to improve their overall performance and competitiveness in college basketball.
  • Current recruits are expected to add depth and skill to the roster, addressing specific weaknesses from the previous season.
What's Next

As the new recruits prepare for their transition to Rice, expectations and training will ramp up to ensure they align quickly with the team’s strategies. The coaching staff will focus on developing their gameplay and integration ahead of the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

The signings of Adkins, Dar, Eyenga, Flasar, and Vukotic demonstrate Rice's commitment to building a competitive basketball program. These strategic additions could significantly impact the team's performance in the 2026-27 season if properly developed and integrated.