The Washington State men's basketball program is undergoing a significant transformation this offseason, with head coach David Riley aggressively reshaping the roster through the transfer portal. The Cougars have officially welcomed five new players, signaling a fresh start and a new competitive identity for the team.
Leading the influx is point guard Lazerek Houston, a dynamic scorer transferring from Division II Central Missouri. Entering his sophomore year, Houston arrives with impressive credentials, having averaged 20.8 points and 5.1 assists per game. A Second Team All-American, he's proven he can light up the scoreboard, surpassing 30 points seven times. While listed at 6'0", his ability to contribute across the board—including 4.1 rebounds per game—makes him an exciting, high-volume addition to the backcourt.
Next, Coach Riley adds size and tenacity with 6'7" forward Fraser Roxburgh. The Australian-born junior, coming from Manhattan, is a relentless presence on the boards. Analytics site KenPom rated him among the nation's top 400 players in defensive rebound percentage, and he was a top-25 defensive rebounder in MAAC conference play. While not a primary scorer, Roxburgh is an efficient offensive player, ranking highly in the MAAC for effective and true shooting percentage, with a season-high of 22 points.
The third commit brings a pedigree of high potential: RJ Jones. A former four-star high school recruit, Jones began his career at Kansas State before a stint at TCU. While his playing time has been limited, he flashed his scoring ability in a 14-point performance for the Horned Frogs against Florida A&M, where he knocked down four three-pointers. Jones represents a classic transfer portal gamble—a talented player seeking the right system to unlock his abilities, and Pullman could be the perfect fit.
This trio, along with two other new additions, forms the core of Washington State's roster overhaul. For fans, it's a time of renewed optimism. A revamped lineup means new playing styles, fresh energy, and the promise of an exciting brand of Cougar basketball. As these players integrate, the focus will be on building chemistry and translating individual talent into team success for the upcoming season.