The Xavier Musketeers men's basketball program has been on a roll this spring, and they're not slowing down in May. After an action-packed April that saw the team add six players through the NCAA transfer portal, the Musketeers have secured their first commitment of the new month: Drake transfer Braden Appelhans.

Appelhans, a 6-foot-6 guard, brings a familiar face to the Xavier bench. He spent three seasons under head coach Richard Pitino at New Mexico before transferring to Drake for the 2023-24 season. Now, he's reuniting with his former coach in Cincinnati, adding valuable backcourt depth to a roster that's been completely reshaped this offseason.

With one year of eligibility remaining, Appelhans joins a Musketeers team that has built one of the nation's top transfer portal hauls over the last month. His experience and versatility make him a strong addition to a squad that's looking to make noise in the Big East and beyond.

During his time at New Mexico, Appelhans appeared in 57 games, averaging 2.7 points while shooting 38.3% from the field. He was granted a medical redshirt after appearing in just 10 games as a freshman during the 2022-23 season, showing resilience and determination. Last season at Drake, he made 27 appearances off the bench and averaged 5.3 points per game, with a career-high 30-point explosion in a 108-57 win over Western Illinois on Dec. 2.

For Xavier fans, Appelhans represents more than just a stat line—he's a player who knows Pitino's system and can step in immediately to provide reliable minutes. His shooting touch and length at the guard position will be key assets as the Musketeers continue to build their identity for the upcoming season.

With Appelhans on board, Xavier's 2026-27 roster now sits at 14 players: seven transfers, three returning players, and a four-player incoming freshmen class. The depth and experience are undeniable, and the excitement around this team is only growing.