The Xavier Musketeers have kept the momentum rolling into May, securing their first transfer portal commitment of the month with the addition of Braden Appelhans from Drake.

Appelhans, a 6-foot-6 guard, brings valuable backcourt depth and a familiar face to head coach Richard Pitino, having spent three seasons under Pitino at New Mexico before his stint with the Bulldogs. He has one year of eligibility remaining and is expected to make an immediate impact for a Xavier squad that has been one of the most active teams in the nation during the spring transfer window.

After a busy April that saw the Musketeers add six players through the portal, Appelhans becomes the seventh transfer to join the program this offseason. His journey has been one of steady growth. At New Mexico, he appeared in 57 games, averaging 2.7 points while shooting 38.3% from the field. A medical redshirt as a freshman in the 2022-23 season (10 games off the bench) gave him extra time to develop.

Last season at Drake, Appelhans made 27 appearances off the bench and upped his scoring average to 5.3 points per game. His breakout performance came on Dec. 2, when he poured in a career-high 30 points in a dominant 108-57 victory over Western Illinois—a glimpse of the scoring punch he can provide.

With Appelhans on board, Xavier's 2026-27 roster now stands at 14 players, comprising seven transfers, three returning players, and a four-man incoming freshman class. As the Musketeers continue to reshape their lineup, this addition signals a clear focus on experience and versatility for the season ahead.