Grand Rapids Reporter

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball program, which reached the NCAA Division II Elite Eight last season, has reloaded for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign as head coach Andy Bronkema announced seven new squad members.

The Bulldogs added four incoming freshmen along with three key transfers to a roster that returns all eligible squad members from last year. FSU's incoming freshmen include Quron Williams (Detroit/Edison), Jaxson Whitaker (Muskegon/Reeths-Puffer), Carter Meerman (Grand Rapids/Catholic Central), and Wasir James (Flint/Beecher). The transfer class features Tyler Hamilton (Detroit/River Rouge) from St. Clair Community College, Donovan Brown-Boyd (Grand Rapids/Christian) from Aquinas, and Kenny Turner (Coral Springs, Fla./Saint Andrews School) from King University in Tennessee.

The group of seven will help offset the loss of an outstanding six-member senior class that led FSU's postseason run, including victories in both the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament and Midwest Region championships.

"We're thrilled to add this talented incoming class and look forward to building a new legacy with this year's squad," said Bronkema. "Last year was special, but we believe we've added another strong recruiting class that will help us continue to compete for championships."

The seven additions include three state champions and four players who have made six or more three-pointers in a single contest. All three incoming transfers were also double-digit scorers at their previous schools.

"I'm excited about the roster," Bronkema said. "We returned 12 and graduated six accomplished players. The goal was to bring in a class to complement the returners and help replace the productivity and skill sets of those that graduated. On paper we have done that and the rest is about the work."

Ferris State won both the GLIAC Tournament Championship and the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional title this past season, closing with a 28-8 overall record while notching a share of the second-most wins in program history. The Bulldogs made their first trip to the D2 Elite Eight in six years; their last appearance was in 2018 when FSU captured its first NCAA D2 National Championship. Last year's appearance marked their third overall trip to the Elite Eight in program history.

Below are biographical sketches on all seven additions:

Quron Williams: A 6-5 wing from Detroit Edison who was a first-team all-conference choice under head coach Brandon Neely. Ranked as Michigan's sixth-best forward by Inside Prep Sports.

"Quron is a prototype for the top of our press," said Bronkema.

Jaxson Whitaker: A Muskegon Reeths-Puffer product who finished his prep career as his school's all-time leading scorer.

"Jaxson is one of the best shooters in the state," Bronkema said.

Carter Meerman: A Grand Rapids Catholic Central standout who averaged 13 points per game for head coach TJ Meerman.

"Carter can shoot it and is an above-the-rim athlete," said Bronkema.

Wasir James: A Flint Beecher product who led his team to a state championship while averaging 11.2 points per game for coach Marquise Gray.

"Wasir has potential through the roof," noted Bronkema.

Tyler Hamilton: Averaged 17.7 points per game at St. Clair County Community College under coach Richard Field.

"Tyler has dynamic personality fitting well with our returning group," commented Bronkema.

Donovan Brown-Boyd: Notched 17.3 points per game at Aquinas College; previously played at Grand Rapids Christian High School.

"Donnie will fit well with our culture immediately," stated Bronkema.

Kenny Turner: Competed on NCAA Division II level at King University with averages of 12 points per game.

"Kenny will have an immediate impact on our winning from day one," concluded Bronkema.