EUGENE, Ore. – The Bushnell men's basketball team enters the 2026-27 season with a blend of proven star power, improved depth, and a level of chemistry that head coach Eddie Alexander believes may be one of the strongest of his nine-year tenure.
 
The Beacons finished 14-15 a season ago, going 10-10 as they tied for sixth-place in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. A buzzer-beating victory in the quarterfinals highlighted their fourth straight post-season run.
 
Bushnell returns eight players from last year's squad, including First-Team All-CCC forward Kaleb Burnett, while welcoming seven newcomers who have already made a significant impact during preseason preparations.
 
Though Bushnell must replace First-Team All-CCC standout and 1,000-point scorer Cory Johnson, Alexander is optimistic that this year's roster may be better equipped to compete throughout the grind of conference play.
 
"I expect us to be better than what we've been," Alexander said. "We are at a much better place than previous years heading into the preseason."
 
That confidence stems from more than just talent. For Alexander, the most noticeable difference from previous seasons has been the culture within the locker room.
 
"This year's team is really tight, both on and off the court," he said. "There are no cliques. The accountability within the team has been great. We have gone five-and-a-half weeks of practice and probably had one-and-a-half bad practices. We don't really have bad practices."
 
That cohesion has translated directly to the basketball court. According to Alexander, the Beacons are further along offensively and defensively than any team he has coached at Bushnell. Concepts that normally take months to install have already become part of the team's arsenal before the season's first counting game.
 
"We have more things at our disposal to kick off the season than we've ever had," Alexander said.
 
Faster, Deeper, More Dangerous
 
On the court, Bushnell expects to look significantly different than it did a year ago.
 
The Beacons will play with more speed, shoot more three-pointers, and rely on their deepest roster in years. Alexander believes the team's improved spacing and perimeter shooting could elevate the offense into one of the conference's most productive units.
 
"I would expect that we're going to shoot more threes this year," he said. "I would expect our shooting percentages to increase. I think our pace of play is going to be faster, and I think we're going to cause a lot more turnovers defensively."
 
The roster also features unprecedented depth at the point guard position.
 
"We've got four point guards on the roster, and honestly I see all four playing in different roles," Alexander said.
 
That depth should provide Bushnell with lineup flexibility and fresh legs throughout the season, a critical asset in what is expected to be another highly competitive CCC race.
 
Burnett, Donovan Return as Significant Pieces
 
Leading the way once again is Burnett, one of the conference's top forwards and a First-Team All-CCC performer last winter. He should become Bushnell's 26th player all time to join the 1000-point club during the season.
 
While opponents increasingly adjusted their defensive attention on Burnett late last season, Alexander believes this year's improved shooting surrounding him will create more opportunities and make him even more efficient.
 
"Kaleb is Kaleb," Alexander said. "It's going to take a lot of pressure off him this year because we have a lot more shooting, and he has expanded his offensive skillset to prepare for the adjustments that our opponents will make."
 
Alongside Burnett, sophomore Ryland Donovan appears poised for a breakout campaign. Alexander expects Donovan's statistical production to take a substantial leap after showing flashes last season as an elite rebounder and versatile contributor.
 
"I think statistically we're going to see a huge jump from Ryland," Alexander said. "He is a really, really good rebounder, and I think we are going to see a significant uptick in those numbers."
 
Impact Newcomers Already Emerging
 
Several newcomers have positioned themselves for immediate roles.
 
At point guard, junior Keyshawn Lewis (Tacoma, Wash.) brings a shooting dimension that Bushnell has lacked in recent years. After spending a gap year following a stop at Lower Columbia College, Lewis arrives with the ability to stretch defenses from beyond the arc while facilitating the offense. "Teams won't be able to cheat off our point guards as much as they have in the past," Alexander said.
 
6-foot, 8-inch junior Ian Prictor (Bend, Ore./Highline CC) is expected to strengthen Bushnell's interior as he provides size and experience in the paint. "Ian has really transformed since high school and has developed into a reliable, strong finisher, and mobile big man, Alexander said, "He is going to be a great rebounder for us and we have really solidified the middle with him."
 
Another transfer expected to play a key role is junior Gabriel Townsend (Gresham, Ore./Linn-Benton CC), a versatile 6-foot-6 forward known for his high motor, leadership, and ability to stretch the floor. Alexander referred to Townsend as a "glue guy" whose energy impacts nearly every possession.
 
Newcomer Joey Banry (Eugene, Ore./Lane CC) has rapidly climbed the depth chart. Initially recruited as a developmental point guard option, Banry's command of the offense and quick mastery of the system have made him an important piece entering the season. "Joey has retained things extremely well," Alexander said, "and he runs the floor really well."
 
Freshmen Ready to Contribute
 
Perhaps the biggest revelation of the preseason has been freshman guard Drew Groenig (Beaverton, Ore.). Alexander knew Groenig would compete for playing time, but the young sharpshooter has exceeded expectations with his ability to create and make difficult shots. Unlike many perimeter shooters, Groenig can fire coming off screens, knock down off-balance attempts, and create offense under pressure. Just as importantly, he's proven physically ready for the college game.
 
"Drew is our best shooter when it comes to the ability to get a shot off and make tough shots," Alexander said. "He is very talented and as a true freshman he is doing really well on defense."
 
Meanwhile, freshman wing Shyne Salvador (Royal Kunia, Hawaii) adds another perimeter shooting threat, while Adrian Ownbey (El Cajon, Calif.) possesses athleticism and defensive potential that should provide another weapon in the future.
 
Looking Ahead
 
With a proven all-conference star in Burnett, a potential breakout player in Donovan, an influx of skilled newcomers, and a culture built on chemistry and accountability, Bushnell enters the 2026-27 season believing it can take a significant step forward.
 
Alexander remains careful not to overstate expectations, particularly in the notoriously competitive Cascade Conference, yet the excitement surrounding the program is undeniable.
 
The Beacons have more depth, more shooting, greater versatility, and perhaps most importantly, a stronger connection than any team Alexander has coached in Eugene.
 
Now, as the season tips off, Bushnell will look to translate that promise into results and position itself among the CCC's contenders.
 
"If we do our job,"Alexander said, "I think we're going to be really strong."
 
The Beacons open up the 2026-2027 campaign in Montana on Wednesday night against Carroll College. After a three-game swing through Big Sky Country, the Beacons play their Morse Center opener on November 6 against Simpson. Cascade Conference play begins on December 1 in Salem against Corban University.