Liberty basketball is set to start the 2025-26 season when they face Kentucky Christian at Liberty Arena on Monday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Get ready for this upcoming year with our season preview that covers the team from all angles – position previews, schedule review, roster, breakout candidates, who makes the rotation and much more.
The Flames finished the 2024-25 season at 28-7 and 13-5 in Conference USA. Liberty swept both the regular season and conference tournament title in the program’s second year in Conference USA.
Liberty loses three primary contributors from last year’s team in Taelon Peter, Jayvon Maughmer, and Owen Aquino. All three were additions through the transfer portal a year ago and provided maturity, length, and athleticism to allow the Flames to have success not just in CUSA but on a national level once again.
Kaden Metheny, Zach Cleveland, and Colin Porter are returning starters for the Flames, with all three being picked to the CUSA preseason all-conference team. Zander Yates and Brett Decker were also rotation pieces for Liberty last season and return this year. Isaiah Ihnen and Josh Smith, both of whom were on the team last year, are expected to return to the floor after suffering serious knee injuries previously.
Coach McKay and his staff once again turned to the transfer portal to bring in a couple of additions to add to the team’s size, athleticism, and experience as JJ Harper and RJ Jones, Jr. join the Flames through the portal. Zander Carter, Drew Grimes, Torr Sorensen, TJ Drain, and Brady Kester have joined the team as true freshmen.
LIBERTY BASKETBALL ROSTER AND BIOS
#1 Zander Carter – Freshman Guard – 6-6, 195.
#25 Zach Cleveland – Senior Forward – 6-7, 220: Junior Year – Cleveland started 32 games and was named third team all-CUSA, his second straight year being named all-conference. He averaged 11.0 points (third on team), 6.3 rebounds (first on team), 5.1 assists (first on team), 1.0 blocks (second team), and 0.7 steals per game. He led the nation in assists per game among forwards, finishing the year 51st nationally and No. 2 in CUSA in assists per game. Scored in double figures 20 times on the season, including in each of the final five games.
Sophomore Year – Cleveland started all 32 games and was named second team all-CUSA. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game. He led the Flames in rebounds, assists, and blocks.
Freshman Year – Cleveland played in 28 games, averaging 3.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He grabbed a career best 12 rebounds against Villanova in the NIT and had 7 points and 7 rebounds in just 13 minutes of action in the ASUN title game.
#4 Brett Decker, Jr. – Sophomore Guard – 6-3, 190: Freshman Year – Decker appeared in 27 games, averaging 4.3 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game. He shot 44.2% (23 of 52) from three-point range and 91.7% from the free throw line. He had his best game in CUSA play in the regular season finale at Western Kentucky, finishing with 16 points in 15 minutes. He scored in double figures five times.
#23 TJ Drain – Freshman Forward – 6-8, 220.
#15 Drew Grimes – Freshman Forward – 6-9, 205.
#9 JJ Harper – R-Senior Guard – 6-5, 200: Transferring from Division II West Liberty, Harper earned first-team all-conference honors while starting in 22 of 24 games played. He averaged 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while averaging 27.3 minutes. He shot 46.8% from the field, 34.6% from three, and 82.6% from the free throw line while helping lead West Liberty to a 30-5 overall record and NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance.
#7 Isaiah Ihnen – R-Junior Forward – 6-9, 220: R-Junior season (awarded an additional year of eligibility) – Ihnen appeared in the first 11 games of the year with four starts before missing the rest of the year due to injury. He averaged 10.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 55.7% from the floor, 38.9% from three, and 66.7% from the free throw line. He posted a career high 25 points on 11 of 13 shooting against Central Penn.
Transferring from Minnesota, Ihnen played in 78 games over five seasons. He averaged 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game last season while shooting 43.6% from the floor and 35.8% from three. He missed the 2022-23 and 2021-22 seasons due to injuries. Ihnen is originally from Germany.
#21 Ryan Jones, Jr. – R-Freshman Forward – 6-8, 240: Transferring from Virginia Tech, Jones appeared in five games as a true freshman for the Hokies during the 2024-25 season. He was 3 of 5 from the floor in those contests.
#24 Brady Kester – Freshman Forward – 6-8, 220.
#3 Kaden Metheny – R-Senior Guard – 5-10, 170: Senior Year – Metheny started 34 of 35 games and earned the 2025 CUSA Championship MVP after averaging 20.3 points per game and making 16 three-pointers in three games. He was named to the CUSA second-team, his second straight year earning All-CUSA honors. Metheny averaged 13.3 points (second on team), 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. He finished the year with a team-high 102 threes, tied for fourth most in a single season in program history. He had 24 points and was 7 of 13 from three in the win over Kennesaw State in the CUSA semifinals, and finished with 21 points on 5 of 10 from three in the CUSA title game against Jacksonville State. Metheny scored 20 or more points six times on the season and reached double figures 22 times.
Junior Year – Metheny started all 32 games for the Flames and was named to the CUSA third team all-conference. He averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. He led CUSA in three point percentage at 41.2 percent.
#0 Colin Porter – Senior Guard – 5-10, 170: Junior Year – Porter started all 35 games and was named All-CUSA honorable mention. He was also named the 2024 Paradise Jam MVP. He averaged 9.1 points, 4.3 assists (second on team), 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals (first on team) per game. He knocked down 54 three-pointers and shot 42.9% from three on the year. He ranked first in CUSA and 14th in the country with a 2.88 assist/turnover ratio. Porter had 13 points, a CUSA Championship title game tying nine assists, and four rebounds in the win over Jacksonville State. He scored a season-high 17 points on two occasions and reached double figures 16 times. He ranks No. 8 in program history with 410 career assists entering senior season.
Sophomore Year – Porter started all 32 games last year, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game. His 3.0 assist/turnover ratio was first in CUSA and 20th in the nation.
Freshman Year – Porter started all 36 games last year, was named to the ASUN All-Freshman and All-Tournament team. He averaged 7.8 points (third on team), 3.8 assists (led team), 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. In three ASUN Tournament games, he averaged 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
#10 JC Shirer, Jr. – R-Junior Guard – 6-3, 195: Sophomore Year – Shirer appeared in nine games while averaging 0.4 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game.
R-Freshman Year – Shirer appeared in eight games while averaging 1.6 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.4 steals per game.
Freshman Year – Redshirted.
#12 Josh Smith – R-Senior Forward – 6-9, 225: He missed the 2024-25 season due to injury.
Smith transfers from Stetson where he started 60 games in 04 appearances over four seasons. He had 11 starts and played in 14 games last season, averaging 8.4 points and 5.7 rebounds in 22.6 minutes per game.
#20 Torr Sorensen – Freshman Forward – 6-7, 220.
#11 Zander Yates – R-Senior Forward – 6-8, 225: R-Junior Year – Yates appeared in 32 games while averaging 3.3 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. He shot 39.2% from three-point range. He had six points and six rebounds in Liberty’s win over Kennesaw State in the CUSA Championship semifinals.
R-Sophomore Year – Yates appeared in 27 games while averaging 2.0 points and 0.7 rebounds per game. He made 36.8% (14-of-38) of his three point attempts on the season, his first year at Liberty after transferring from Creighton.
2025-26 SCHEDULE
11/03 vs Kentucky Christian
11/07 vs Charleston (Field of 68 Media Network Tip-Off Event)
11/09 vs FAU (Field of 68 Media Network Tip-Off Event)
11/17 vs Carolina University
11/24 vs Vermont (ESPN Events Invitational in Kissimmee, FL)
11/25 vs Rhode Island/Towson (ESPN Events Invitational in Kissimmee, FL)
11/26 vs TBD (ESPN Events Invitational in Kissimmee, FL)
12/06 vs Coppin State
12/10 @ NC State
12/16 vs Midway
12/20 @ Dayton
12/28 @ FIU*
01/02 vs Kennesaw State*
01/04 vs Jax State*
01/08 @ Louisiana Tech *
01/10 @ Sam Houston*
01/15 vs New Mexico State*
01/17 vs UTEP*
01/21 @ Western Kentucky*
01/24 vs Delaware*
01/28 @ Middle Tennessee*
02/04 @ Delaware*
02/07 vs Missouri State*
02/11 @ New Mexico State*
02/14 @ UTEP*
02/18 vs FIU*
02/21 vs Western Kentucky*
02/26 @ Kennesaw State*
02/28 @ Jacksonville State*
03/05 vs Louisiana Tech*
03/07 vs Sam Houston*
03/10-14 CUSA Tournament in Huntsville, Alabama
LIBERTY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE REVIEW
The Non-Conference
The Flames play their first four games from the friendly confines of Liberty Arena, taking on Charleston and Florida Atlantic in what will be two early season tests as well as two non-Division I members, before heading to Orlando for the Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational for three games. There are three total non-DI opponents on the schedule which also features road trips to NC State and Dayton in the month of December.
Toughest Stretch
Focusing on the conference slate for this section, the Flames will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina to take on the NC State Wolfpack in Will Wade’s first season as head coach there on Dec. 10. 10 days later, and Liberty heads to Dayton, Ohio to take on Anthony Grant and the Flyers in two of the toughest non-conference games the Flames have had in recent seasons.
5 Most Difficult Games
Vs Charleston (November 7). Liberty’s first game against a Division I opponent won’t be easy. Charleston is coming off a 24-win season a year ago under first year head coach Chris Mack who expects to have the Cougars competing for a CAA championship once again and getting back to the Big Dance after a one-year hiatus.
At NC State (December 10). Will Wade has had success everywhere he’s been including in the SEC at LSU and, most recently, at McNeese. Expectations are high for Wade at NC State who could be a Top 25 team by time this game rolls around.
At Dayton (December 20). Anthony Grant has Dayton one of the top teams in the A-10 every year and this season is not expected to be any different. The Flyers have won 20+ games in six of his eight seasons there including four straight.
At New Mexico State (February 11). Entering their third season under head coach Jason Hooten, expectations are high for the Aggies this season. They will be looking to protect their home court while the Flames will have to adjust to the altitude and long travel to Las Cruces.
At Kennesaw State (February 26). The Flames and Owls have developed a bit of a rivalry, and that continued last year, the Owls first in CUSA. The two teams split the regular season series, each winning on the other’s home floor, and then provided an instant classic in Huntsville in the CUSA Semis. Antoine Pettway should have Kennesaw right back in the mix this season.
POSITION PREVIEW: GUARDS
Projected Starters
Colin Porter: Porter has been a starter during his first three seasons playing for the Flames, and he brings a wealth of experience back to the court this season. He is a true, traditional point guard with his ability to manage a game while also being one of the best in the league at distributing and taking care of the basketball.
Kaden Metheny: Metheny decided to return for his COVID year this season, and the Flames are grateful. He etched his name in Liberty record books with his performance in the CUSA Tournament this past March, as he has proven he is one of the best shooters, not just in CUSA, but in the entire country.
JJ Harper: McKay has always liked going with three (or more) guards in his lineups. Expect the same for much of the time this coming season once again even though we will likely see three forwards on the floor at once in certain situations. Harper is the likely favorite to earn a starting nod, at least to begin the season. He could slide into a role similar to that of Jayvon Maughmer from last year, as a three-and-D type of player.
Key Reserves
Brett Decker: In his freshman season, Decker proved his value, particularly on the offensive end of the floor. He has some veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, but he should be able to find a role in spelling Porter and Metheny, perhaps even Harper if the Flames elect to go small in some situations.
Biggest Question
How does Liberty replace the impact from Maughmer and Taelon Peter? Those two were instant impact players from the Division II level with Peter even making it to the NBA level. Can Harper eat up enough of those minutes to help offset those losses? Can Decker provide a scoring punch off the bench similar to what Peter did?
POSITION PREVIEW: FORWARDS
Projected Starters
Zach Cleveland: A preseason all-conference selection, Cleveland is now a senior and one of the top players in the league. He can do it all – score, pass, rebound, defend. Cleveland’s biggest weakness is his shooting ability from range and the free throw line. If he can add that to his game, he could be an impossible matchup for most in the CUSA.
Josh Smith: With Ihnen expected to be limited early in the season, Smith is the most likely to step into the vacated starting spot in the frontcourt with the absence of Owen Aquino. A transfer from Stetson who sat out last year with the Flames as he recovered from an injury, Smith has the tools. In the last two games he played before suffering his injury, Smith had 24 points and 11 rebounds and 19 points and 11 rebounds against ASUN foes. He has the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and is also a solid rebounder and defender.
Key Reserves
Isaiah Ihnen: Once he is back to 100% from his injury, Ihnen has all-conference potential and is a likely starter for the Flames. He scored double figures in seven of eight games (9 points in the other) before he was lost to injury in mid-December. He is entering his 7th year playing college basketball, having missed two full seasons and most of last year. Health is obviously his biggest question mark.
Zander Yates: After Ihnen’s injury last year, Yates emerged as a reliable option off the bench. He can knock down open threes while also playing solid defense and grabbing rebounds.
RJ Jones, Jr.: Jones is a former 4-star recruit who didn’t play much at Virginia Tech last year. Will he be able to provide something for the Flames this season?
TJ Drain: McKay says the true freshman Drain is going to play. How much is largely dependent on what he provides in his opportunities he is provided.
Biggest Question
Can Smith and Ihnen remain healthy? If these two, who have each suffered multiple knee injuries in recent years, can remain healthy, the Flames have arguably their deepest frontcourt even. Without them, the depth and size upfront is a question mark.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
Which Liberty players could have breakout seasons this year?
JJ Harper: The West Liberty transfer can fit a need for the Flames on the wing. If he can knock down open shots and take on the role of defending the opposing team’s top perimeter offensive threat, Harper will be exactly what Liberty was looking for.
Josh Smith: Smith could prove to be the perfect compliment to Zach Cleveland in the frontcourt. His length can be a strength on defense while he can also stretch the floor and hit shots from the perimeter. With Ihnen limited early in the season, Smith should have plenty of opportunities to begin the year.
TJ Drain: Drain impressed the coaching staff enough over the summer that he is expected to play as a true freshman. Could he emerge as a key piece for the Flames up front?
