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Vincennes University

Trailblazer Men’s Basketball Eyes Another Deep Run in 2025–26

Trailblazer Men’s Basketball Eyes Another Deep Run in 2025–26
October 29, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Men's Basketball team is gearing up for another season of high expectations under NJCAA Hall of Fame and longtime Head Coach Todd Franklin. With a core of returning leaders, an influx of new talent, and a schedule loaded with national competition, the Trailblazers enter 2025–26 focused on maintaining their championship standard and building on one of the most consistent legacies in NJCAA basketball.

Building on a Storied Season

The 2024–25 Trailblazers battled through adversity to once again secure their place among the nation's elite. Despite losing key contributors during the year — including point guard Drae Vasser, who suffered a season-ending foot injury, and forward Ali Sakho, sidelined nearly the entire campaign — VU stayed true to its standard of excellence, finishing 28–5 overall and 16–0 in Region 24 to capture the undefeated Region 24 regular season title.

VU's depth and resilience shone even brighter in the postseason. After falling in the Region 24 Quarterfinals to Kaskaskia College, the Trailblazers regrouped to earn an at-large bid to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. Once there, the Blazers showcased their trademark toughness, defeating Three Rivers Community College (Mo.) 69–51 in the opening round and toppling national powerhouse Indian Hills Community College (Iowa) 85–71 to advance to the Elite Eight for the eighth time in that span. Their run ended with a narrow 75–67 loss to Panola College (Tex.).

Graduated are several major contributors from that campaign, including two-time All-American LeBron Thomas (University of Wisconsin-Green Bay) (18.1 points, 6.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds), Travell Bryson (Howard University) (13.3 points, 7.5 rebounds), and Michael Cooper (Wagner College) (10.2 points, 39% from three). "It was a remarkable group," Franklin reflected. "We lost guys at different points — Travell missed much of the first half, Michael went down in the Elite Eight, and LeBron fought through back issues — but the team never wavered. To go undefeated in regular season region play and reach the Elite Eight under those circumstances says a lot about their toughness and pride."

Veteran Leadership Returns

The Trailblazers return four players from that 2024–25 roster, two of whom were key rotation pieces: sophomore Dayton Williams (Louisville, Ky.), a 6-4 guard who started every game and averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, and sophomore Jalen Calloway (Chicago, Ill.), a part-time starter at shooting guard who averaged 6.4 points while shooting 36.5 percent from three. Franklin expects both to play major roles this season. "Dayton is athletic, left-handed, and versatile — he rebounds, passes, and can score at all three levels," Franklin said. "Jalen has had a great offseason. He's been consistent, confident, and looks ready to take a step forward."

Also back are freshman Drae Vasser (Louisville, Ky.), who redshirted after last year's injury and returns healthy to run the offense, and Jae Thomas (Bishopville, S.C.), the younger brother of former two-time All-American LeBron Thomas. "Drae has the ability to be one of the best point guards in our region — maybe the country," Franklin said. "Jae has gotten stronger, improved his shot, and will give us a defensive edge on the wing."

Transfers and Fresh Faces

VU reloaded its roster with a mix of impact transfers and promising freshmen. Leading the newcomers is Prince Ojukwu (Toronto, Ontario), a 6-3 sophomore forward who averaged nine points and six rebounds per game last year at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Miss.). "Prince is a tough, physical kid who's played at a high level," Franklin said. "He's competing for a starting spot and brings experience that will help us right away."

Inside, the Trailblazers add significant size with freshmen Michael Ephraim (6-10, Nigeria) and Lorenzo Malagnini (6-8, Italy) — both of whom Franklin believes can anchor the post. "Michael has come a long way since June and keeps getting better. Lorenzo gives us strength and a true inside presence," Franklin noted. Redshirt freshman Omar Abdelsamia (6-10, Egypt), a transfer from Slippery Rock University (Pa.), and sophomore Jaloni Johnson (Chicago, Ill.), who comes to VU by way of Malcolm X College (Ill.), provide additional depth and flexibility in the frontcourt.

Style and Identity

While VU's foundation remains rooted in defense and discipline, this year's team also promises to play with greater pace, spacing, and offensive versatility. Coach Franklin, who has built his Trailblazer teams on toughness and efficiency for nearly two decades, sees this group as one that can blend VU's traditional physicality with an uptempo edge. "We'll still hang our hat on defense and rebounding — that's who we are," Franklin said. "But this team can get up and down the floor. We've got multiple guards who can attack, wings who can shoot it, and bigs who can finish at the rim. That combination gives us a chance to play fast and be aggressive offensively."

The Trailblazers expect to mix four-out offensive looks with their trademark inside-out balance, using spacing and quick decision-making to create mismatches. Defensively, Franklin plans to pressure more full-court and force tempo, using VU's depth and athleticism to wear down opponents over 40 minutes. "We're going to keep our core principles — defend, rebound, and execute — but we want to use our athleticism to dictate the pace," Franklin added. "If we can control the tempo and stay disciplined, we'll be a difficult matchup for anyone in the country."

A Nationally Tested Schedule

As usual, VU will be tested early and often. The season opens with the Kiwanis Classic on October 31 and November 1, featuring matchups against Volunteer State Community College and 2024-25 NJCAA National Tournament participant Columbia State Community College, who received votes for the top 25 in the NJCAA Division I Preseason Coaches Poll this season. The following week brings the McDonald's Classic, highlighted by games against Kennedy-King and Harcum College, one of the top programs in the Northeast.

VU's road schedule features nine matchups against NJCAA Division I ranked opponents, along with key Region 24 battles versus John A. Logan College, Southwestern Illinois College, Lake Land College, and Wabash Valley College — all potential nationally-relevant teams. "It's as tough a schedule as you can play at this level," Franklin said. "We'll be tested every night, but that's how you get better. That's what Vincennes basketball is built on."

Continuing a Championship Legacy

The Trailblazers' run under Franklin remains unmatched in NJCAA history: 12 national tournament trips in the past 13 years, including four Final Fours, eight Elite Eights, and a 2019 national championship. "The expectation here never changes," Franklin said. "We embrace the standard. Every day is about building toward Hutchinson and competing for a national title."

VU enters the 2025–26 season ranked number four nationally in the NJCAA Division I Preseason Coaches Poll, and Franklin believes that ranking reflects both respect and responsibility. "People expect us to be there at the end — and so do we," he said. "If we stay healthy and continue to grow, this group has everything it needs to be special."

Join the Journey

As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Men's Basketball squad all year long through a number of ways: