The offseason transfer portal window has opened for NCAA basketball teams and players. The 30-day window opened on March 24 and will remain open until April 22.
Ball State basketball finished 14-17 in its third season under coach Michael Lewis. The Cardinals failed to qualify for the Mid-American Conference Tournament for the second year in a row with a 7-11 record in MAC play.
In addition to losing five seniors, Ball State will have the portal to contend with as it spends another offseason rebuilding its roster. Follow along here for updates on who has entered the transfer portal for Ball State and who the Cardinals add for next season:
(This story will be updated.)
Ball State basketball transfer portal additions
Elmore James IV, G, Ohio
Ball State added a transfer from within the Mid-American Conference, picking up a commitment from Ohio transfer guard Elmore James IV. James announced his commitment via X on May 8.
Another Card added to the roster, Elmore James pic.twitter.com/L5PMeJvNv7
James was a three-year contributor for the Bobcats, appearing in 31 games in each of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons and 29 games in 2024-25. He has improved his scoring output each season, going from 6.8 points per game as a freshman to 7.8 PPG as a sophomore to 8.2 PPG last season as a junior.
Devon Barnes, G, UTEP
UTEP transfer guard Devon Barnes has committed to Ball State. Barnes confirmed his commitment via X on April 26.
Jeremiah 29:11
Let’s Work @BallStateMBB pic.twitter.com/DJP7cbmj5x
Barnes began his career at the JUCO level with Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, where he spent the 2022-23 season. He averaged 15.3 points, 3.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game and helped the team make the NJCAA regional finals. Barnes transferred to Tarleton State for the 2023-24 season and started 34 of 35 games while averaging 13 PPG. He averaged 10 PPG last season at UTEP and was a 34.5% 3-point shooter.
Juwan Maxey, G, Youngstown State
Ball State basketball has picked up a new piece for its backcourt from the transfer portal, adding former Youngstown State guard Juwan Maxey. Maxey announced his commitment to the Cardinals via X on April 22.
new beginnings pic.twitter.com/pShknzYbcG
Maxey began his career at Macomb Community College where he played two seasons. As a sophomore, he averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 41.7% from 3-point range and was named an NJCAA All-American. Maxey spent one season at Youngstown State where he averaged 11.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
Kayden Fish, F, Iowa State
Ball State reeled in its first commitment from the transfer portal on April 1. According to a report by Travis Branham of 247sports, Iowa State transfer forward Kayden Fish has committed to the Cardinals.
Iowa State transfer Kayden Fish has committed to Ball State, his agency @MomentousSP tells @247Sports.
Former three-star recruit.https://t.co/YONKUO4Eu5
Fish is a former 3-star recruit from the Class of 2023 and was the No. 6 ranked player in the state of Missouri coming out of Staley High School. He appeared in four games for Iowa State as a true freshman before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. He played sparingly in 2024-25, only appearing in nine games for the Cyclones. He scored three points in Iowa State’s victory over Lipscomb in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Ball State basketball players entering the transfer portal
Jermahri Hill
Jermahri Hill announced his entry to the transfer portal on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday morning.
Officially in the portal …
Hill was Ball State’s leading scorer in 2024-25 with an average of 15.8 points per game. The junior from Bessemer, Alabama, joined Ball State after spending his sophomore season at South Plains Junior College in Levelland, Texas, where he led the Texans to the Elite Eight of the NJCAA Division I Tournament. Before that, Hill played his freshman season at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Mississippi.
On Thursday, April 3, Hill announced on X that he was committed to George Mason.
Fairfax let’s do it pic.twitter.com/XiNIO6k06w
Juanse Gorosito
According to a report from The Portal Report, Ball State’s Juanse Gorosito has entered the transfer portal. Gorosito seemingly confirmed the news by reposting the report on X.
Ball State G Juanse Gorosito will enter the transfer portal, @Fdmathletics_ tells TPR.
Gorosito averaged 8.9 points per game on 41% shooting from 3PT this season! pic.twitter.com/s3reQ6LZPj
Gorosito averaged 8.9 PPG and was Ball State’s top 3-point shooter in 2024-25, going 72-of-176 from deep for a 40.9% 3-point shooting percentage. The junior guard played his first two seasons at Portland before joining Ball State ahead of the 2024 season.
TJ Burch
Ball State freshman guard TJ Burch will enter the transfer portal, according to a report by The Athletic’s Tobias Bass and confirmed by Burch, who reposted and replied to Bass’ report.
NEWS: Ball State guard TJ Burch plans to enter the transfer portal, he tells @TheAthleticCBB
He averaged 4.8 points pic.twitter.com/JiyEdFaqGv
Burch played sparingly but flashed high upside as a true freshman in 2024-25. He appeared in 21 games and averaged just 9.5 minutes per game but still managed to score 4.8 PPG. Burch shot 50% from the floor and 56% from 3-point range.
Contact Cade Hampton via email at cbhampton@muncie.gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CadeHamp10.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Ball State basketball transfer portal tracker: Who’s in, who’s out for the Cardinals
Reporting by Cade Hampton, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
