As has been mentioned ad nauseam in just about every piece written on the 2025–26 Men’s Basketball team, there isn’t a lot of returning production. With a mix of a few returning players and an exciting group of upperclassmen transfers, let’s take a look at the freshmen who are new to the Palouse.
#4 Brunel Madzou – 6'0", 180 lbs
High School: Drive Academy (Finland)
Check out Madzou’s highlights here
Coming across the Atlantic to Pullman, Madzou plays with a great pace to his game and has a shooting stroke that should translate anywhere. At just 6’0”, size could make the transition to the Division I level challenging. Madzou did not get any run in the exhibition game vs. New Mexico, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t see the floor this season as David Riley and his staff help him acclimate to life in the U.S. while developing his game.
#7 Dio Blakely – 6'0", 160 lbs
High School: SoCal Academy (Los Angeles)
Born in the Congo, Blakely goes by Dio (short for Dieu-Merci, meaning “Thank God” in French). After being adopted by a family in California, he has already beaten the odds simply by getting to where he is today. He will likely need to add muscle before competing at the Division I level. There isn’t a ton of film available, but early reports mention a “high motor” and strong coachability. I’d be surprised if we see Dio this year, but I’m excited to watch his development in Pullman.
#21 Ace Glass – 6'3", 170 lbs
High School: Rancho Cucamonga
Watch Ace score 34 against another D-I recruit
A three-star recruit out of Southern California, Glass chose WSU over several big-name programs including Washington, Texas A&M, and Arizona State. He’s the freshman most likely to make an immediate impact this season. A knock-down shooter who can score at all levels, Ace already made noise in the opener vs. Idaho, tying for the team high with 17 points. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up leading the team in scoring by season’s end.
#24 Dominik Robinson – 6'10", 225 lbs
High School: Rosemary Anderson Prep (Portland, OR)
Watch a compilation of 3 of Robinson’s Games
Robinson is a bit of a throwback big man. He plays with his back to the basket and uses post moves and footwork to finish inside. From the tape available, he appears to play more below the rim. At 6’10”, Robinson gives WSU size and insurance in case injuries strike again this year. There hasn’t been much buzz about him playing this season, so a redshirt year to develop physically and refine his game seems likely.
Thoughts
Ace Glass could end up being one of the better guard recruits to come through Pullman in recent years if he reaches his ceiling. As for the other newcomers, it’s far too early to project their long-term potential given their limited exposure and lower recruiting profiles out of high school.
In today’s college basketball landscape, there’s a constant balance between recruiting freshmen and building through the transfer portal. The portal gives you experience and immediate contributors, but it makes long-term continuity tougher. Riley appears to have struck a good balance this year — developing young talent while bringing in veteran help to compete right away.