ASUN's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026–27
2026-10-06
Queens has two of the strongest returning players in the new eight-team ASUN, but there is enough perimeter talent elsewhere to keep this list competitive. This is MMH's editorial ranking of expected 2026–27 impact, informed by current school rosters, 2025–26 production and the ASUN scouting in the supplied Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. Prior-season averages are evidence of what players did, not forecasts. The full ASUN preview explains the team order.
The projected top 10
1. Jordan Watford, Queens — guard
Watford averaged 11.8 points and 3.9 assists in 20.8 minutes as a freshman and led the Royals in assists. His role grew during their title run, and a larger share of the offense is available this season. He has a credible case to be the best player in the league if the efficiency survives more minutes and more defensive attention. Blue Ribbon selects him as its preseason player of the year. Queens bio
2. Avantae Parker, Queens — forward
Parker started 34 of 35 games and averaged 11.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, shooting 67.1 percent from the field. His ability to finish, protect the rim and cover ground gives Queens a second potential all-league headliner. Blue Ribbon expects more time for him at the four, which could make him even more disruptive defensively. Queens bio
3. Mateo Esmeraldo, Lipscomb — guard
The league's most proven distributor recorded 223 assists in 32 games, almost seven per contest, while scoring 9.9 points per game. Lipscomb lost its four leading scorers, but Oregon transfer Takai Simpkins provides an experienced scoring partner. His creation raises the floor of everyone around him, even if his scoring average never leads the ASUN. Lipscomb stats · roster
4. Takai Simpkins, Lipscomb — guard
Simpkins started all 31 games at Oregon last season and averaged 12.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists. The 6-foot-5 graduate transfer also led Elon in scoring in an earlier season. Lipscomb’s current roster lists him alongside Esmeraldo, giving the Bisons a tested second creator. His ability to convert those opportunities in Kevin Carroll’s offense could decide whether Lipscomb wins the league. Lipscomb bio
5. Jamie Phillips Jr., Jacksonville — guard
Phillips averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 17 games at Stetson last season. He gives Jacksonville the experienced scoring option it needs alongside Hayden Wood and is Blue Ribbon's newcomer of the year pick. The abbreviated prior season makes availability and fit important questions, particularly for a Dolphins roster with 11 new players. Jacksonville's official 2026–27 roster page has not yet posted the names, so his projected role should be checked again before tipoff. Stetson bio and statistics · Jacksonville roster status
6. Kent Jackson, North Florida — guard
Jackson made 106 threes and averaged 14.8 points while starting all 32 games for the Ospreys. That is a substantial volume of established shooting in a league that has lost several lead scorers. More efficient two-point offense and better team defense would make his individual production more valuable in the standings. North Florida stats · roster
7. Collin Kuhl, Stetson — forward
Kuhl averaged 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 32 games, shooting 65.6 percent from the field. He reached 31 points in a late-February game and gives the Hatters a dependable interior scoring option after the backcourt changed. A full season of efficient touches could put him higher than seventh. Stetson bio · stats
8. Caleb Williams, Jacksonville — guard
Williams averaged 15.6 points and 3.1 assists at Lafayette in 32 games, made 76 threes, and earned third-team All-Patriot League honors. Blue Ribbon projects the 6-foot guard at Jacksonville, where his scoring and ballhandling could help a newly assembled group settle around Wood and Phillips. Jacksonville has yet to post its named 2026–27 roster, so this projection needs an opening-night check. Lafayette season statistics · Jacksonville roster status
9. Kenyon Goodin, Bellarmine — guard
Goodin averaged 11.6 points and shot 41.8 percent from three. Bellarmine still has Doyle and Donald alongside him, but Jack Karasinski's departure creates more room for Goodin to lead. Whether the Knights can make his offense count in wins will depend heavily on their defense. Bellarmine roster · Goodin bio
10. Hayden Wood, Jacksonville — wing
Wood led Jacksonville in scoring as a freshman with 11.8 points per game, started 31 games and made 57 threes at 37.7 percent. He is already a tested ASUN scorer. The arrival of Phillips and other newcomers may change his shot diet, but a more balanced offense could also give him cleaner looks. Jacksonville bio · stats
Next in line: Bellarmine's Tyler Doyle supplied 10.0 points and 3.8 assists in 26 games; Lipscomb's Titas Sargiunas scored 9.7 points per game and made 48 threes; FGCU's Elijah Brooks and Bryson Lucas have upside in new roles; Stetson's Finley Sheridan is a valuable returning big; West Florida's Tim Hall Jr. is a proven Division II rebounder whose production must translate to the new level. Queens' Isaiah Henry could make the largest jump of any player outside the ten. Lipscomb stats · FGCU additions · West Florida roster
Research note: Current school rosters and official 2025–26 statistics were checked October 6, 2026. Blue Ribbon informed the candidate pool, but this is MMH's independent order. Jacksonville's projected personnel remain provisional until its official 2026–27 roster is posted.