Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University has announced the addition of four junior college transfers to its men's basketball roster for the 2025-26 season. Head coach Bryan Smothers, entering his fourth year leading the Warriors, confirmed that Devin Belle, Jalen Jenkins, Jotham Nweke, and Marshall Thorn will join the team in the fall.

Devin Belle comes from Lakeland Community College, where he started all 27 games last season. He was named to the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference First Team and averaged 24.1 points per game, ranking second in the conference. Belle shot 51 percent from the field and recorded a career-high 50 points in a win over Lorain County Community College. He also contributed with rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks throughout the season.

Coach Smothers commented on Belle's signing: "We have really high expectations for what Devin can bring to our program. He was one of the best scorers in all of the NJCAA last season. His work ethic and desire to be great was proven during the recruiting process. I look forward to coaching him and developing his game further."

Jalen Jenkins played for Macomb Community College, starting 26 out of 34 games as he helped lead his team to a fifth-place finish at the NJCAA national tournament. Jenkins averaged 6.7 points, four assists, and just over four rebounds per game while earning All-MCCAA Eastern Conference Honorable Mention recognition.

On Jenkins' addition to Wayne State's roster, Smothers said: "Jalen is someone who we had recruited for a few years, so when the opportunity to add him was available, we took advantage. He brings good size to the point guard position and adds a defensive presence that we are thrilled about."

Jotham Nweke also arrives from Macomb Community College after starting 34 of 35 games last season. He earned Second Team All-MCCAA honors as well as a spot on the MCCAA All-Defensive Team while averaging 13.2 points and more than seven rebounds per game.

"Jo is an extremely athletic player who has the size and talent we wanted to add to our perimeter," Smothers said regarding Nweke. "He is a two-way player that will make an immediate impact in our program. He and Jalen both had great coaching at Macomb C.C."

Marshall Thorn joins Wayne State after playing two seasons at Schoolcraft Community College under head coach E.J. Haralson. Thorn started 26 games last year, received several conference accolades including Defensive Player of the Year honors for MCCAA Eastern Conference, and averaged nearly ten rebounds per game.

Smothers described Thorn's potential by stating: "We are really excited to add Marshall to our program. He is still fairly new to playing basketball so he's just scratching the surface for how good he can be. He provides athleticism and rim protection that we haven't had thus far. He's improved so much over two seasons at Schoolcraft C.C. with coach EJ Haralson."

The signings are expected to strengthen Wayne State’s men’s basketball team ahead of its upcoming campaign.