Idaho State Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ryan Looney announced on Apr. 17 the addition of six new players to the program, beginning a major roster rebuild ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The move comes after significant roster turnover, with only three players returning from last year’s team and twelve departing, including six graduates and six transfers. This leaves Idaho State returning just a small fraction of its scoring, rebounding, and assists from last season. The coaching staff has responded by recruiting talent through transfers, high school signings, and international scouting.
Among the newcomers is Nathan Amoran from Sweden’s Södertälje BBK, who brings professional experience and defensive skills to the backcourt. “Nathan Amoran is a big and physical guard with great experience,” Looney said. “He will be a fantastic defender in our program. We thought we needed to improve defensively. Nathan will help us that.” Kenyon DeMuynck joins as a sophomore forward after earning multiple awards at City College of San Francisco for his defense and shot-blocking abilities. “Kenyon DeMuynck is going to be a really good Bengal,” Looney said. “He has great size, length, and athleticism. Kenyon is an impressive defensive player. He can guard multiple positions and is an exceptional shot blocker.”
Eli Garner arrives following an accomplished high school career in California where he helped Damien High School win a state championship as both primary scorer and top defender for his team. “Eli Garner had a fantastic high school career, winning a state championship in California this past season,” Looney said. “Eli can do a little of everything. He can score, but we have been most impressed with his willingness to defend and rebound.” Malik Johnson joins from Cal State Stanislaus after averaging solid numbers during his college games; he will play alongside his brother Malachi Johnson who also transfers in after being named CCAA Freshman of the Year.
“Malik Johnson is a long and athletic forward that is a great addition to the roster,” Looney said about Malik Johnson while adding about Malachi: “Malachi Johnson is a talented offensive player and versatile defender… He has great length and tools… Malachi is going to be a really good Bengal.” Rounding out the class is Bryce Lowenbach from Crook County High School in Oregon who led his team to the state championship game while posting strong individual statistics throughout his senior year.
With these additions joining three returners—Quin Patterson, Landen Birley, Trey Arland—and two freshmen signed earlier (McKae Amundsen and Joven Dulay), Idaho State now has eleven players on its roster for next season.
