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Wayne State University Athletics

MBB Incoming Freshmen Graphic

Men's Basketball Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Media Relations

Men's Basketball Signs Two Freshmen For 2025-26

DETROIT -- Wayne State University head men's basketball coach Bryan Smothers, who begins his fourth season leading the Warriors this fall, has signed two freshmen for the incoming class in center/forward Braylon Mannan (Belleville, Mich.) and guard Luke Westerdale (Grosse Ile, Mich. / Riverview Gabriel Richard).

WSU has improved its win total each year under Smothers from eight to 14 to 15, and also GLIAC regular-season victories from five to seven to 11.  The 2025-26 has eight returning letterwinners plus redshirt freshman JaKobie Boose.

Braylon Mannan, C/F, 6-9, 195, Fr., Belleville, Mich. / Belleville
High School:  A 2025 graduate of Belleville High School ... was a three-year letterwinner for coach Adam Trumpour ... helped the Tigers to a 50-23 mark in three seasons on varsity ... BHS reached the regional championship game in 2023, and the second round of the state playoffs in 2024 ... the Tigers compiled a 32-10 mark in Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) play during his three seasons ... named to the KLAA All-Conference East Select Team for 2024-25 ... selected to the Detroit Free Press All-West Honorable Mention Team ... was a two-year team captain ... played summer ball for The Academy 2025 and coach Jordan Ebbs.

Personal:  Full name -- Braylon A. Mannan ... born on August 27, 2007, in Belleville, Mich. ... son of Cynthia McGoldrick and Jameel Mannan ... has two younger sisters, Aniya and Kendyl ... plans to major in Nutrition and Food Science.

Coach Smothers on Braylon Mannan:  "Braylon is a really high upside player.  He was recruited by most of the GLIAC and some low D1 schools.  He has been committed to us since the summer of 2024.  We are excited to watch him develop in our program."

Luke Westerdale, G, 6-0, 160, Fr., Grosse Ile, Mich. / Riverview Gabriel Richard
High School:  A 2025 graduate of Riverview Gabriel Richard High School ... was a four-year letterwinner for coach Kris Daiek ... ranks second in school history for career points ... helped the Pioneers to an 84-12 mark in his four seasons, including a 37-3 record in the Catholic High School League (Intersectional #1) ... RGRHS won the state title in 2025 after losing in the semifinals in 2024 ... totaled 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while playing all 32 minutes in the 79-63 win over Arts and Tech Academy of Pontiac in the 2025 MHSAA Division 3 state championship game ... credited with 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the 2025 semifinal victory over Pewamo-Westphalia ... selected to the 2025 Detroit Free Press Division 3 All-State First Team ... received Division 3 First Team All-State accolades from the Mitten Prep Hoops ... was a three-year team captain ... played summer ball for The Academy Ny2La and coach Jordan Ebbs. 

Personal:  Full name -- Lucas M. Westerdale ... born on March 29, 2006 ... son of Michael and Lauren Westerdale ... has two younger brothers, Max and Lincoln, and a younger sister, Meadow ... grandfather Joe Palamara was a First Team All-Big Ten Second Baseman in 1975 and also earned Second Team All-American honors from the American Association of College Baseball Coaches ... plans to major in Business or Political Science.

Coach Smothers on Luke Westerdale:  "Luke is coming to our program as a productive high school player and a state champion from Riverview Gabriel Richard.  He's really skilled and knows how to make other players better."

 
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Players Mentioned

JaKobie Boose

#4 JaKobie Boose

G
6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman

Players Mentioned

JaKobie Boose

#4 JaKobie Boose

6' 0"
Redshirt Freshman
G