Central Michigan features new faces at forward

Central Michigan will feature a brand-new group of forwards in 2024. Coach Tony Barbee brought in four transfers and one freshman after the team did not return any forwards from last year’s team. The new forwards will compliment a strong group of guards. The new faces could play a pivotal role in the Chippewas’ success this season for a team looking to improve on their 18-14 season. 

Here’s a look at the forwards on this year’s roster:

Forwards

Ugnius Jarusevicius, 6-10, Junior 

The transfer from Cal State Bakersfield joins the Chippewas as the most experienced forward after two seasons in the Big West Conference. Jarusevicius, a native of Lithuania, averaged 5.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in 25 games last season for the Roadrunners. The junior will provide CMU with good size and a reliable scorer who shot 49% from the field in 2023. 

Bryan Ndjonga, 6-9, Sophomore 

Ndjonga joined CMU after a season at Cal State Northridge where he played in 32 games. The sophomore averaged three points and 1.6 rebounds per game off the bench for the Matadors. Hailing from Cameroon, Ndjonga should compete for a key role with the Chippewas in his second college season. 

Quentin Heady, 6-6, Sophomore 

Last season, Heady averaged 15.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game and was a Region IV First Team All-American at South Suburban Community College in Illinois. The sophomore shot 60% from the field in 2023 and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 34-3 record and a national title game appearance. He will play alongside his brother Jakobi for the Chippewas. 

Trey Phillips, 6-7, Sophomore

Phillips transferred from Division II South Nazarene University after not playing in 2023. He played high school ball at Brophy College Prep in Arizona. 

Mohammad Habhab, 6-9, Freshman

The Michigan native averaged 21.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and a school-record 4.4 blocks per game as a senior at Fordson High School. The four-year varsity player became the first Fordson basketball player to earn a Division I scholarship in 30 years. 

Notable Departures

Markus Harding, 6-10, Senior

10.2 PPG, Transferred to Indiana State 

Jemal Davis, 6-8, Senior

5.5 PPG, Transferred to UNC Asheville