BEAUMONT, Texas – Although Lamar University is early stages of the 2026-27 season, head coach Jordan Fee and his staff have taken steps to strengthen the future of the program with the addition of three new players. Brendan Walsh (6-3, G, Blue Valley HS), Cadarian Urune (6-4, G, Allen HS) and BJ Gill (5-11, G, Trinity Valley CC) will continue their education and play basketball for Lamar University announced Fee Wednesday afternoon.
 
"I think our staff did a great job of getting out there and identifying not only talented players, but those that will fit our system," said Fee. "They put a lot of time and effort into scouting these players and I really think our fans are going to enjoy watching them play in the years to come."
 
The incoming class brings added size to the Cardinals' backcourt averaging nearly 6-3. They are all proven scorers but weapons on both ends of the court. Through high school and for Gill into the junior college ranks, the incoming trio has made names for themselves at filling up the stat sheet and they carry the accolades to back it up. 
 
Urune is a three-star prospect according to 247Sports and a key reason the Eagles enter the 2026-27 campaign as the state's top-ranked 6A squad. The highest-rated player, according to 247Sports, that Lamar has ever signed, Urune averaged 14.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game during his junior season on his way to first-team all-district and all-region honors.
 
"Cadarian is an exciting high school prospect," said Fee. "He has positional size with athleticism and can make an impact on both sides of the ball. Ironically, Cadarian has been coached by one of the best high school coaches in the state – Clark Cipoletta – in a similar up-tempo system to ours, and we believe that will be beneficial for him making the transition to college. He is one of the most talented players in the state of Texas and an outstanding young man. We're excited to keep him here in his home state."
 
Drawing praise from national recruiting sources, 247Sports has him rated as the No. 198 player and No. 37 shooting guard nationally, as well as the 21^st-rated player in Texas, while the Texas Basketball Review ranks him as the 17^th-best prospect in the Lone Star State. Urune was also receiving interest from Arizona State, Mississippi State, Central Florida and Florida International among others. 
 
Gill makes his way to the Golden Triangle via the junior college route. Playing for the preseason No. 2 NJCAA team in the country, Gill has left a paper trail of success in his wake regardless of the level. During a standout playing career at Iowa Colony High School, Gill was a two-time first-team all-district selection. As a junior, he garnered district MVP and all-region honors after averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 5.0 steals per game. He followed those numbers up by averaging better than 17 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 4.0 steals per game on his way to Brazoria County Offensive MVP honors.
 
"BJ Gill is an exciting addition to our program," said Fee. "He is a great example of the local talent we have around us that we would like to keep at home. He is a jet-quick guard that brings talent and a winning DNA to Lamar and we're thrilled to welcome him to the Cardinal family. Not only is BJ a talented basketball player, but he comes from a great family and is a high-character human being that will make a positive impact here on campus."
 
Gill followed up his high school career by spending one season at the Golden State Prep School. During his time at Golden State, he averaged 19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 4.3 steals per game.  
 
Walsh brings his talents south after becoming one of the top high school players in the state of Kansas. A two-time Kansas 6A Player of the Year finalist, Walsh averaged 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists during his high school career. His numbers only increased once his team hit conference play averaging better than 21 points per game. A two-time first-team Eastern Kansas League selection, Walsh is considered the top point guard in the state.
 
"Brendan Walsh is a great addition to our program," said Fee. "He brings a strong work ethic, skill and competitiveness to the court that fits what we're building here at Lamar. He is a strong guard with a tremendous skillset, has the ability to play multiple positions and has the internal drive to be great. Brendan comes from a great family and will be a tremendous addition to not only our program but this great university."
 
A former EKL Player of the Year selection and two-time All-State honoree, Walsh has also put up big-time numbers on the AAU circuit. He has averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range.