MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A new season brings a new opportunity for the Christian Brothers University men's basketball program as the Buccaneers prepare for the 2026-27 campaign, a season that carries special significance as the university enters its final year of competition in the Gulf South Conference (GSC).
Under eighth-year head coach John Reilly, CBU will look to blend returning experience with an influx of newcomers while building momentum and competing for a strong finish in its final GSC season.
Returning Players Lead the Way
Two key players expected to lead the Buccaneers this season are Caleb Gaitor and Nigel Quaynor, both looking to build on their previous performances and help CBU bounce back.
Gaitor returns to the backcourt after averaging 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game during the 2025-26 season. His ability to distribute the basketball, create opportunities for teammates and control the offense makes him an important piece of the Buccaneers' lineup. Entering his sophomore season, Gaitor will look to become an even more consistent scoring threat while continuing to serve as a primary playmaker.
Quaynor provides valuable experience and a physical presence in the frontcourt. The senior from Tema, Ghana, averaged 3.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 58.1 percent from the field. He also recorded 37 blocked shots, averaging 1.5 per contest. His rebounding, rim protection and ability to finish around the basket will be important to CBU's success.
Both players will have opportunities to take on expanded leadership roles as the Buccaneers look to establish their identity and improve throughout the season.
Newcomers Add Depth and Versatility
CBU welcomes several newcomers who will provide additional size, athleticism and versatility.
Three newcomers recognized on the GSC's 2026-27 Newcomers to Watch list are Bryson Holmes, Moustapha Salekh and Caleb Kawela.
Holmes, a 6-foot-7 junior guard/forward from Houston, Texas, adds versatility on the perimeter. Salekh, a 6-foot-8 junior guard/forward from Senegal, brings length and additional matchup flexibility. Kawela, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound sophomore forward from Congo, adds a physical presence to the frontcourt.
Other newcomers include junior forward Deng Gak, junior guard AJ Morman, senior guard Kristian Spencer, freshman forward Ja'Vardes Brazile and freshman guard Marcus Goodloe. The Buccaneers also welcome freshmen Lachlan Kanngiesser, Rhett Broussard, Cameron Blankenship and Sydnee Bijlsma.
With a combination of collegiate experience and young talent, the newcomers will have opportunities to contribute as the team develops chemistry and consistency.
Reilly Leads the Program Into Another Season
Reilly enters his eighth season leading Christian Brothers, bringing more than three decades of collegiate coaching experience.
One of the program's strongest seasons under his leadership came in 2023-24, when CBU finished 17-11 overall and recorded 15 GSC victories, its most conference wins since joining the league in 1996-97.
The Buccaneers will look to return to that level of competitiveness this season. Continuing to emphasize defensive discipline and rebounding will be important, particularly after averaging 38.2 rebounds per game last season compared to 33.8 for their opponents.
A Historic Final Season in the GSC
The 2026-27 campaign marks the end of an era for Christian Brothers Athletics. After competing in the Gulf South Conference since 1996-97, CBU will transition to the NAIA's Mid-South Conference beginning with the 2027-28 academic year.
For the men's basketball program, the upcoming season provides one final opportunity to compete for a GSC championship and create lasting memories against familiar conference opponents.
The Buccaneers will look to make the most of this historic season while representing CBU during an important transition for the university's athletic department.
Looking Ahead
Christian Brothers opens its season November 13 against Central State in Livingston, Alabama, before facing Lane College the following afternoon.
The Buccaneers return to Memphis for their home opener on November 17 against Harding University at Canale Arena, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
With Gaitor and Quaynor leading the returning group and several newcomers looking to make an immediate impact, CBU enters the season with an opportunity to build something special.
As the Buccaneers begin their final journey through the Gulf South Conference, the goals remain clear: develop as a team, compete for a postseason opportunity and make the 2026-27 season a memorable one for Christian Brothers basketball.
For more information on the Buccaneers, visit CBUBucs.com or follow the team on Instagram and X @cbu_mbb.
