The Kent State men’s basketball team added guard Chansey Willis Jr. from the University of Minnesota for the 2026-26 season, per 247Sports. 

Willis Jr. entered the transfer portal to return to the Mid-American Conference for his fifth college basketball team in his fifth season. 

The Detroit native spent one season playing for Minnesota this past year, where he averaged 6.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 41.0% shooting. 

Averaging 26.7 minutes per game last season, Willis Jr. was a key contributor to the Minnesota offense before an injury ended his season, and limited him to just seven games during the 2025-26 campaign.

After winning high school Player of the Year in Michigan, he played for Division Two program Saginaw Valley State in his first year. He then transferred to Henry Ford College before moving on to Western Michigan University for the 2024-25 season. Willis Jr. went on to average 16.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game during his time in the MAC.

Despite last year’s injury, Willis brings Big Ten experience and familiarity with the Mid-American Conference, where he had a great deal of success just two years ago.

With the loss of all of KSU’s starters, Willis is expected to provide years of collegiate experience with an offensive edge as the Flashes prepare for the 2026-27 season.

Luke Nedved is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].