Locker Room Access - JMU

By Houston Wilson

James Madison and Head Coach Preston Spradlin continue to make steady progress in reshaping their roster this offseason, adding another key piece with the commitment of UTRGV transfer Cliff Davis. The versatile guard averaged 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season, and now looks to make an impact in Harrisonburg. Davis recently spoke with Locker Room Access about his decision to join the Dukes and what lies ahead.

1000% committed! pic.twitter.com/byBd9QQBiT

— Cliff (@Clifford_davis0) May 6, 2025

“The reason I picked JMU is because of the family atmosphere it has and the overall feel for it. They really welcomed me with open arms. I really enjoyed meeting with the academic advisors and even just some of the fans I met on my visit, I just realized it was the place for me.”

One of the biggest surprises for him was learning about the program’s tradition of success.

“The one thing I did not really know was just the winning tradition they had. I knew they had a couple of really good years recently, but it was just great learning about the history. Also, the arena was amazing. I have never really seen a big arena like theirs, and it was just so eye-popping. I can already see all of their fans going crazy.”

He’s eager to contribute to that tradition and help build something even bigger.

“Really, just me and my new teammates are just going to have to come in there and work. We are going to block all of the outside noise because there is going to be some hate but there is also going to be a lot of love, but at the end of the day, we are just going to have to block it out and stick together and just grind, brick by brick.”

Davis also appreciated the vision Coach Spradlin laid out during their conversations.

“The pitch was just Coach Spradlin showing some of the recent guards that he has coached. He is big on development and it was great seeing how well players have progressed under him from year to year.”

When it comes to basketball fit, Davis sees himself sliding in smoothly with what the Dukes like to do on the floor.

“I see myself fitting really well in their system. I see myself fitting well with their pindowns and the type of screening they do. The way they play is how I thrive, so I am super excited.”

And for fans wondering what kind of player they’re getting, Davis kept it simple.

“They can expect a guy that plays with a lot of energy, a guy that shoots a lot of three pointers, and a guy that is willing to pick up full court and guard at a high level.”

Stay up to date on the latest recruiting scoop by joining the new Locker Room Access JMU forum. And take the time to learn about our partner Fan Fund, an innovative way to support your favorite student-athletes.

By Houston Wilson

James Madison added another key piece to its roster with the commitment of Gabe Newhof. The 6’9” All-American center spent three seasons at the NAIA program Spring Arbor, where he averaged an impressive 21.7 points and 8 rebounds per game. Locker Room Access caught up with Newhof to discuss his decision to join the Dukes and what fans can expect from him.

Committed! Go Dukes💜 pic.twitter.com/UoXdkqkA24

— Gabe Newhof (@GabeNewhof) May 1, 2025

“I fell in love with the coaches and the team culture they have built. I got along with some of the players during my visit, and it seems like they have a great thing going on. I was also impressed with the campus and the commitment to the facilities and the investment into the basketball program.

One of the biggest takeaways from his visit was the energy on campus.

“The main thing that I didn't know before my visit, but what I got to experience during my visit, is just how lively the campus is and just how many students are out and about. It just seems like a really special place, and you can tell the students really enjoy being there.”

Newhof was also drawn to head coach Preston Spradlin’s track record with NAIA transfers and hopes to follow in the footsteps of others who’ve made successful jumps.

 “I would say what stands out the most is how he develops players. I was impressed with the development of a few NAIA bigs that he has coached before at Morehead State. The success of those kids who came from the NAIA level was impressive.”

As for his role in the Dukes’ system, Newhof is ready to make his presence felt.

“I think they demand a lot out of their players, and I am excited to be a man that runs the floor, brings physicality, sets screens for my teammates, be involved in a lot of actions, rebound well and just always work hard to help my team win a lot of games.”

JMU fans can count on a player who brings consistent effort and intensity every time he hits the floor.

“I am always going to be going 100% and doing whatever I can for my team. I will never be questioned for how hard I am working, I can certainly tell you that.”

Keep up with the Dukes all offseason long on the new Locker Room Access JMU forum.  And learn more about an innovative way to support your favorite student athletes, our partner Fan Fund.

By Houston Wilson

James Madison men’s basketball continues to build momentum, adding a key piece from the transfer portal: Winthrop transfer Paul Jones III. A Suffolk, Virginia native, Jones brings a strong freshman résumé, averaging 7.6 points and 3 rebounds per game.

Winthrop transfer Paul Jones III has committed to James Madison.

The 6’4” guard appeared in 34 games for the Eagles, averaging 7.6 points, and 3.0 rebounds per game.

Jones earned All-Big South Freshman Team honors. pic.twitter.com/VezIv0ZaTP

— PortalUpdates (@portal_updates) April 27, 2025

Jones said JMU felt like the right fit from the moment he stepped on campus.

“Well, it is close to home. They really made a nice presentation for me. They showed me a lot of great film and showed me how well I could fit in their system. It is going to be a perfect match between my playing style and the way their system runs.”

After visiting the campus last weekend, Jones didn’t wait long to make his commitment. Several aspects of the program stood out.

“The facilities definitely stood out. Another thing was just how the staff takes care of the guys. The training room and weight rooms are always available for the guys and there is a really nice practice court that is always open.”

Jones is especially excited to play in head coach Preston Spradlin’s system.

“The offense is not stagnant at all, as people are always moving. If you are coming off a flare and you don't have a shot or anything, you know you will get a direct ball screen right after that. There are just constant screens, and Coach Spradlin prides himself on telling the bigs to constantly screen and move.”

With JMU coming off a couple of winning seasons, Jones is ready to help continue the program’s success.

“We are going to have a lot of people that make shots, but at the end of the day everything is won on defense. We are going to pride ourselves on getting stops. If we get the right stops we need, the offense will work out. I have watched a lot of film, and the guys they already have with the addition of Paul Lewis, we are going to be a scary team.”

Looking ahead, Jones has his eyes on team success and individual growth.

“The number one goal for next year is to get a ring for sure, that's the main goal, win the Sun Belt and advance to March Madness. Other than that, I just want to continue to get better and constantly play on the ball as much as possible. I don't want to be a corner sitter like I was my freshman year, and I think this offense will allow me to be more on the ball.”

And when Jones hits the floor, JMU fans can expect to feel his presence.

“They can expect a guy with a lot of energy. I am constantly upbeat, I like to scream and yell. With me bringing all of this energy, I expect JMU fans to bring it back!”

Join the new Locker Room Access JMU forum and let us know what you think of the latest transfer additions.  And take the time to learn about our partner Fan Fund, the credit card that gives back to your favorite student-athletes.