Transfer Forward Tyson Brown Talks JMU Interest
By Houston Wilson
Georgia Southern transfer Tyson Brown has drawn interest from James Madison University. The 6-foot-9 forward from Virginia Beach averaged 7.3 points and 6.8 rebounds this past season and is hearing from several programs as he looks for the right fit to spend his final year of college basketball.
Georgia Southern senior Tyson Brown has entered the transfer portal.
— PortalUpdates (@portal_updates) April 11, 2025
The 6’9” forward started 29/33 games for the Eagles, averaging 7.3 points on 63% FG, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game. pic.twitter.com/MscUHATjvA
“It has been pretty wild and chaotic. Everything has just been coming together so fast. It is truly a blessing to be hearing all of these different things from so many different schools. I am grateful to be in the position I am in for next year. I have been hearing from JMU, Nevada, UNC Charlotte, Delaware, Mercer, East Carolina, George Mason, and La Salle.”
When it comes to James Madison, Brown said the Dukes are making a clear pitch.
“They’re really emphasizing the chance to come back and play close to home,” he said. “They know I’ve already had success in the Sun Belt, and they want me to be a key piece for them. Playing closer to home would give my family more chances to come see me, and they’ve got a strong plan for how I’d fit. That’s exciting to hear.”
Brown sees similarities between himself and former JMU big man Elijah Hutchins-Everett, and sees a path to make a similar impact.
“I think I would be able to fit in their program really well, honestly. Obviously, being a Virginia guy, I think it would be a good fit. They did a great job with Elijah Hutchins-Everett, and I think I could do a lot of the same type of stuff that he did.”
While the idea of returning home holds appeal, Brown said it's not the deciding factor.
“It would be awesome being able to play close to home, but It is not that important of a factor. I have been far from home my entire career. I just want to go to a place where I can continue to produce like I did this past year, and a program that has a good chance of winning a lot of games.”
For Brown, JMU’s potential is undeniable.
“Definitely their history of winning really stands out. They have a good track record of winning, and that goes back to before the current staff. This current staff knows what it takes to win though, because they were great at Morehead State. This past year, they were a game away from winning the Sun Belt outright, and that is hard to do. I want to go somewhere that can get in the NCAA Tournament in March, and JMU definitely is a program that can do that.”
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(Featured Image Credit: Georgia Southern)