The Nebraska Kearney men’s basketball team is set for a significant roster upgrade as head coach Marty Levinson announces the recruitment of three out-of-state athletes. The incoming players, Madison Peaster, Wade Williams, and Zeek Brown, are poised to make an immediate impact on the Lopers' squad in the upcoming 2025-26 season. With their diverse backgrounds and impressive credentials, these additions aim to fill gaps left by departing seniors and bolster the team's competitive edge.
Madison Peaster, hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, joins UNK with two years of eligibility remaining. His freshman year was spent at National Park College, where he contributed significantly to the Nighthawks' NJCAA Division II national championship win under Coach Dillon Hargrove. Transitioning to McCook Community College last season, Peaster excelled statistically, averaging 15.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. This performance earned him recognition on the third-team All-Region IX, All-Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference, and Omaha World-Herald's All-State junior college teams. Known for his aggressive playstyle and high-level experience since youth, Peaster fits seamlessly into the Lopers' strategic framework.
Meanwhile, Wade Williams brings NAIA-level expertise to Kearney after stints at Ranger College and Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas. Standing at 6-foot-5, Williams boasts an illustrious high school career highlighted by over 2,500 points scored and two state championships. At CBC, he averaged 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game during his sophomore campaign, helping secure the program's first-ever at-large bid to the NAIA National Tournament. Demonstrating leadership qualities alongside scoring prowess, Williams has been integral to his teams’ recent successes, earning accolades such as second-team all-league honors.
Rounding out the trio is Zeek Brown, a versatile guard-forward from Kansas City, Missouri. Under the tutelage of former Kansas Jayhawk star Sherron Collins, Brown flourished at Oak Park High School, culminating in a Missouri Class 6 state title triumph as a senior. Notably, he accumulated over 1,000 career points while contributing 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest in his final year. Described as possessing exceptional basketball IQ and adaptability due to his family lineage in coaching, Brown represents a promising asset for the Lopers.
With these new recruits, Nebraska Kearney anticipates enhancing its presence within the MIAA conference. Building upon last season's achievements—highlighted by victories against formidable opponents like Fort Hays State—the team aims to elevate its standing through dynamic gameplay and cohesive teamwork fostered by these talented individuals.
