Widely regarded as one of the top Division II programs in the region, UNC Pembroke continues to visibly attack the transfer portal as they gear up for next season. Over the last month, they’ve secured commitments from Jonathan Kurtas, Antonee Abraham, Demar Anderson, Joe’l Pettiford, and Javecckio Thomas. Additionally, Quay Watson and Josh Bullock will be the only high school prospects joining the Braves. Since we’ve written extensively about the high school duo and their incoming impact, we will take a closer look at each of the transfers and what they’ll bring to the table…
While each of their incoming pieces are significant, Kurtas is possibly the most well-known from his time prior to college. Between his start at Southlake Christian and conclusion at Lake Norman Christian, Kurtas watched his stock climb to collect a total of seven offers before ultimately committing to SIUE. After appearing in 32 games for the Cougars as a freshman, Kurtas would become a meaningful contributor during his sophomore season. In just under 15 MPG (including 26 starts), he averaged 3.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 1.1 BPG. He transferred to Jacksonville for one season before breaking his foot and redshirting. Since then, he’s announced his decision to join UNCP. Kurtas will undoubtedly provide a sturdy interior presence who can rebound, block shots, and finish as needed.
Next, Abraham is a former Liberty Heights product who previously attended Navarro College and Texas A&M Commerce. After limited opportunities as a freshman, Abraham emerged as a key piece for the Bulldogs during his sophomore campaign. In 25 games (10 starts), he posted nightly averages of 7.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 1.0 SPG. Following his Juco stint, Abraham transferred to Texas A&M Commerce. He carved out solid minutes (averaging 11.1 MPG as a junior), but ultimately opted to finish out his playing career for the Braves. That being said, he should be a significant addition as a dynamic floor general who genuinely impacts the game on both ends of the floor. His combination of IQ, playmaking, and defense should make him a difference-maker from the moment he arrives on campus.
Although each of these players had their own unique paths in their arrival to Pembroke, Anderson’s production quite clearly speaks for itself. Despite being an efficient, impactful focal point for a state championship team (Victory Christian), he never necessarily received the same level of buzz (or offers) as others. Ultimately, Anderson chose to further his playing career at Coker—where he was nothing short of incredible. Even as a freshman for the Cobras (25 games, 16 starts), he averaged 8.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 1.0 SPG with 43/40/75 splits. Then, Anderson ascended to an entirely new level. His sophomore campaign (only 10 games) saw an immediate uptick in numbers across the board. In just five more minutes per game (29.7), he averaged 16.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, and 2.0 SPG with 45/36/78 splits before tearing his ACL. After clearly blossoming into a leader for this group, Anderson’s junior season was even more impressive. In the lowest MPG of his career (23.4), he somehow became more productive and efficient. Across 28 games (20 starts), Anderson averaged 16.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, and 1.2 SPG with 52/44/80 splits and the highest A/TO ratio throughout this time in college (2.0). In addition to the way he’s exploded over the recent years, Anderson’s toughness, well-rounded identity, and general growth as a player should make him an extremely important addition to this roster.
Rounding out the North Carolina natives, Pettiford should be remembered as a major cog for one of the best teams of the last decade—2018-19 Southwest Guilford. The big, strong, physically overwhelming athlete was known for his ability to control the glass, anchor the paint, and powerful finishing around the basket. After his post-grad year at Fork Union, taking a redshirt season, then suffering an ACL injury, Pettiford quickly emerged as a quality contributor for the Cavaliers. He only played in four games as a freshman, but his 9.5 PPG and 4.5 RPG proved that he’d be an asset going forward. The following year (28 games, 27 starts), Pettiford averaged 10.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 1.1 BPG with 63% FG (and a respectable 35.5% from beyond the arc). As previously mentioned, his rugged, explosive interior presence should make him an obvious difference-maker for this team.
The lone prospect from out of the area, Thomas comes to the Braves after only playing basketball for three years. The Georgia native attended Olney Central College over the past two seasons, visibly progressing as a player while becoming steadily more productive. During his freshman season, he posted per-game averages of 9.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.2 BPG, and 1.0 SPG with 51/26/70 splits. The following year, the numbers got even crazier. Thomas averaged 14.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 1.2 BPG with 62/35/60 splits. Between the raw stats and his playing experience, he appears to be a legitimate diamond in the rough. Thomas will provide a phenomenal blend of motor, rebounding, and defensive versatility with an offensive game that continues to grow. He should be a perfect fit with the Braves.
It’s pretty easy to be optimistic about their incoming class. They’ve gotten commitments from five guys who have shown clear value and should elevate the Braves’ potential ceiling as a group. Add in the two high school kids, Watson and Bullock, and there’s a lot to like. Coach Richards, Coach Sause, Coach Anderson, Coach Katz, and the rest of Pembroke’s staff continue to find success by any means necessary.