ELMHURST, Ill. - Bluejay Men's Basketball and head coach John Baines announced the addition of six new signings, along with the schedule for the 2026-27 season on Friday.

THOUGHTS ON THE 2026 CLASS
"This group of players is a continuation of quality recruiting classes we have been putting together over the past years.  With a large group of upperclassmen returning and our captain, Dom Trelenberg, coming back for a graduate season, this group gives us an influx of high character talent throughout our roster.  There are many intriguing players coming into our program with incredible ceilings." 
 
INCOMING FRESHMEN
Sean Day, 6-4 G, Downers Grove South HS
"Sean is a big guard that handles, passes, and shoots all at high levels.  Sean's spent a lot of time with our returners over the past year, and he has a competitive edge that has endeared him to our players.  As Sean's body continues to develop and he begins to acclimate to college-level defense, he's going to be wonderful player at Elmhurst.  I can't tell you how eager I am to watch his passion for playing."

Jack Dempsey, 6-2 G, Oak Lawn HS
"Jack is an extremely well-known player in the south suburbs, as I've personally talked to many people that rave about him.  Jack can absolutely stroke the basketball.  We've had some lefty marksmen like Derek Dotlich and Dom Trelenberg put on the Bluejay uniforms… Jack is going to be at that level.  In addition to his ability to shoot, Jack has so many other skills that we can see blossoming.  Jack is an incredibly bright person, going to fit right in with our group, and I foresee a wonderful career ahead for him."

Lucas Obermeyer, 6-4 F, Penn HS (IN)
"Lucas has a personality that is 100% unique and about as infectious as anyone we've ever brought here.  He is an extremely hard-worker and comes from a quality high school program.  His budding leadership skills are what first enamored us to him, and as we watched more, we saw a player with tremendous upside.  I'm confident that Lucas will work on his game and body, and that he will be someone the Bluejay fans love to watch."

Cooper Hess, 6-8 C, Zionsville HS (IN)
"Cooper has so much skill and ability for a player his size.  He suffered an injury in his senior season that derailed his development, however we all can see the unbelievable potential he possesses.  Cooper owns good hands and touch, an ability to grab hard rebounds, and the range to become a plus shooter.  Cooper is a smart individual and I'm so anxious to see how Cooper develops in the coming years in our program."

Agustin Jenik Chasco, 6-8 C, IMG Academy / Buenos Aires, Argentina
"Agustin is a player we got to see on film quite a bit and were truly taken with.  He is a young player that oozes with skill.  He has been developing his game at IMG Academy and it has opened his eyes to how good he can really be.  As he adjusts to the physicality of American basketball and the rigors of a college season, I could see him making humungous strides in the coming year.  As a coach, I am going to really enjoy helping Agustin reach his goals."
 
TRANSFERS
Chris Ketchum, 6-5 G, St. Charles HS (MO) / Millikin University
"Man, I'm so excited to get the opportunity to coach Chris.  We obviously got to see him while playing in the CCIW and on scout films.  Chris constantly impresses with his defensive versatility, transition ability, and knack for finishing in the paint.  When we got to spend more time with Chris and his family, we were taken by his drive to play here and his desire to take his game to a next level.  We are lucky Chris chose Elmhurst and he's going to make an immediate impact in a Bluejay uniform."

SCHEDULE
The Jays will see 12 home games in the new year, with the team's Faganel Hall debut set for Wednesday, November 11 against DePauw (Ind.). Elmhurst closes out the month of November with three straight home games, with Wisconsin-Whitewater on Wednesday, November 18, Coe (Iowa) on Saturday, November 21, and Hamilton (N.Y.) on Tuesday, November 24.

CCIW play opens at the start of December, beginning with a rematch of last year's CCIW Tournament final, with Illinois Wesleyan coming to Elmhurst on Wednesday, December 2. 

The Bluejays will then head to Las Vegas before the holiday break, to compete in the NABC Division III Tournament presented by D3hoops.com. After the New Year, Elmhurst welcomes North Central on Saturday, January 9, and Carroll on Wednesday, January 13.

Just two home games throughout the month of February for the Jays, who close out the regular season with four of the last six games on the road. Elmhurst will play hosts to Augustana on Wednesday, February 3, and Wheaton on Saturday, February 13.