The summer for WVU Men’s Basketball has already been chaotic as it builds its 2026-27 roster. Amidst that chaos, a player has chosen to leave the team following summer practice. Read more: Evans Barning Jr. exits WVU Men’s Basketball; will pursue JuCo level.
Redshirt freshman forward Evans Barning Jr. has signed with Navarro College at the Juco level, per a post on X by JucoRecruiting.
Barning’s exit brings the WVU roster down to 13 players. However, if Brenan Lorient’s reported return to the Mountaineers becomes official, the team would be at 14.
Related: Brenen Lorient returning to WVU Men’s Basketball; other court updates
Despite currently being listed on the roster, it remains to be seen whether Javan Buchanan will be able to officially join WVU for the upcoming season.
While for the time being it appears Lorient and Buchanan are a part of the team’s plans, should they not be allowed to return, Barning’s exit will be another hole in the Mountaineers’ depth.
Barning’s career so far
Barning, originally from Toronto, Canada, had a solid high school career with Archbishop Carroll High in Washington, D.C. In his senior year, he was averaging 10.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Barning’s success landed him a spot on Team Durant in the Nike EYLB circuit. He had a strong showing against Bradley Beal Elite, scoring 29 points.
Following high school, Barning committed to WVU in 2025. He redshirted his true freshman season, therefore seeing no playing time with the Mountaineers this past season.
At one point, Barning had entered the transfer portal, but his camp announced he would return to WVU for the upcoming season.
Related: An updated look at WVU Men’s and Women’s Basketball offseason moves
Barning was a participant in this summer’s practice sessions for WVU before his sudden departure.
While the window for players to declare entry into the NCAA Transfer Portal is not open, Barning is allowed to do this, as the portal is not necessary for players leaving for JuCo.
Navarro College, Barning’s new destination, is located in Corsicana, Texas.
The team’s mascot is the Bulldogs, and it competes in the Southwest Junior College Conference of the NJCAA.
Since Barning did not play this past season and Lorient’s return would have probably pushed Barning back in the depth chart, it is possible Barning decided to exit to guarantee more playing time.
WVU nor Navarro College has updated their official rosters at this time to reflect the change.
How will WVU fill the hole?
Although the new school year is beginning, WVU can still recruit someone to fill Barning’s spot.
There are several options available, including picking up someone still in the transfer portal or signing a new freshman recruit.
A five-star recruit, former Auburn Tiger Keyshawn Hall, is currently in the transfer portal after being granted a fifth year of eligibility. There is also a handful of four-star recruits.
Additionally, it is rumored that WVU already has a replacement in freshman guard Jelani McKoy from Bella Vista Prep per On3. While it is not official, it would certainly not be a surprise due to WVU’s recent connection to Bella Vista Prep.
WVU signed three players from the school already this offseason; Miles Sadler, Amadou Seini, and Aliou Dioum.
Regardless, the 2026 College Basketball Crown champions need to find someone quickly. The upcoming season begins November 2 when it faces Niagara in its home opener.
Related: West Virginia tops Oklahoma for Crown title, $300K prize
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