SMWC coach Jesse McClung is looking to jumpstart the men's basketball program in 2023 with a large transfer class.
The Pomeroys have immediate depth with players that bring size, athleticism and a variety of skill sets to the Knoerle Center. It's a group with experience at the NCAA Division I and Division II levels as well as accomplished NAIA and junior-college players.
"We're very excited to add this group of transfers to our program," McClung said. "We made it a point of emphasis to find experienced, versatile, high-character student-athletes. This group will help us establish the culture and standards of our program."   Steve Augustine (6-6, So./forward) – Augustine comes to SMWC from Miami-Dade College after playing high school ball in Amityville, New York. The 222-pound forward averaged 15.5 points and 8 rebounds as a senior at Amityville Memorial.
"The atmosphere and culture of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods seemed welcoming. When I first got on campus, it was a peaceful feeling, which made my transition easier," Augustine said.
Cobie Barnes (6-7, Sr., forward/guard) – A two-time all-state selection and an Indiana All-Star at Floyd Central, Barnes played two seasons at Indiana State, transferred to John A. Logan and then spent last season back at the Division I level with SIU Edwardsville.
Barnes thrived at John A. Logan, leading them to a Sweet 16 appearance and earning NJCAA All-Region 24 honors after averaging 14.4 points and 6.8 rebounds.
"I'm extremely excited to help move this program in a positive direction. I look forward to bringing a winning attitude and confidence to my team and myself – and winning a lot of games," Barnes said.
Chaz Birchfield (6-5, Sr., wing) – Birchfield played more than 100 career games at NCAA Division II Davenport University, shooting 49.9 percent for his career. The Fishers, Ind., native had career-best averages of 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals, while scoring 7.1 ppg.
"Thanks to coach McClung, we have a talented group ready to compete at a high level from the start," Birchfield said. "Our collective enthusiasm is centered around making SMWC a championship caliber program."
Mayson Brown (6-0, Jr., guard) – Brown shot 41 percent from beyond the arc at Lake Region State College last season, consistent with the shooting touch he provided for Hibbing (Minn.) High School.
"I believe that as a team we are going to change the culture at The Woods and really bring a lot of people together," Brown said.
Ramaj Gordon (6-5, So., wing) – Gordon, 23, is a native of Houston, Tex., where he was an all-state player in 2018-19. He averaged 12 points for Hibbing Community College last season.
It's a new opportunity to continue getting better and meet new people on and off the court," Gordon said.
Lincoln Hale (6-4, Jr., guard) – Hale starred at Linton High School, scoring 2,213 points and leading Linton to a state runner-up finish. He was committed to Indiana State prior to a coaching change. Hale spent the past two seasons at Indiana Wesleyan and St. Thomas.
"I am happy that I ended up here. Coach McClung is an awesome person and the type of coach I want to play for," Hale said.
Andre Irvin Jr. (5-9, RS sophomore, point guard) – Irvin saw action in five games for NCAA Division II Tiffin University as a redshirt freshman last season, averaging 4.9 ppg. He was the all-time leading scorer at Olentangy Orange High School in Columbus, Ohio, prior to that.
"I love the coaches and I love the class size and the one-on-one feeling I get from the professors. I believe we will build something special here and I'm excited to be a part of it," Irvin said.
Greg Johnson (6-3, Jr., point guard) – Johnson has spent the past two seasons at Goshen College after an honorable-mention All-State high school season for Princeton (Ohio) High School. Johnson averaged 11.4 points, 3.4 assists and 1.7 steals last season for Goshen.
"I'm blessed to be put in a position where I feel I can prosper and flourish at my game," Johnson said. Thankful that coach McClung believes in me and the vision that I have for myself. I'm excited to put everything together and win!"
DaMeriz Merriweather (6-1, Jr., guard) – Merriweather played at Lawrence Central in Indianapolis before a standout tenure at Danville Area Community College. The combo guard averaged 11.2 points, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals for a team that went 27-5.
"I feel confident and comfortable coming to SMWC," Merrieweather said. "The love and support here at SMWC is unconditional."
Anthony Scales (6-5, Jr., guard) – Scales starred at Zionsville, earning All-State high honorable-mention honors, prior to playing two seasons at Lakeland Colllege, where he averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 points in two seasons.
"I am excited to be a part of a new age for SMWC with the men's basketball team. I feel we have immense talent with a great coaching staff led by coach McClung, who is bringing a new culture and flare to the school," Scales said.
Malik Tansmore (6-3, Jr., guard) – Tansmore played at Crispus Attucks, helping lead his team to the Indianapolis city championship in 2020, the first one in 86 years. After two years at Glen Oaks Community College, where he averaged 8.7 points last season, Tansmore is "very excited to see what the future holds for us" at SMWC.
Blake Welle (6-8, Sr., forward) – Welle, from Santa Cruz, Calif., spent four seasons at Cal. He starred at Aptos High School, averaging 16.2 points and 7.7 rebounds.