Wake Forest Men’s Basketball Held First Official Practice
The team took to the court in Winston-Salem following Media Day preparations for the upcoming season.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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Wake Forest men’s basketball conducted its first official practice on September 21, 2026. The session followed the program’s official Media Day event as the team begins preparations for the 2026-2027 season.
Why it matters
The practice session allowed coaches to evaluate their new roster composition and integration of transfer players. The team is now shifting its focus toward building chemistry ahead of the regular season schedule.
The roster features notable size with three players standing 6'11" or taller, including 7'0" center Antonio Dorn. New arrival Justin Ray joins the lineup after shooting 42% from three-point range last season.
The players
Antonio Dorn
He is a 7'0" center who recently transferred to the program from Virginia Tech.
Justin Ray
He is a transfer player from Monmouth known for his efficiency from behind the arc.
Justin Abson
He is a student-athlete currently participating in practice while navigating a pending eligibility case.
Xander Pintelon
He is a 6'11" member of the team contributing to the roster's overall height.
Kevair Kennedy
He is a 6'2" guard on the current team roster.
The details
Players participated in various drills and scrimmage play while staff monitored performance. Notably, Antonio Dorn missed the majority of the workout due to an injury, while Justin Abson practiced despite an ongoing eligibility case.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The team held Media Day and its first official practice.
2026-2027 season: The team is preparing for the start of the upcoming basketball season.
Season Trajectory
The reliance on multiple transfer additions like Dorn and Ray signals a shift in how the program manages roster turnover in the current era of college athletics. The team’s ability to assimilate these newcomers into the rotation will be a primary factor in its standing throughout the 2026-2027 season.
Justin Ray’s 42% three-point shooting efficiency from last season provides a clear perimeter threat for upcoming fantasy and statistical analysis. Monitoring Antonio Dorn's recovery timeline will be critical for assessing the team's frontcourt rotation and paint presence.
The takeaway
The team's success this year depends on the rapid integration of its height advantage and the health of key personnel. Staying updated on eligibility rulings and injury reports will provide the clearest picture of the squad's competitive potential.
Further reading
Find more coverage of the team's progress on the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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