Jalen Haynes Joins Dayton Warmups

The 6-foot-8 forward took part in pregame warmups with the Flyers for the first time before their home opener against Northern Illinois.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Basketball

Jalen Haynes participated in pregame warmups with his Dayton Flyers teammates for the first time on Saturday, Nov. 7, ahead of a 7 p.m. game against Northern Illinois at UD Arena. The forward, who is 6-foot-8 and 245 pounds, is in his first season with Dayton.

Why it matters

Haynes missed the entire 2025-26 season at Cincinnati after a knee injury, so his return to pregame activity marks a step toward his first game action in Dayton. His availability could affect the Flyers' frontcourt depth as the season progresses.

Haynes, a 6-foot-8, 245-pound forward, averaged 14.1 points and 6.9 rebounds in 2024-25 and earned Atlantic 10 first-team honors. He last played in a game at George Mason at the end of that season and was not in uniform for Dayton's three preseason games or its season opener.

The players

Jalen Haynes

A forward who previously starred at George Mason and East Tennessee State and earned Atlantic 10 first-team honors in 2024-25.

Grant

The Dayton Flyers head coach who confirmed Haynes had returned to practice.

The details

Haynes underwent a second surgery on the same knee after committing to Dayton in April and did not practice all summer. Coach Grant said on Monday, Nov. 2, that Haynes had returned to practice, and he then joined the Flyers for pregame warmups before their Saturday home game.

2024-25 season: Haynes last played at George Mason, averaging 14.1 points.
October 2025: Haynes suffered a knee injury at Cincinnati.
April 2026: Haynes underwent a second knee surgery after committing to Dayton.
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026: Coach Grant said Haynes had returned to practice.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026: Haynes participated in pregame warmups for the first time.

Season Trajectory

Haynes's return reflects a common path for transfers who lose a full season to injury and rejoin a new program after rehabilitation. His availability could shape Dayton's frontcourt rotation during its early-season games.

Haynes's pregame warmup appearance is the first step toward his debut for Dayton, which would add a 245-pound forward to the frontcourt. Fantasy and roster watchers should track whether he sees game minutes in the Flyers' next contests.

The takeaway

Haynes's return to the court after two knee surgeries shows how transfers can rebuild their careers after a lost season. Readers following Dayton should watch for his first minutes in a game.