The North Florida Ospreys men’s basketball team, led by Coach Bobby Kennen, is trying to navigate the wild world of college basketball recruiting. Kennen’s approach? Focus on keeping current players and recruiting high school prospects, instead of just grabbing transfers from the portal.
This year, for the first time, every player on the Ospreys’ roster will get Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) money. That’s thanks to a new revenue sharing setup and dedicated NIL funds. It’s a big shift—one that could change the game for UNF.
Let’s take a closer look at what they’re doing with recruiting, who’s new, and how NIL is shaking things up in Jacksonville.
Coach Bobby Kennen’s Strategic Recruitment Approach
Kennen, who officially took over as head coach on March 7, has a pretty clear strategy. While other programs chase quick fixes through the transfer portal, he’s picking his spots more carefully.
He wants to build around players who stick around, bring in promising high schoolers, and only dip into the portal when it really makes sense.
Retaining Core Players
Keeping core guys was a top priority. The Ospreys are getting back their second-, fourth-, and fifth-leading scorers: guard Kent Jackson (14.8 points per game), guard/forward Mason Lee (8.0), and guard/forward B.J. Plummer (7.7).
There’s more: guard Gabe Jacobs (limited to 10 games last year), plus two players who redshirted with injuries—guard Mason Watkins and forward Arden Begaj—are also returning.
High School Recruiting
Kennen’s not ignoring high school recruiting, either. Three new recruits are joining up:
- Asa Kohn – Guard from Oviedo
- Chris Perry – Guard/forward from Hinesville, Ga.
- Isaiah Brown – Forward from Fort Lauderdale
Of those, Brown jumps out as a college-ready guy—he’s got the frame and the motor to rebound, defend, and run the floor right away.
Junior College and Transfer Portal Additions
They’re not skipping JUCO or transfers, though. The Ospreys added:
- JR Bartelus – Guard/forward from Chipola College, averaged 12 points and 7.3 rebounds
- Elijah Elliott – Guard from Ohio, made the MAC all-freshman team in 2024-25
- Eddie Placer – Guard from Wagner, put up 8.5 points per game last year
Bartelus brings some grit. Elliott and Placer add depth and a little flexibility—never a bad thing.
The Impact of NIL on UNF’s Program
This offseason, UNF is stepping into the NIL era. Every player is getting something, which, honestly, is a pretty big deal for a mid-major like the Ospreys.
Kennen said having NIL money has finally put UNF “in the game.” It helps with keeping their own guys and bringing in new faces. Seems obvious, but it’s new territory for the program.
Navigating the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal is tempting, but it can get expensive fast. Kennen mentioned that some recruits had six-figure offers elsewhere—UNF just can’t match that.
So, they’re looking for value. High school and junior college players give them more bang for their buck, and honestly, it’s a little more sustainable.
Looking Ahead: The Upcoming Season
There’s a real sense of optimism about the upcoming season. The team comes back to campus June 8, jumping into eight hours a week of training—half on the court, half in the weight room.
Kennen’s also planning Tuesday night team outings. A little fun, a little bonding—can’t hurt, right?
Key Players to Watch
Kent Jackson, Mason Lee, and B.J. Plummer will be leading the way. And don’t sleep on Mason Watkins—he’s a true point guard, and his return could really open up the offense.
Watkins has a knack for making things easier for his teammates, and that’s something this group needs.
Newcomers’ Impact
The newcomers are already generating some buzz, especially the high school recruits and that junior college addition. They’re expected to step in and contribute right away.
Isaiah Brown brings a tough, physical style and strong defensive instincts. JR Bartelus is just a freak athlete, honestly, and should give the team a real boost inside.
Elijah Elliott and Eddie Placer? They’re going to add some much-needed depth and shake things up in the backcourt. That versatility could be a game-changer in tight situations.
For more on Coach Kennen’s thinking and how the Ospreys have been moving in the offseason, check out the full story at Jacksonville Sports News.
Keep an eye out for updates as the season gets rolling. The Ospreys might surprise a few people in the Atlantic Sun Conference this year—who knows?
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