The Kent State men’s basketball roster for the 2025-2026 season, and Team 110 continues to load as Sunday evening they received a commitment from UNLV transfer Rob Whaley Jr.
Whaley was limited to just two games last season, suffering with a back injury. During the 2023-2024 season, Whaley appeared in all 34 of UNLV’s games, starting each of the season’s final 16, averaging 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Whaley was a top 10 national JUCO recruit after two prolific seasons at the College of Southern Utah. He chose UNLV after offers from Boise State, Utah State and Wichita State.
At Kent State, he gets healthy, will contribute to a new look Flashes’ baseline, and will reunite with family. Him and Rico Gillespie are cousins.
“The fit is perfect. It’s family here at Kent State. I’ll finally get to be myself again. I got a chip on my shoulder,” Whaley told GFR.
Whaley and Gillespie will get the opportunity to play together in the college game, after years of growing up together in Michigan.
“I love the thought of playing with him. Just watching how much better he has gotten since we were kids has been great.”
“I mean we grew up playing with and against each other so it’s gonna be a movie”.
Whaley visitied Kent a couple weeks ago, and also visited Saint Mary’s and Drake.
With the return of Gillespie, DeAndre Jones, Magnus Entenmann, who will be on scholarship in 2025-2026, combined with the additions of three star Iowa decommit Desmond Briscoe, Whaley Jr. and freshman Landon Vandenwarker, the Kent State front court should be among the tops in the Mid-American Conference.
Whaley has a unique skill set, at 6-7, 260 pounds, he’s multi-dimensional and skilled, and can step outside and punish match ups on the box as well.
Whaley is expected to have two years of eligibility remaining.