5 Washington State basketball players to know entering the 2026-27 season

As part of a busy “Family Weekend” around Pullman on Saturday, the new-look Washington State Cougars men’s basketball team held an hour-long scrimmage in front of a couple of hundred fans at Friel Court.

Teams were purposely split up evenly, playing two 12-minute quarters. The Crimson squad won, 47-41.

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Here are five players who stood out in the Cougars’ first open public viewing that WSU fans might want to get to know heading into the 2026-27 season:

1. Ronnie Harrison, forward

Dec 5, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) and East Texas A&M Lions forward Ronnie Harrison (0). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It was pretty obvious early – he will be the go-to scorer most nights for the Cougars this upcoming season.

As a full-time starter and leading scorer for East Texas A&M (14.7 point per game) last season, the 6-foot-8 Harrison primarily played near the basket. WSU will ask him to open up his game more on the wing as a shooter and also face up defenders as an off-the-dribble playmaker. He is also a willing rebounder, which should be crucial for an undersized frontcourt.

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Harrison is really the team’s only true three-level scorer.

2. Jaylen Harrell, shooting guard

Dec 2, 2025; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars guard Jaylen Harrell (4) drives the ball while being defended by Fairleigh Dickinson Knights guard Joey Niesman (0). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Third-year WSU coach David Riley is going to quickly learn that he really can’t afford to take the transfer from Providence off the floor.

At 6-foot-5, he has the size and skill set to do a little bit of everything – shoot, defend, pass and rebound. He also has the fiery demeanor to truly be an on-court leader for this group, especially during rough stretches.

And he’s committed to having a big first season – he’s dropped up to 30 pounds since his arrival in Pullman.

3. Lazerek Houston, combo guard

After speaking to an assistant coach in the Pac-12 about what the…

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Publish date : 2026-10-05 17:14:00

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