PURCHASE SEASON AND SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
For Northern Arizona men's basketball, the foundation for 2026–27 is simple: ETA.
Effort. Toughness. Attitude.
Head coach Shane Burcar wants those three traits to show up in every area of the game, from how the Lumberjacks push the ball in transition to how they finish possessions on the glass. NAU wants to play with pace, create extra opportunities and make opponents feel its edge for 40 minutes.
"Offensively, on misses, we want to get out and run and push the pace," Burcar said. "We'd love to get a shot in the first eight to 10 seconds."
That aggressiveness extends to both ends. With associate head coach Ben Johnson overseeing the defense, the Lumberjacks want to create turnovers, cause chaos, generate easy baskets and become a team known for rebounding – ending defensive possessions while extending offensive ones.
The roster has been built with more size, versatility and positional flexibility, and Burcar rarely sees players through a one-position lens. Several Lumberjacks could move between roles depending on matchups, health and lineup combinations.
"We have a lot of options in terms of which five are out on the court," said Burcar. "On paper, we can go small or add length after the next timeout. We have athleticism across the board, with strong returners and exciting newcomers who should make an impact from day one."
Guards
The preseason picture at point guard changed when returning guard
Brennan Peterson suffered a knee injury, but NAU still has multiple options to initiate the offense.
Cade Bennett arrives from Saint Mary's, where he played in a program that won four consecutive West Coast Conference championships. Bennett has been working his way back from surgery, but Burcar likes the experience and basketball feel he brings. Burcar credited Bennett for being a "basketball junkie," which will help the program on and off the court.
Mason Dorsey, a 6-foot-4 redshirt junior, gives NAU another experienced option after previous stops at Bethune-Cookman and College of the Sequoias. Freshman
Noah George has also impressed throughout the fall and could push for meaningful minutes.
Chris Komin gives the Lumberjacks point guard flexibility, although Burcar would prefer to keep him in a combo-guard role where he can attack off the ball. Komin averaged 7.8 points per game last season and elevated that production to 10.8 points per game during Big Sky play, shooting 40.4% from three in conference games.
Burcar also expects to see Komin handle point guard responsibilities when needed, while Bennett, Dorsey and George give NAU several options to initiate the offense.
"The nice thing with our point guards is we have options," said Burcar.
Wings
NAU's wing group is one of the team's most athletic and dynamic position groups.
Ryan Abelman returns after starting all 30 games he played last season and averaging 10.5 points and a team-best 5.1 rebounds per game. He also shot 36.1% from three and 89.4% from the free throw line. His experience and leadership give the Lumberjacks a steady presence on the perimeter.
Burcar also said Komin fits "naturally" here as a combo guard, while freshman
Lucas Toukam is one of the newcomers Burcar is especially excited about. At 6-foot-8, Toukam brings size and skill to the perimeter, and Burcar believes he has the talent to make an early impact.
NAU also added
Max Majerle following Peterson's injury. Majerle brings Division I experience from North Dakota State and Central Michigan and gives the Lumberjacks another bigger, experienced wing who Burcar believes can help immediately.
"I think with our wings they are athletic and have length," said Burcar. "Lucas can slide to the four in more skilled lineups, while Chris may spend time on the ball when needed. Then when you have a returner like
Ryan Abelman you have somebody you trust and know."
Forwards | Fours
The most intriguing piece at the four is 7-foot senior
Dylan Anderson.
Anderson's path has included Arizona, Boise State and Murray State, but Burcar views the Chandler native as a forward rather than a traditional center. His combination of size and skill gives NAU a different kind of matchup option.
"I think Dylan, more than anything, is a four player," Burcar said. "I think he can be very dynamic in our league. I think with his skillset he can make a really special impact in the Big Sky."
Toukam could also see minutes at the four when NAU wants to "skill it up," as Burcar describes it, rather than simply going small.
Luke Wieskamp, a 6-foot-6 transfer from Menlo College, is another candidate to earn minutes at the position.
Burcar said Anderson's size allows NAU plenty of flexibility around the basket, while Toukam's versatility could move him regularly between the wing and four.
Centers | Fives
At the five, NAU will look to a three-person group of
Nana Keutcha,
Tamiel Green and
Zach Tanner.
Keutcha and Green both stand 6-foot-10, while Tanner is 6-foot-9. Burcar's ideal scenario is for the trio to combine to handle the center minutes while bringing energy, physicality and a clear assignment.
"Play hard, rebound the basketball and run," Burcar said.
All three enter the season without Division I experience, making their development an important piece and the biggest question mark of NAU's frontcourt. But they also contribute to what Burcar calls the best combination of size and length he has had during his time in Flagstaff.
"We needed to address both the fours and fives, but especially the fives," said Burcar. "By far this is the best group I've had since being here. I am really excited to see how far this group can go. We invested in our bigs and believe in this group."
That emphasis fits directly into the larger ETA identity.
The pieces may move throughout the season, but the standard Burcar has preached will not change. They know the challenges ahead, but have the mentality and toughness to take on both a difficult non-conference schedule and the deep, challenging Big Sky Conference slate that follows – all leading toward those "couple of days in Boise" and a chance to dance in the NCAA Tournament.
Ultimately, NAU will need to stay healthy, but even beyond the injury report, the 'Jacks have the depth and athleticism to make noise should an injury happen. Whether the Lumberjacks are playing fast, going big or "skilling it up," Burcar wants the same three things to travel with every lineup: Effort. Toughness. Attitude.
