FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Fresno State men’s basketball program enters Year 3 of the Vance Walberg era – and for the third straight year, the roster underwent an overhaul.

Leading scorer Jake Heidbreder graduated, leading rebounder Wilson Jacques transferred to DePaul, talented freshman DeShawn Gory departed for Oregon State, and 3-point specialist David Douglas Jr. transferred to Northern Illinois.

On the Bulldogs’ current roster, just two players remain from last season – Nathan Zulemie and DJ Stickman, both out with long-term injuries.

The roster is yet to be finalized, but there are five international additions. Head coach Vance Walberg said 6-foot-6 Romanian guard Dragos Lungu and Spanish point guard Roger Fabrega Urpina will be major contributors in 2026-27.

But Walberg saved some of his highest praise for BYU transfer point guard KJ Perry, the top junior college recruit in the country who redshirted his lone season as a Cougar.

“KJ is a heck of an athlete,” said Walberg. “He’s going to do things that make you go ‘Wow.'”

Lipscomb transfer Ross Candelino – one of two seniors on the team – was recruited to fill Heidbreder’s role as a sharpshooter and team leader. He led Lipscomb with a 42.6% mark from 3-point range (66-of-155).

“It’s nice when you have a leader who’s a pretty good basketball player, one of your main guys too,” said Walberg.

There is one familiar face returning to the Bulldogs this season – junior guard Brian Amuneke transferred back from Wichita State after ranking 5th in the Mountain West in 3-point percentage (40.7%) as a freshman.

“I like the team chemistry right now,” said Walberg, who turned 70 in July. “I think the ball moves a lot better this year than it did last year for us, and we’ve been working on that the whole time.”

Fresno State improved by seven wins in Walberg’s second season at the helm, but the Bulldogs lost eight of their last 10 games to finish with a 13-19 record.

Conference play will only be tougher for the ‘Dogs; they are joining the PAC-12, which grabbed the most competitive teams from the Mountain West and added Gonzaga, Washington State, and Oregon State.

A new season begins on November 2nd against Fresno Pacific at the Save Mart Center.