Lamar University’s men’s basketball team is preparing for a fresh start, as new head coach Jordan Fee looks to establish a winning culture with an almost entirely new roster heading into the 2026-27 season.
With 13 transfers and one freshman, the Cardinals face the challenge of building team chemistry, while adapting to a new coaching system and an intense style of basketball.
“We’ve all come from different places, staff and players, trying to integrate everybody together, get everybody on the same page, start to speak the same language,” Fee said.
Despite the challenges of bringing together athletes from different programs, Fee said the transition provides an opportunity to establish expectations and build a team from the ground up.
Caden Hinker, a redshirt senior from Mitchell, South Dakota, said the team has already developed strong relationships despite having limited time together.
“I think coaches did a good job of bringing a bunch of good guys in, and we do a lot of things together,” Hinker said. “I think the group, for the time we’ve spent together, we’re pretty dang close.”
Nicco Moretti, a redshirt senior from Bologna, Italy, agreed that the team’s chemistry has developed well, but said the real test will come when the Cardinals experience challenges during the season.
“Obviously, we haven’t faced many downs,” Moretti said. “That’s going to be our break point, where we’re going to find out how far we’re gonna go.”
Fee said his coaching philosophy focuses on maintaining high standards and improving through everyday practices, rather than concentrating solely on the team’s overall record.
“For us, it really is, process driven,” Fee said. “How can we have a great practice today and be better at the end of it?”
Hinker said their individual goals are connected to the team’s success.
“I just want to win and be able to be part of something that’s bigger than just my own goals,” Hinker said.
The Cardinals will introduce an aggressive, up-tempo playing style designed to pressure opponents on both ends of the court, Fee said, adding that maintaining that intensity throughout the season will be one of the team’s biggest challenges.
Moretti said the team’s playing style will require physical conditioning, commitment and players willing to sacrifice for the program.
“Our style is so unique,” Moretti said. “It’s a lot of intensity, a lot of running, a lot of exciting plays, up-tempo, almost out of control.”
Fee said he hopes to lead the Cardinals to a Southland Conference championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance, and considers McNeese one of the strongest programs in the Southland Conference.
“McNeese is the one to beat,” Fee said. “But I wouldn’t want to play us, either.”
Beyond basketball, the players are adjusting to life in Southeast Texas while balancing their athletic and academic responsibilities.
Hinker, who is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration, said representing Lamar comes with responsibilities that extend beyond the basketball court.
“You kind of wear the university on your chest,” Hinker said. “It is a lot of work, but it’s work that you’re proud of.”
As the season approaches, Fee and his players said they encourage Lamar students, faculty, staff and community members to attend games, and support the Cardinals at the Neches Federal Credit Union at the Montagne Center.
Fee said fan attendance can help create a home-court advantage and strengthen relationships between the team and the university community.
“I told (the team), ‘Be impossible not to root for,’” Fee said.
Hinker echoed the message, saying fans should come and experience the team’s unique playing style firsthand.
“It’s an exciting style of basketball that you just have to see for yourself,” he said.
The Cardinals opened the pre-season Nov. 2, against Schreiner University. The result was unavailable at press time.
