Khamil Pierre, a standout forward for the Vanderbilt Commodores, has decided to return for the 2025-26 season instead of entering the NCAA transfer portal, according to a source familiar with the situation. The sophomore from Phoenix, Arizona, had an impressive 2024-25 season, averaging 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.8 steals while shooting 49.8% from the field. Her performance included 17 double-doubles, ranking 13th in Division 1, and a career-high 42 points against Evansville.
Pierre's contributions were pivotal in leading the Commodores to their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. She was recognized as a finalist for both the Cheryl Miller Award, which honors the nation’s top small forward, and the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. Despite the team's efforts, the No. 7 seeded Commodores faced a tough loss to No. 10 Oregon, falling 77-73 in Durham, North Carolina, where Pierre recorded 17 points and six rebounds.
Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph expressed disappointment over the loss but emphasized the growth the team experienced throughout the season. “My hope is that, as leaders and coaches and people that understand the value of struggle, that they see when they get through this moment, the growth that they've had,” Ralph said. She praised the resilience of her players and the support from the Vanderbilt community.
With Pierre's decision to remain at Vanderbilt, the Commodores are set to maintain one of the top-scoring duos in the nation, as freshman guard Mikayla Blakes is also expected to return next season.
In contrast, JQ Roberts, another Vanderbilt sophomore, has announced his entry into the NCAA transfer portal. The former Bloomington North basketball standout made the announcement on social media on March 24, 2025, stating, "After thoughtful consideration and discussions with my family, I have decided to enter the transfer portal while keeping all options open. I look forward to the future and to what God has planned for my life."
Roberts, who stands at 6-foot-8 and weighs 230 pounds, had limited playing time this past season, appearing in 21 games and averaging just 4.6 minutes, 1.0 points, and 0.8 rebounds per game. Despite his struggles this season, he showed promise last year, averaging 9.0 points and 3.7 rebounds over the final three games of the season.
Vanderbilt's overall performance in the 2024-25 season was a significant improvement from the previous year. The Commodores finished with a record of 20-13, including 8-10 in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, which tied them for ninth place in the conference standings. They made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017 but were eliminated in the opening round by St. Mary's, losing 59-56. Roberts logged just 57 seconds in that game.
Head coach Mark Byington, who recently completed his first season with Vanderbilt, expressed his disappointment over the team’s early exit from the tournament. “That’s really my biggest reaction is I wanted it badly for them,” Byington said, reflecting on the emotional challenges of coaching seniors facing the end of their college careers. He noted the difficulty of saying goodbye to players like Chris Manon, Grant Huffman, and A.J. Hoggard, who have played significant roles in the program.
Byington, who previously coached at James Madison, relied heavily on the NCAA transfer portal to reshape the Commodores' roster. His recruitment efforts brought in several seniors, including Alex Hemenway, A.J. Hoggard, Chris Manon, and Grant Huffman, all of whom contributed to the team's success this season.
As the offseason approaches, Byington and his staff will focus on continuing to build a competitive team capable of making a deeper run in next year's NCAA Tournament. The coach is keenly aware of the challenges ahead but remains optimistic about the future of the program.
With Pierre's return and the potential for further roster improvements, Vanderbilt fans have reasons to be hopeful about the upcoming season. The Commodores are poised to build on their recent progress and aim for greater success in the 2025-26 campaign.
