FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) – Purdue Fort Wayne Men’s Basketball is tasked with replacing a lot of talent heading into the 2025-26 season.

Six of the eight Mastodons to average at least 10 minutes per game last season are gone, leaving a pair of upperclassman, each averaging roughly 23 minutes per game.

Still, the PFW coaching staff and current roster has plenty cause of optimism.

After wrapping up the team’s summer session Tuesday afternoon, Head Coach Jon Coffman said he’s liked what he’s seen about this group of guys.

Stevenson discusses his expectations after PFW’s summer session.


“They’ve been as energetic as a group in our summer development as we’ve seen,” Coffman said. “I’m looking forward to Fort Wayne coming out and watching these guys. They’re going to enjoy the basketball we put on the floor this year.”

Maximus Nelson is the only full-time starter returning to this PFW roster. He’s joined by last season’s sixth-man Corey Hadnot II as upperclassman who will look to help lead this squad.

“You look at our returning guys. There’s a whole ‘nother level of those guys, just their understanding and poise,” Coffman said.

The ‘Dons will also look for some of that poise in some of the older newcomers, including Mikale Stevenson.

Stevenson discusses his expectations after PFW’s summer session.


A South Side High School grad who played his last two years at Grambling State, Stevenson says he’s excited to use his final season of college eligibility in Fort Wayne.

With it being my last year, with me being gone for the last couple years, finally being home, playing in front of family, friends and anybody else that would like to come out and support, it’s definitely a blessing,” Stevenson said.

He also noted Coach Coffman’s track record as part of what drew him to the program.

“His history of Fort Wayne guards, how they came in and things he’s done for other guards that came through his system and his university, that’s all [a reason] to go for,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson led Milwaukee Area Technical College to the 2023 NJCAA national title. He then helped Grambling State to an NCAA Tournament berth the next season.

Now, he wants to bring that success and national spotlight to Fort Wayne.

“It’s like no other feeling than going to March Madness, honestly,” Stevenson said. “That was my first year out of Division I, and for me to get that experience, it was no other feeling. So that’s all I want to do for this community and my hometown.”

As for who the team plans to lean on in big moments, Coach Coffman says fans can expect a well-rounded roster this year.

The team has a bit more size than in years past, but Coffman doesn’t think they’ll need to rely on it.

“Not a ton of separation with our guys, which is a good thing. We have a nice talent base, which a lot of guys I think can impact winning,” Coffman said.

The team and conference hasn’t announced a full schedule for the 2025-26 season as of the beginning of August, but matchups with Utah and Notre Dame are already locked in.