UWGB Lands Calvin Star Jalen Overway for Final Season

Overway hopes to make a successful jump from NCAA Division III to Division I with the Phoenix.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:04am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic movements and actions of a basketball player, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a cubist style capturing the energy and physicality of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a versatile big man's impact on both ends of the court, as Jalen Overway looks to make a successful jump from Division III to Division I basketball.Today in Pittsburgh

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay men's basketball team has landed a major transfer in Calvin University center Jalen Overway. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound Overway was a dominant player in the NCAA Division III ranks, earning Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association MVP honors three times. After missing the 2024-25 season due to a knee injury, Overway returned to average 23.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game as a senior. He will now look to make the transition to Division I basketball with the Phoenix.

Why it matters

UWGB coach Doug Gottlieb has had success in the past recruiting players from the Division III ranks, most notably with former guard Justin Allen. Overway represents another high-profile addition as the Phoenix look to build on their recent success and compete for a Horizon League title.

The details

Overway chose UWGB over fellow Horizon League member Purdue Fort Wayne after visiting the Green Bay campus earlier this week. The coaching staff has told Overway they envision him playing a more versatile role, getting the ball in his hands outside the post and running the offense at times. Overway is UWGB's latest addition, joining junior college transfers Ahmere Carson and Clarence Payia.

  • Overway tore his ACL in the final game of the 2023-24 season at Calvin, missing the entire 2024-25 campaign.
  • Overway returned in 2025-26 to have the best statistical season of his career, averaging 23.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.

The players

Jalen Overway

A 6-foot-10, 250-pound center who was a three-time Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association MVP at Calvin University.

Doug Gottlieb

The head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay men's basketball team.

Justin Allen

A former UWGB guard who spent the first three seasons of his college career at Division III Carnegie Mellon before transferring and finding success with the Phoenix.

Ahmere Carson

A junior college transfer point guard who signed with UWGB in the winter.

Clarence Payia

A junior college transfer forward who recently signed with the Phoenix.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited for the jump, I'm excited to take on a new challenge here. I think it's definitely going to take a little getting used to, playing against guys that are stronger and faster and just bigger all around.”

— Jalen Overway

“They have talked to me about that a bunch. They have told me it's more a European style, so I'm not going to just be sitting in the post. Here at Calvin, every once in a while I was susceptible to just kind of camping out in the post. The role of having the ball in my hands more outside of the lane, setting screens, doing dribble handoffs, setting zooms, just getting the offense going is kind of what the coaching staff envisions for me.”

— Jalen Overway

What’s next

Overway will look to make a smooth transition to Division I basketball this upcoming season as he aims to help UWGB compete for a Horizon League title.

The takeaway

Overway's successful jump from Division III to Division I could mirror the path of former UWGB standout Justin Allen, providing the Phoenix with another talented big man to build around. The coaching staff's plan to utilize Overway's versatility could also help ease his adjustment to the higher level of competition.