UMBC Men's Basketball One Win Away From NCAA Tournament

Transfer guard Jah'Likai King has been key to the Retrievers' success this season.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After transferring from Division II New Haven, UMBC point guard Jah'Likai King has quickly adapted to the Division I level. King put on 20 pounds in the offseason and is now averaging 14.3 points per game, helping lead the Retrievers to the America East championship game against Vermont. UMBC has won 11 straight games and is one win away from earning an NCAA Tournament berth.

Why it matters

UMBC's run to the America East title game is an impressive accomplishment, especially considering the team's reliance on transfers like King who have stepped up and made an immediate impact at the Division I level. The Retrievers' success this season highlights the value of roster building through the transfer portal and the ability of smaller programs to compete with the big names in college basketball.

The details

King had just entered the transfer portal after two years at Division II New Haven, where he averaged 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. UMBC coach Jim Ferry was impressed with King's film and decided to bring him in, despite concerns about his 160-pound frame. King put on 20 pounds in the offseason and has thrived, starting all 30 games for the Retrievers and shooting 42.5% from the field, 32.6% from 3-point range, and 82.8% from the free-throw line.

  • King transferred to UMBC in the offseason after two seasons at New Haven.
  • UMBC defeated UMass Lowell 91-69 in the America East semifinals on March 10, 2026.
  • UMBC will face Vermont in the America East championship game on March 14, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The players

Jah'Likai King

A 6-foot-2 guard who transferred to UMBC from Division II New Haven, where he averaged 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. King put on 20 pounds in the offseason and is now averaging 14.3 points per game for the Retrievers.

Jim Ferry

The head coach of the UMBC men's basketball team, who has a background in Division II basketball and recognized King's potential despite his small stature.

DJ Armstrong Jr.

A transfer from Division II Texas Permian Basin who is shooting 40.4% from 3-point range for UMBC this season.

Jose Roberto Tanchyn

A transfer from Division II Florida Beach Atlantic who is averaging 5.6 rebounds per game and providing toughness inside for the Retrievers.

Josh Odunowo

A graduate forward for UMBC who has maintained belief in the team's championship aspirations throughout the season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I didn't look into the future seeing us making it this far, but it's actually great. Starting off the court and bringing it onto the court with these guys, even the coaches, I feel like it's just a family group. I feel like we just built everything from Day 1 and we just grinded it out and believed in ourselves. Now we're here.”

— Jah'Likai King, UMBC Guard

“I know I came from D-II. It's just coming in, gaining my weight and just being able to fit in with the guys. I feel like I just took everything personal because nobody knew if I could play at this level because everybody's bigger, stronger, but I stuck [to it].”

— Jah'Likai King, UMBC Guard

“Every year you come in [during] the summer and you have aspirations to win a championship. I think the thing with us is that sometimes with some teams it kind of dwindles out. I feel like this year the belief just stayed there the whole year from the beginning to the end. I feel like from the start of the year until now, we've kept faith in ourselves and each other. I feel like we've been playing like that. I feel like this group is just a real good group of guys and I'm just grateful to be a part of it.”

— Josh Odunowo, UMBC Graduate Forward

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

UMBC's success this season, led by transfer players like Jah'Likai King, shows the value of building a roster through the transfer portal and the ability of smaller programs to compete at the highest levels of college basketball. The Retrievers' run to the America East championship game is an impressive accomplishment that highlights the team's resilience and belief in themselves.