BREAKING: Three Belmont men’s basketball players enter transfer portal

Even Brauns emerged as the primary inside presence for the Bruins this season. A.J. Wuest/Belmont Vision

With no upcoming postseason action, Belmont men’s basketball has closed the chapter on the 2022-23 season.

To mark the beginning of the offseason, three Bruins have opted to explore their options of playing elsewhere.

Juniors Even Brauns, Frank Jakubicek and Michael Shanks have all entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Each player helped Belmont earn a 21-11 record along with third-place finish in its debut season in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Brauns was the Bruins’ leading rebounder and shot blocker.

Averaging 7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds, the 6-foot-9-inch big man stepped into a larger role after playing behind all-conference center Nick Muszynski in his first two years.

Belmont rotated between centers for most of the season, but Brauns earned the starting spot midway through conference play.

His best game came against Illinois State University on Feb. 4 where he collected a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

He also put on a shot blocking showcase against Murray State University on Jan. 17 with seven blocks.

Brauns finished the season ranked second in the Missouri Valley Conference in blocked shots.

Jakubicek began his season on Dec. 6 versus Trevecca Nazarene University after missing the start of the season due to injury.

Jakubicek was a member of Belmont’s big man trio this season. Isaac Wetzel/Belmont Vision

The 6-foot-8-inch forward’s best game this season came against Bradley University on Jan. 21 where he collected 10 points.

Shanks began this season in the starting lineup and saw a more limited role as the season progressed.

Shanks’ impact expands far beyond the court for Belmont basketball. Isaac Wetzel/Belmont Vision

He averaged 2.1 points per game this season and earned a season-high nine points vs University of Illinois Chicago on Feb. 11.

With the potential departure of these three players, along with the graduating seniors, Belmont men’s basketball will look different next season. — This article was written by Landen Secrest