TAMPA, Fla. – The reconstruction of the South Florida men’s basketball roster took another significant step forward this week as head coach Chris Mack secured a commitment from Coastal Carolina transfer AJ Dancler. The 6-foot-2 junior chose the Bulls following a standout season, adding a veteran scoring presence to a program currently navigating a complete roster overhaul.
Dancler arrives in Tampa after starting all 32 games last season. He averaged 15.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest, but his most notable contribution was his efficiency from the perimeter. Shooting 39.3% from three-point range, Dancler brings three-level scoring and a reputation for clutch play to a Bulls backcourt that is being built from the ground up.
The addition of Dancler creates what analysts are already calling one of the most potent backcourts in the American Athletic Conference. He joins recent commit Sonny Wilson, a 15-point-per-game scorer from Toledo. Together, the duo gives Mack two experienced guards with proven production to lead the offense as the program transitions into a new era.
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Coach Chris Mack, who was hired in late March following a total roster exodus, has been aggressive in utilizing the transfer portal to find immediate contributors. In addition to the high-scoring guards, Mack recently added Zayden High, a transfer from North Carolina.
With Dancler officially on board, South Florida appears focused on immediate contention within the American Athletic Conference.
The roster moves come as Mack officially finalized his coaching staff, bringing in a group defined by deep personal and professional ties. The staff features several familiar faces from Mack’s previous stops at Xavier, Louisville, and the College of Charleston.
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“Great people are the foundation of any successful program, and the individuals we have at South Florida are truly exceptional,” Mack said regarding his appointments. “This is a group defined by intelligence, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Jeremy Growe joins the Bulls as associate head coach after serving under Mack for ten seasons at Xavier and two at Charleston. The staff also includes assistant coaches Christen Cunningham—a former captain for Mack at Louisville—and Dante Jackson, who both played for and coached with Mack at Xavier.
Seth Tatum will serve as director of basketball operations, while Ryan Witthoff takes over as director of creative for men’s basketball. Max Wittenberg, a holdover from the Bulls’ 2026 championship staff, will continue as the program’s video coordinator.
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