Jordan Frison – 6’0 – Guard – Junior – Memphis, Tenn. (Pittsburg State)
Competing at NCAA DII Pittsburg State, Frison was tabbed the 2024-25 MIAA Player of the Year last season which followed MIAA Freshman of the Year honors in 2023-24. Frison has started all 61 games in his two seasons at Pitt State, most recently averaging 18.4 points, 6.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 49.8% FG this past campaign.
Dan Earl on Frison: “We are ecstatic to welcome Jordan to Chattanooga, a student-athlete whose experience and character align with our core values as a program. Jordan’s journey through Pittsburg State has prepared him to step in and contribute right away. Jordan has good ball-handling skills, can create for his teammates, and can score. His work ethic and leadership ability will continue to strengthen our team.”
Sebastian Hartmann – 6’6 – Guard – Junior – Munich, Germany (Eastern Washington)
A product of Munich, Germany, Hartmann averaged 9.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game for Eastern Washington last season while shooting an efficient 51.0% FG. Hartmann competed with the German National Team at the 2022 U18 Euro Championship A as well as competing across various German professional leagues including the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL).
Dan Earl on Hartmann: “Sebastian is an outstanding addition to our program. His time at Eastern Washington has prepared him to step in and contribute immediately, and his experience with the German National Team further highlights his high-level ability. Beyond basketball, Sebastian’s character and work ethic will make him an immediate fan favorite in the Chattanooga community.”
Jikari Johnson – 6’4 – Guard – Graduate – Durham, N.C. (Trevecca Nazarene)
Johnson averaged 20.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 47.8% FG (41.3% 3PT) from the floor for NCAA DII Trevecca Nazarene in 2024-25, earning All-Gulf South Conference Second Team honors. Johnson carries playing experience at numerous level including JUCO (Cape Fear), DIII (Ferrum) and DII (Mount Olive/Trevecca).
Dan Earl on Johnson: “We are proud to welcome Jikari into the program. Jikari has good positional size, can really shoot the ball, and adds athleticism to our roster. He will be a major asset as we continue to build something special here at Chattanooga. We believe his maturity, work ethic, and winning mentality will make him a strong contributor from day one.”
Billy Smith – 6’7 – Guard – Senior – Indianapolis, Ind. (Bellarmine)
The Bellarmine to Chattanooga pipeline continues with the addition of Smith, who averaged 14.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 44.5% FG in total for the Knights in 2024-25. Smith scored in double figures 22 times which included seven 20+ scoring efforts and a 33-point performance against Ball State. Smith competed for Miami (OH) as a freshman during the 2022-23 season.
Dan Earl on Smith: “It’s a great day for Chattanooga and our community as we add Billy Smith to our program. Billy brings valuable experience from his time at the Division I level and is not only a proven a high-level shooter, but also has the ability to score the ball. His size, skillset, and a high basketball IQ will be a major asset to our team.”
Teddy Washington Jr. – 6’2 – Guard – Graduate – Blytheville, Ark. (SEMO)
Competing at SEMO in 2024-25, Washington Jr. was named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team after averaging 13.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while helping lead the Redhawks to an OVC regular season title. Washington Jr. was also named a finalist for the 2024-25 Riley Wallace Award, an annual award presented to the most impactful transfer in NCAA Division I basketball.
Dan Earl on Washington Jr.: “We are excited to officially welcome Teddy to our Chattanooga program. An all-conference performer, Teddy has proven himself as one of the top players in OVC, and we’ve seen firsthand his ability to impact the game [25p/10r vs. UTC - 11/17/24]. His experience, scoring ability, and ability to defend multiple positions will make an immediate impact on our program.”
Brennan Watkins – 6’0 – Guard – Senior – Kearney, Mo. (North Dakota State)
A familiar name within the SoCon, Watkins competed at VMI from 2021-24 (missed 2022-23 due to injury) including 30 appearances as a true freshman for the then-led Dan Earl squad in 2021-22. Watkins played 29 games while making 27 starts for North Dakota State most recently in 2024-25, averaging 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
Dan Earl on Watkins: “We’re thrilled to welcome Brennan to the Chattanooga program. We’ve known Brennan since he was 17 years old and it’s been a privilege to watch his growth both as a player and a person. Having coached him at VMI, we know firsthand the work ethic and competitiveness he brings to the floor. Brennan has already experienced success in the Southern Conference and we’re confident he’ll continue to make a major impact here at Chattanooga.”
