Ashton Black University 2026-27 Player Profiles
Just to clarify for those who do not know, Ashton Black University (ABU) is not an academic college or university. Established in 2024, it is a Fort Worth-based post-graduate basketball prep program that gives high school graduates an extra year to develop their game and get noticed by colleges. It was founded by Ashton Black. In the two seasons that ABU has been running, it has put up a 30-6 win-loss record, and more relevant to its primary mission, it has sent 20 athletes on to further their academic and athletic careers.
ABU plays a competitive schedule against prep schools, junior colleges, and junior varsity programs. This season, the team is also competing in the inaugural season of the Mid-America Prep League Post Grad conference. ABU also plays in events such as the Big Shots Prep Nationals and hosts the 4100 Sport Southern Classic tournament.
Coach Black is the former asst coach for O.D. Wyatt High (TX) (2022-2024) and Dallas-Ft Worth Ballhogs Prep (2021). His assistant coach at ABU is Don Carter. Coach Carter is the founder of B3 Elite (Denton, TX), a grassroots program that plays on the Puma NXT Circuit. Carter also stood in as the team's head coach this past March and led the Bulldogs to a Blue Division Championship at the Big Shot Nationals Slam event.
The 2026-27 Ashton Black University roster is profiled below.
#0 Raul Mendoza (2027) 6’0 guard - From Dallas, TX, Mendoza is a 5A All District 13-5A (Region II) player from Molina High (TX). He has great shooting ability and can run the point or off guard. He is a true leader on and off the floor.
#1 Julyan Fields (2027) 6’3 guard - From Arlington, TX, Fields was a two year varsity starter for 5A Arlington Seguin High (TX). Fields had a four inch growth spurt over summer, giving him small guard skills and toughness on a big guard frame. He is an elite catch and shooter. PH profile
#2 Riley Pierce (2027) 5’11 guard - From Wills Point, TX, Pierce was a 2,000 point scorer in high school, the school's all-time leading scorer. He is an absolute sniper and doesn't need much room to get his shots up.
#3 Jamal Moore (2027) 5’9 point guard - From Everman, TX, Moore is a high level player on both ends of the floor. He is a true floor general who guards 94 feet and loves to set up teammates for a score.
#5 Dom Lampton (2027) 6’6 small forward - From Keller, TX, Lampton is a very athletic wing who specializes in 3-and-D. He defends well at the rim and can switch onto 1-4. Receiving NJCAA D1 interest.
#10 Jodie Tshibangu (2027) 6’8 forward - From Irving, TX, Tshibangu is a fundamentally sound player. He is great in the pick-and-roll and in creating his shot in the mid-range. He is a willing defender and a great rebounder. Receiving interest from Minnesota North Community College (JUCO).
#11 Jaylen Asher (2027) 5’11 point guard - From Wills Point, TX, Asher was the district scoring leader in high school. He is a leader, and a high energy, self-sacrificing point guard who does all the little things. He is great at getting downhill, and he is a ballhawk on defense. Video highlights
#12 KeDren Washington (2027) 6’3 guard - From Arlington, TX, Washington was a 6A All District 8 MVP. He is a super athletic guard who can run the point or score on and off the ball Washington is an elite defender and great shooter. He decommitted from Texas Wesleyan University (NAIA) and is taking a post-grad year to widen his options via the ABU process.
#13 De’Myrii Walker (2027) 6’6 small forward - From Bedford, TX, Walker is a sharp shooting wing who can stretch the floor and play the 4 spot. He has a great basketball IQ and doesn’t force anything. Video highlights
#15 Jordan Dews (2027) 6’5 small forward - From Bedford, TX, Dews has elite athleticism, is a great defender and is good in the pick-and-roll/pop game. He does not play selfish, a team guy who constantly works hard. Video highlights
#20 Chris Shelby (2027) 6’4 wing - From Crowley, TX, Shelby is a 6A All District 3 player for North Crowley High. He is a high IQ player who can score at all 3 levels, including post up skills. He is a smart defender. He decommitted from Clarendon College (JUCO) in order to ABU. PH profile
#21 Tim Walker (2027) 6’6 wing - From North Crowley High, TX, Walker is an uber-athletic wing. He likes to play in the mid-range, but has the ability to shoot the 3. He has pro level athleticism and shows that in his ability to defend. He decommitted from Dallas College Brookhaven (JUCO).
#23 Trae Smith (2027) 6’1 guard - From Cedar Hill, TX, Smith was a 6A All District 11 player and a three year starter at Cedar Hill High (TX). He was also a top player on Puma NXT circuit with NTX Raptors. He is great running point or playing off the ball games in a scoring role. He has an elite feel for the game. Receiving interest from Oklahoma State and Oregon State. PH profile
#25 Dillon Dickson (2027) 6’9 small forward - From Mansfield, TX, Dickson is a high energy wing who is elite above the rim and in finishing around the basket. He is a selfless player willing to do the little things and is a D1 level rim protector. Receiving interest from Minnesota North College (JUCO), Southwestern Christian (JUCO) and Kilgore College (JUCO).
#32 Wilbert Sithole (2027) 6’7 wing - From Melissa, TX, Sithole is a high energy wing who can play 30+ minutes no problem. He is a relentless rebounder, great in the pick-and-roll, a great finisher at the rim. He has a high level work ethic. Receiving interest from Southwestern Christian College (JUCO).
ABU does not hold Fall Open Gyms, instead they focus on the following scrimmages and a preseason multi-game jamboree.
September 19 vs Legion Prep (scrimmage) at Fort Worth, TX
September 26 vs Southwestern Christian College D1 JUCO (scrimmage) at Fort Worth, TX
October 16-17 Mississippi JUCO Jamboree at Jackson, MS
The team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.