Howard University Lands UNC Transfer James Brown, Adding Size and ACC Experience to MEAC Champions

The Howard University Bison are adding a significant piece to their championship roster as James Brown, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward from the University of North Carolina, has committed to transfer to the Washington, D.C. institution. The move brings ACC-level size and experience to the reigning MEAC champions as they look to reload following another NCAA Tournament appearance.

Brown, originally from Aurora, Illinois, arrives at Howard with high-major basketball experience and a personal connection to the university—his father, Courtney Brown, played football for the Bison. This family tie adds meaningful depth to what already represents a crucial frontcourt addition for Head Coach and the Howard program.

Filling a Critical Need

The transfer comes at a pivotal time for Howard, which recently lost Cedric Taylor III, one of their top performers, to the transfer portal.

• 17.2 points per game
• 6.7 rebounds per game
• 3.1 assists per game

Taylor's departure created an urgent need for production, size, and upside in the frontcourt—exactly what Brown's 6-10 frame and high-major development could provide.

What Brown Brings to Howard

While Brown played sparingly during his time at Chapel Hill, he gained valuable experience competing at the ACC level. During the 2025-26 season, he appeared in nine games before undergoing season-ending surgery in February, averaging 1.2 points and 1.4 rebounds.

As a freshman at UNC, Brown saw more action, appearing in 18 games and totaling 21 points and 15 rebounds while shooting an efficient 10-of-14 from the field. His freshman highlights included scoring six points on 3-of-4 shooting against La Salle, contributing four points in a home victory over NC State, and grabbing four rebounds against Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament.

Before arriving at UNC, Brown starred at Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, where he averaged 7.3 points and led his team with 4.6 rebounds per game. He also recorded a team-high 29 blocks while shooting an impressive .571 from the field, demonstrating the rim protection and physicality that can make a difference in MEAC play.

For Howard, landing a player with Brown's combination of high-major experience, developmental potential, and family connection to the university represents exactly the type of strategic move championship programs must make to sustain success in the competitive transfer portal era.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.