Men’s Basketball Announces Adds Metheny, Yates and Davis to 2023-24 Roster

The Liberty men’s basketball program and head coach Ritchie McKay have announced the addition of Kaden Metheny, Zander Yates and Jaylen Davis.

Metheny is a rising junior guard who has spent the last three seasons playing for Bowling Green. Yates will be a redshirt sophomore forward and is transferring in from Creighton after spending the last two seasons on the Blue Jays’ roster. Finally, Davis is a guard who attends Madison Central High School in Richmond, Ky.

Kaden Metheny (Guard | 6-0 | Morgantown, W.Va. | University HS (Bowling Green))

Metheny is a 6-0 guard who will be transferring in from Bowling Green after competing for the Falcons the past three seasons. The native of Morgantown, W, Va. averaged 10.7 points, 2.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 28 games this past season while averaging 31.8 minutes per game. He had a 2.1 assist/turnover ratio and shot 38.2 percent from three-point territory as well.

As a freshman during the 2020-21 campaign for Bowling Green, Metheny started all 26 games and averaged 10.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals. The guard has started in 63 of his 64 appearances for the Falcons over the course of the last three years.

“Kaden Metheny will quickly become another favorite of our fans. He’s a tough, complete offensive player that has a huge commitment to his team’s outcome. We will undoubtedly benefit from his experience at the Division I level. The impact that he’ll have on the court and in our locker room will be significant!”

Ritchie McKay, Liberty Men’s Basketball Head Coach

“Congratulations to Kaden on landing at Liberty! There is no doubt that he will be a terrific ambassador for the university and men’s basketball program. Kaden is not only a gifted basketball player but also a first-class person. His presence in the locker room, on campus and in the community will surely bring out the best in those he comes in contact with. The fans will enjoy his competitiveness, grit and tenacity. The coaches will value his leadership and dedication, and his teammates will love his loyalty and team first mindset. I’m excited to see his journey continue in a Flames uniform and know firsthand just how special of a person Liberty is welcoming.”

Kevin Noon, Former Bowling Green Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach

Zander Yates (Forward | 6-7 | Germantown, Tenn. | Houston HS (Creighton))

Zates will be joining the Flames after spending the last two years with Creighton. The 6-7 forward appeared in 11 games for a Blue Jays squad which reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, averaging 1.5 points per game and shooting 36.4 percent from long distance.

In high school, Yates helped lead Houston High School to a Class 3A state title with a 21-3 overall record while averaging 9.7 ppg and 6.7 rpg during the state tournament. Yates is the second player from his family to compete for Liberty. His father, Jon, was a member of the Flames from 1989-91.

“Zander Yates is sneaky good! Although we didn’t offer him out of high school, we were of the belief that he would be a very good player in Division I basketball. He comes from a terrifically well-coached collegiate program and competed on a daily basis against some very good players. Though he might not garner a bunch of recruiting fanfare, we think he fits terrifically well in our program.”

Ritchie McKay, Liberty Men’s Basketball Head Coach

“Zander possesses a high basketball IQ and an ability to stretch defenses with his shooting in pick and pop and catch and shoot situations. His on-court ability, combined with his high character, work ethic and everyday approach, make him a great fit for Liberty!”

Jeremy Anderson, Creighton Men’s Basketball Director of Performance

Jaylen Davis (Guard | 6-5 | Richmond, Ky. | Madison Central HS)

Davis, hailing from Richmond, Ky., enjoyed a successful high school career at Madison Central High School in which he scored 1,825 career points. The 6-5 guard averaged 22.0 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 38 percent from three-point territory as a senior.

Davis garnered numerous recognitions, including: 11th Region Player of the Year, 44th District MVP, Kentucky Mr. Basketball finalist, Ohio-Kentucky All-Star Game MVP, Nations Elite first team all-state, Lexington Herald Leader second team all-state, Louisville Courier Journal all-state second team and Kentucky Sports Radio first team all-state team.

“Jaylen Davis has a chance to be really, really good! He comes from a terrifically well-coached high school program. I really believe he was one of many high schoolers who have been undervalued due to the transfer portal’s popularity.  He brings size and length along with a high IQ and skill set to our backcourt.”

Ritchie McKay, Liberty Men’s Basketball Head Coach

“We think his best days are ahead of him. His range shooting is effortless. I know Coach McKay and his reputation. We think he’s in the right place to develop all those skills and in the right place with the right people. He’s been with me since he’s been an eighth grader. His improvement between his junior and senior year was incredible.”

Allen Feldhaus Jr., Madison Central High School Head Coach

Main Graphic at Top of Story (L-R): Kaden Metheny, Zander Yates, Jaylen Davis