WKU head coach Hank Plona continues to recruit with purpose, announcing Thursday the signings of Cole Edelen, Gabe Weis, and Gavin Murphy to the Hilltoppers’ 2026 class, a trio built for big moments and championship pushes on the Hill.
“These three young men bring talent, ability, and a championship mentality to our basketball family,” Plona said. “Gabe, Cole and Gavin all add talent and ability, as well as a desire to win championships. They will be outstanding Hilltoppers and we are looking forward to coaching them next year and beyond.”
Edelen, a Louisville Male standout, is one of Kentucky’s top prospects, ranked the state’s No. 2 high school player in the class of 2026 by 247Sports and boasting a three-star rating. He’s been one of the state’s most prolific perimeter scorers, amassing 1,792 career points and burying 354 threes at a staggering 44.6% clip. Even after being limited to 14 games as a junior due to injury, Edelen averaged 21.6 points, shooting 51% from the floor, 40.2% from deep, and an exceptional 91% from the free throw line. He stepped up even more when it mattered most, earning 26th District All-Tournament Team honors after torching opponents for 30 points and 6 assists per game in the tournament.
His accolades continued with All-State and All-Seventh Region teams via the Courier-Journal during his junior season, plus a Kentucky High School All-Star Game appearance where he poured in a game-high 31 points. Edelen also impressed in AAU play with Wildcat Select 3SSB, averaging 12.9 points on 46.4% shooting, ranking second in the 3SSB circuit in threes with 73 makes at a 46.5% rate. There’s blue blood in the family, too: Cole’s brother, Jack, is already a junior guard for the Hilltoppers.
“We know Cole as well as we can know an incoming player,” said Plona. “He’s had the opportunity to be around our program, and we’ve been around him, and we both know what a great fit he will be here. While all that is good, Cole is a great player, an elite shooter and passer, and a competitor at the highest level. Fans will love watching Cole in Diddle Arena.”
On the wing, Springfield native and ESPN four-star forward Gabe Weis adds size and versatility at 6-8. Weis began his career at Washington County High, where he averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game across two seasons. His productivity soared as a sophomore with 13.9 points and 8.3 boards while shooting an efficient 57.5% from the field, spearheading his team’s 5th Region All-A Championship run. Weis was equally effective as a freshman (11.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 53.9% FGs), consistently delivering in big moments before transferring to powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida as a junior. Despite injury cutting his season to 18 games, Weis helped guide Montverde to a 19-8 mark and a berth in the 2025 Chipotle High School National Championship Tournament. Next up: a senior season at storied La Lumiere School in Indiana. He also led Kentucky Basketball Club to a top-five finish on the Puma Pro 16 Circuit with a 13-5 record.
“Gabe is a very talented and athletic player who plays and guards multiple positions,” Plona said. “We expect Gabe to make an immediate impact like so many other freshmen have at WKU and believe he has all the tools to have an outstanding career.”
Murphy, a dynamic guard out of West Jessamine, rounded out the Hilltoppers’ haul. He was instrumental in the Colts going 17-10 and reaching the 46th District Championship during his junior year, earning District All-Tourney Team recognition for a clutch postseason performance. Plona praised Murphy’s intangibles: “We’ve gotten to know Gavin over the past year and can’t wait to add him to our Hilltopper family. Gavin is a team and winning-oriented point guard and has a passion for the game that will allow him to get better and better. We are fortunate to add him to our Hilltopper family.”
The Hilltoppers’ 2026 signing class delivers a potent blend of scoring, athleticism, and gritty leadership, setting the stage for more high-level basketball at Diddle Arena.
