Former Boise State forward Javan Buchanan has announced his commitment to West Virginia, bringing a versatile scoring presence to the Mountaineers’ roster. The 6-foot-7 forward, who previously earned distinction as the Mountain West Sixth Man of the Year, departs the Broncos during a period of significant transition for the Boise State basketball program.
Buchanan’s move to West Virginia marks one of several high-profile departures from Boise State this offseason. Last season, he served as a reliable offensive weapon for the Broncos, averaging 12.6 points, five rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Despite his individual success, the Broncos finished the year with a 20-12 overall record and missed the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season.
Even as the commitment provides West Virginia with a proven collegiate contributor, the move is accompanied by a complex eligibility situation. Having spent two seasons at Indiana Wesleyan in the NAIA and two seasons at Boise State, Buchanan currently lacks eligibility for the 2026-27 season. To suit up for the Mountaineers beyond the immediate term, he will likely require a specific rule change or an official waiver from governing bodies.
A trajectory of versatility and accolades
Buchanan’s path to the Considerable 12 has been characterized by steady growth across different levels of competition. Before arriving in Idaho, he established himself as a dominant force at the prep level for Lafayette Jefferson High School in Indiana. He then transitioned to Indiana Wesleyan, where he earned NAIA first-team All-America honors after averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals as a sophomore.
His arrival at Boise State saw him quickly adapt to the Division I game. During his first campaign with the Broncos, Buchanan’s efficiency and impact off the bench earned him the Mountain West Sixth Man of the Year award. In that season, he appeared in all 37 contests—starting only twice—while contributing 9.6 points, and 3.8 rebounds in roughly 21 minutes per game.
Consistency has been a hallmark of his perimeter game, as he shot 32 percent from beyond the arc in both of his seasons with Boise State. This ability to stretch the floor, combined with his 6-foot-7 frame, makes him a flexible asset for a West Virginia program looking to bolster its forward depth.
The Boise State roster exodus
The departure of Javan Buchanan is part of a larger, more systemic shift in the Boise State locker room. The Broncos are currently facing the daunting task of replacing all five of last year’s starters, as the transfer portal has claimed several of the team’s most productive players.
Among the most notable departures is center Drew Fielder, who led the Broncos in both scoring (14.7 points) and rebounding (5.7) last season. Fielder, a 6-foot-11 center who shot 41 percent from three-point range, recently took an official visit to Nebraska. A former four-star prospect and Georgetown alumnus, Fielder is currently regarded as one of the top players available in the transfer portal.
The attrition continues with wing Andrew Meadow and guard RJ Keene II. Meadow, who averaged 12.1 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 39 percent from long range as a junior, has scheduled visits with Arizona State and Oregon. Keene II, a role player who contributed 2.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, is also seeking a new program.
| Player | Position | Last Season PPG | Primary Target/Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Fielder | Center | 14.7 | Visited Nebraska |
| Javan Buchanan | Forward | 12.6 | Committed to West Virginia |
| Andrew Meadow | Wing | 12.1 | Visiting ASU/Oregon |
| RJ Keene II | Guard | 2.6 | In Portal |
Rebuilding the Broncos’ foundation
Faced with a nearly empty starting lineup, Boise State has turned aggressively to the transfer portal to replenish its talent. The program has already secured a commitment from Damari Wheeler-Thomas, a point guard from North Dakota State who is expected to provide immediate stability to the backcourt.
The Broncos are also pursuing high-impact guards to fill the void. Reports indicate that Cayden Ward, a 6-foot-5 guard from Cal Poly who averaged 14.5 points and 6.3 rebounds last season, has scheduled visits with both Boise State and USC. The outcome of these visits will be critical in determining whether the Broncos can maintain their competitive standing in the Mountain West Conference.
For West Virginia, the addition of a player like Buchanan represents a strategic gain in the arms race of the transfer portal. By securing a former conference award-winner, the Mountaineers add a layer of experienced scoring and length to their rotation, provided the eligibility hurdles can be cleared.
The next phase of this transition will depend on the NCAA’s ruling regarding Buchanan’s eligibility waiver and the final decisions of the remaining Boise State transfers. Official roster updates for the upcoming season are expected as the spring signing period progresses.
Do you consider the transfer portal is making it too difficult for mid-major programs to maintain consistency? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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