low-usage Southern Miss forward with playmaking flashes
In the 2025-26 season, Kendaris Pelton has averaged 2.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game for Southern Miss, with a 28.6% field-goal mark and 30.0% from three, so the box score says “role player,” but the assist rate hints at a forward who can connect the offense and make simple reads[1][3]. The upside case is his versatility as a 6-5 forward who can handle a bit, pass a bit, and fit as a glue guy; the concern is that the shooting efficiency has been light so far, so he’s more “project with passing feel” than instant-impact scorer[1][5].
