Wellington comes to Lane after serving as the head men's basketball coach at Rust College during the 2025-26 season. While at Rust, he helped the program earn its first tournament victory in more than a decade and achieve a 3.4 team grade-point average. Wellington also brings previous experience at Lane, where he served as an assistant coach earlier in his career. His coaching background includes stops at Christian Brothers University, Arizona Christian University, Menlo College, the University of the Cumberlands and Lamar State College Port Arthur.

The Dragons enter the 2026-27 season looking to establish a new identity after finishing last year with a 10-17 overall record. Lane was selected to finish 13th in the SIAC's predicted order of finish, as voted on by the conference's head coaches and sports information directors. The preseason projection provides the Dragons with additional motivation as they prepare to compete under new leadership.

Lane returns several players who contributed in important areas last season, including Xavier Bell, Paul Pullins and Chase Murray. Bell finished last season as one of Lane's top five scorers and returns as an experienced offensive option for the Dragons. Pullins recorded the second-most blocked shots on the team last season. His defensive presence around the basket will be an important part of Lane's effort to protect the paint and limit scoring opportunities. Murray finished with the team's third-highest three-point percentage and ranked third in three-pointers made. His ability to stretch the floor gives the Dragons a returning perimeter threat entering the new campaign.

The experience of Bell, Pullins and Murray will help provide stability as Wellington introduces his system and builds the program's culture. Their production, familiarity with SIAC competition and leadership will be valuable to a Lane roster preparing for a challenging conference schedule.

The Dragons will begin their season on Nov. 2 at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Lane will make its home debut against Union University on November 17th at 7 p.m.

2026-27 Home Schedule

• Nov. 17 — Union University, 7 p.m.

• Dec. 3 — Allen University, 7:30 p.m.

• Dec. 5 — Benedict College, 4 p.m.

• Dec. 17 — Fort Valley State University, 7:30 p.m.

• Dec. 19 — Clark Atlanta University, 4 p.m.

• Jan. 7 — Miles College, 7:30 p.m.

• Jan. 9 — Tuskegee University, 4 p.m.

• Jan. 13 — Kentucky State University, 7:30 p.m.

• Jan. 16 — LeMoyne-Owen College, 4 p.m.

• Jan. 21 — Edward Waters University, 7:30 p.m.

• Jan. 23 — Savannah State University, 4 p.m.

• Feb. 6 — Morehouse College, 4 p.m.

• Feb. 15 — Central State University, 7:30 p.m.

All home games will be played inside J.F. Lane Gymnasium in Jackson, Tennessee.

With a new head coach, experienced returners and an opportunity to exceed preseason expectations, the Dragons enter the 2026-27 season focused on growth, discipline and establishing a strong foundation for the future of Lane College men's basketball.

For the latest news, schedules, scores and updates, visit golcdragons.com and follow Lane College Athletics on Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also follow Lane College Men's Basketball on Instagram at @lanecollege_mbb.