SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State men's basketball head coach Terrence Johnson announced the signing of Makai Willis to the program for the 2025-26 season on Monday.

"Having competed against him, we know firsthand the energy, toughness and physicality he brings for 40 minutes. Makai is capable of having an immediate impact on our team due to his relentless work ethic, versatility and physical presence in the paint and on the glass. We're excited for what he will add to our locker room and can't wait to see him contribute to our program," said Johnson.

Willis played the last two seasons at fellow Sun Belt Conference member ULM. This past season, he averaged 10.4 points and 7.3 rebounds while starting all 32 games. The 6-foot, 8-inch forward shot 45.9% (122-for-266) from the floor, made 36.4% (12-of-33) of his three-point attempts and knocked down 75.5% (77-of-102) from the free throw line. The big man also recorded 29 steals, 27 assists and 27 blocks.

In the 2023-24 campaign, Willis put up 6.3 ppg and 3.7 rpg. He made 43-of-107 (40.2%) of his shots and was 52-for-68 (76.5%) at the charity stripe.

The Tallahassee, Florida native played two seasons at Fairfield before competing for the Warhawks. Willis played in 27 games and started nine of them in his two years at the Connecticut-based school. He totaled 68 points, 64 rebounds, 10 assists, five blocks and five steals for the Stags.

Willis had a successful prep career at Florida State University School in Tallahassee. He helped the program to a 20-win season in 2019-20 while scoring 10.3 points and pulling down 7.7 rebounds per game. He played for 12-year NBA veteran, Heisman Trophy winner and Florida State legend Charlie Ward.

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