The Citadel signs 30-year-old navy veteran

By JAMES MADDEN

The Citadel has taken an unorthodox approach to recruiting in this year’s transfer portal cycle.

According to reports, the Bulldogs have landed a commitment from 30-year-old navy veteran Mel Bethea.

The transfer portal is a wild place. @CitadelHoops surely just pulled one of their most unique transfers.

He'll be a 30-year-old junior.
A father.
A navy veteran.
He never played HS hoops. Went from military teams, to JUCO, to Green Bay to here.

Meet Mel Bethea. pic.twitter.com/FyfoQzVV5T

— Scott Eisberg (@SEisbergWCIV) May 4, 2026

Bethea, who never played high school basketball, played for military teams and at the JUCO level at MiraCosta College, before transferring to Green Bay to play for Doug Gottlieb.

In his first season at the collegiate level this year for the Phoenix, Bethea averaged 3.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in 30 appearances.

Prior to his military career, Bethea also worked at Dunkin’ Donuts and a local grocery story, without even a vision of playing Division I basketball.

Now, Bethea will head to Charleston, S.C. to play head coach Ed Conroy and The Citadel next season.

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