WKU Basketball signs Niagara transfer Braxton Bayless

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU men’s basketball has announced the signing of Niagara University transfer Braxton Bayless. A native of Ankeny, Iowa, Bayless joins the Hilltoppers’ roster for the 2024-25 season after previously playing under head coach Hank Plona at Indian Hills Community College for two seasons from 2020-2022.

“Braxton is a winner in every sense of the word and he will make us better next year,” Plona said. “Braxton has always been one of my favorite players to coach as he believes team success creates individual success. He wants to help make others better and he is very good at doing it. I am excited about the opportunity to coach Braxton for one last time.”

Bayless competed for the Purple Eagles for two seasons while averaging 11.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. While competing at Indian Hills under Plona, the Iowa native helped IHCC to a 27-6 overall record in 2021-22 and a 48-9 overall record in his two seasons there.

Bayless averaged 9.0 points, 4.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game at IHCC in 2021-22. He played in 32 games and started in 23, finishing the season with a 41.5 percent field goal percentage and an 84.4 percent free throw percentage. Bayless was a Second Team All-Region XI selection and an Academic All-Region XI honoree.

Bayless is the second signee to be announced by Plona for the Tops’ 2024 signing class.