Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
10/21/2026 2:28:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - With Middle Tennessee Men's Basketball tipping off in just 11 days, a brand-new forward group will lead the line for the Blue Raiders. Transfers Ofri Naveh and Eli Rice join freshman Aiden Bolden in the frontcourt, bringing a mix of youth and power conference experience to the MTSU program.
Naveh, a senior transfer from Oral Roberts, started all 32 games for the Golden Eagles in 2025-26, averaging 11.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Standing at 6-7 and weighing 205 pounds, he is a jack of all trades, bringing experience, calmness and wisdom to a Middle Tennessee team with nine newcomers. The forward is regarded as one of the team's best teachers, always vocal in the huddles and a coach on the floor. Naveh is able to play fundamental basketball, stemming from his experience playing for his country, and sees things other players may not, always willing to move and assist wherever needed on all sides of the ball. The Neot Golan, Israel, native also spent time at West Virginia and is one of three international players on the team, along with Luka Jovanovic (Serbia) and Kevin de Kovachich (Canada).
Senior guard Eli Rice joins the Blue and White after spending time at Nebraska and most recently Penn State, where he averaged 6.7 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in 29 appearances. The Gallatin, Tenn., native returns to his home state for his senior season, checking in at 6-7, 225 pounds. His sizable frame allows him to be a threat to opposing offenses and defenses and is a reliable presence for the program. Rice is a quiet player that leads by example and lets his game speak for him, having accumulated 18 starts a year ago at the Big 10 level. He is a precise sharpshooter, bringing constant energy and consistent rebounding to accompany a 38 percent career mark from beyond the arc.
Bolden completes the forward line, originally hailing from Bolivar, Tenn. The 6-6, 225 pound forward played high school ball at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he averaged 14.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. He helped lead his team to a 24-1 record and a Florida 3A Championship, earning All-State Team, All-Broward First Team, Sun Sentinel First Team and Miami Herald First Team honors for his exploits. The three-star recruit is already regarded as a top athlete on the team, bringing an intense physical element to the floor. Bolden is unafraid to guard all positions on defense and is an incredibly explosive athlete with the ball in his hands.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Men's Basketball on social media on Facebook (/MTMensBasketball), X (Twitter) (@MT_MBB) and Instagram (@mt_mbb).
Naveh, a senior transfer from Oral Roberts, started all 32 games for the Golden Eagles in 2025-26, averaging 11.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Standing at 6-7 and weighing 205 pounds, he is a jack of all trades, bringing experience, calmness and wisdom to a Middle Tennessee team with nine newcomers. The forward is regarded as one of the team's best teachers, always vocal in the huddles and a coach on the floor. Naveh is able to play fundamental basketball, stemming from his experience playing for his country, and sees things other players may not, always willing to move and assist wherever needed on all sides of the ball. The Neot Golan, Israel, native also spent time at West Virginia and is one of three international players on the team, along with Luka Jovanovic (Serbia) and Kevin de Kovachich (Canada).
Senior guard Eli Rice joins the Blue and White after spending time at Nebraska and most recently Penn State, where he averaged 6.7 points and 1.7 rebounds per game in 29 appearances. The Gallatin, Tenn., native returns to his home state for his senior season, checking in at 6-7, 225 pounds. His sizable frame allows him to be a threat to opposing offenses and defenses and is a reliable presence for the program. Rice is a quiet player that leads by example and lets his game speak for him, having accumulated 18 starts a year ago at the Big 10 level. He is a precise sharpshooter, bringing constant energy and consistent rebounding to accompany a 38 percent career mark from beyond the arc.
Bolden completes the forward line, originally hailing from Bolivar, Tenn. The 6-6, 225 pound forward played high school ball at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he averaged 14.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. He helped lead his team to a 24-1 record and a Florida 3A Championship, earning All-State Team, All-Broward First Team, Sun Sentinel First Team and Miami Herald First Team honors for his exploits. The three-star recruit is already regarded as a top athlete on the team, bringing an intense physical element to the floor. Bolden is unafraid to guard all positions on defense and is an incredibly explosive athlete with the ball in his hands.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Men's Basketball on social media on Facebook (/MTMensBasketball), X (Twitter) (@MT_MBB) and Instagram (@mt_mbb).
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
C
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballWednesday, March 18
Monday, March 02
Saturday, February 28
Thursday, February 26
