NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion men’s basketball Head Coach Mike Jones announced on Wednesday that the program has signed two guards in CJ Harper and CJ Lyons for the 2026 recruiting class.
CJ Harper | Guard | McDonough, Ga. | The Paideia School
A 6-foot-3-inch guard from McDonough, Georgia, Harper attends The Paideia School and earned Region 5-A D1 Player of the Year honors for the 2024-25 season. His team reached the GHSA boys 1A-D1 state title game in 2024 and he was named to the Metro-Atlanta Late Season List by the Atlanta Tip Off Club last season. Harper eclipsed 1,000 career points as a junior and is listed as a 4-star recruit by ESPN. He is listed as the 10th-best prospect in Georgia and the 34th-best at his position.
“CJ brings a very mature game to our program,” Jones said of Harper. “He is a gym rat that is used to playing with older guys - that has contributed to his steady improvement over the past 4 years. He is capable of playing both guard positions - he can defend, shoots the ball well and plays above the rim in transition. CJ will allow us to play different lineups because of his versatility. We are proud to call CJ a Monarch.”
Why ODU?
On his decision to commit to the Monarchs, Harper said, “I chose ODU because of the genuine love and support my family and I received from the coaching staff. The campus is extremely welcoming and has a laid-back atmosphere. I can see a bright future for myself here, especially playing for Coach Jones. I know he’ll always keep it 100% with me. I’m confident that I’ll grow not only as a basketball player, but also as an individual overall.”
CJ Lyons | Guard | Waldorf, Md. | Clinton Grace Christian School
A 6-foot-2-inch guard from Waldorf, Maryland, Lyons attends Clinton Grace Christian School and also plays club ball for New World 3SSB. He earned Second Team All-Conference Honors after averaging 11 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals per game in 2024-25. He also scored 27 points on 84% shooting from the floor to help lead his team its first ever Capitol Hoops Summer League title this past summer.
“CJ is a dynamic and athletic PG,” said Jones. “He comes from both a winning high school program and a winning AAU program - he is a winner. His best basketball is ahead of him as he works extremely hard and he continues to get better and better. CJ is a true winner and we are happy to welcome him to the Monarch Family.”
Why ODU?
“I chose ODU because it feels like home,” said Lyons. “The coaches believe in me, the culture is real, and it’s a place where I know I can grow on and off the court.”