Long Beach State Athletics!: Re: MVB - Projected Roster for 2027

Helle is a highly touted recruit but not sure he's going to unseat Pazanti, at least not right away. He was on the 2025 U19 boys USA team last year along with Myles Jordan and Ben Bayer. I watched a few of those matches on Youtube. Helle did not play much...he was clearly the backup to Rafael Urbina, a freshman setter last year at UCLA.

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biggest shortcoming is replacing Varga and his all around game, especially defense

do not think any one OH will be at Varga's level

one key is if Kandev can return healthy cause his APril/May in 2025 was stellar. even this year he was a top 3 server in the nation in spite of the rest of his game tapering off, combo of health and setting

we should have enough competition at the OHs to be top 3 in the country, especially if they can receive like we have last couple years.

and then setter should be improved, whether it's Panzanti improving in 2nd year or Helle who comes in with a lot of fanfare

bottom line is competition for setter and OH will be fierce, and should help in the two areas

MB I think will be even better. Cryst is a monster and Marquardt showed a ton of ability and quickness, and Preuitt adds depth.

Hawaii will be a massive favorite returning a title team. We could be really really good though, have to see. a lot depends on the setter play

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I do not follow the men's team that close but does the updated roster address any short comings the team had this past season. From the little I saw it seemed the left and setter was a little inconsistent at times.

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If no one else left unexpectedly, here's the 18 players on the roster for 2026-2027.

Interesting competition at OH/OPP next season. Kandev and Hershtynovich return, and newcomers Kearney, Loaia, Weekes, and Jordan all competing for playing time.

Setters

Pazanti, Jake, Jr. (returning starter)
Helle, Lucas, Fr. (high school recruit)

Liberos

Larson, Kellen, Jr. (returning starter)
Bayer, Ben, Fr. (high school recruit)

Outside Hitter/Opposite

Hershtynovich, Daniil, Sr. (returning starter)
Kandev, Alex, Jr. (returning starter)
Baddeley, Nate, Jr. (returnee)
Jordan, Myles, So. (returnee)
Estes, Jette, R-Fr (returnee)
Kurik, Joosep, Fr (International Recruit)
Weekes, Owen, Jr.(Canadian college transfer)
Gray, Logan, Fr. (high school recruit)
Loaia, Victor, So. (transfer from Orange Coast College)
Kearney, Finn, Jr (transfer from Hawaii)

Middle Blocker

Preuitt, Isaiah, Jr. (returning starter)
Crystt, Jackson, So. (returning starter)
Marquardt, Braedon, Jr. (returnee)
Micah Sybesma, Sr. (Transfer from Vanguard

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On his IG account. No surprise, it's been rumored for a while. By my count, that makes 18 unless someone left the team. Will put out the roster soon.