NEW HAVEN, Conn. – James Jones, the Joel E. Smilow, Class of 1954 Head Coach of Yale men's basketball, will welcome three talented newcomers this fall. Devon Arlington, Nick Townsend and Danny Wolf all bring strong credentials both on and off the court.
 
The three join a program that has enjoyed tremendous success. Over the last seven seasons, the Bulldogs have posted a 74-24 (.755) Ivy League record. During that stretch they have won four Ivy championships, two Ivy League Tournament titles and earned four NCAA Tournament berths, including notching the first NCAA victory in school history – over Baylor in 2016.
 
Here is a closer look at the Class of 2026:
 
Devon Arlington
Point Guard
6-3 | 195
San Marcos, Calif.
San Marcos High School
Gamepoint Elite
 
High School: Two-time Palomar League Player of the Year at San Marcos High School… Two-time CIF first team selection… Named first team all-state three times… McDonald's All-America nominee… San Marcos' all-time leading scorer (2,035 points)… San Marcos High School Athlete of the Year… Averaged 21 points, 6 rebounds, five assists and two steals… Shot 45 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range… Helped lead San Marcos to 2021 Palomar League championship.
 
AAU: Played for Gamepoint Elite AAU.
 
Personal: Hobbies include cooking and playing the piano… Worked at basketball camps and clinics throughout high school.
 
Why Yale? "Because it is a life-changing opportunity and allows me the capability of providing for my loved ones."
 
Favorite Athlete: Kobe Bryant
Favorite NBA Team: Golden State Warriors
Favorite Movie: Good Burger
Favorite Artist or Song: NBA Youngboy
Gameday Superstition: Eat a Snickers before games
Biggest Inspiration: My parents.
 
Nick Townsend
Forward
6-7 | 225
Chappaqua, N.Y.
Horace Greeley High School/The Hotchkiss School
NE6
 
High School: First ever sophomore to be named Section 1 Mr. Basketball while attending Horace Greeley High School… Two-time all-league, all-conference and all-section selection… Named Class AA Tournament MVP as a sophomore… Class AA all-state second team selection as a sophomore… Named all-state fourth team as a freshman…Averaged 20.9 ppg., 15.2 rpg. and 3.5 apg. at Horace Greeley… Junior season at the Hotchkiss School canceled due to pandemic… Missed senior season due to injury.
 
AAU: Played for NE6 on UAA circuit.
 
Personal: Older brother Matt played basketball at Yale (Class of 2015)… Sister Meaghan ran track and was a member of crew team at Harvard… Grandfather Chet Boulris played football and baseball at Harvard… Uncle Craig Boulris played baseball at Harvard… Mother Lori Townsend was a member of track and field team at Harvard… Volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester where he helped teach basketball and other sports… Top Scholar at the Hotchkiss School (Highest GPA)… Cum Laude… Recipient of the The Ely Prize, awarded annually to that member of the upper mid-class who is outstanding for combined excellence in character, athletics, and conscientiousness in study.
 
Why Yale? "Yale offers a great balance between athletics and academics that will push me to become better both on and off the court, but it is the people that make it special. I am excited to work with the players and coaches to help the team continue its high level of success."
 
Favorite NBA Team: Knicks
Favorite Movie: Creed II
Favorite Artist or Song: In My Head - Lil Tjay
Gameday Superstition: Always meditate before games
Biggest Inspiration: The pursuit to be better day after day
 
Danny Wolf
Forward
7-0 | 250
Glencoe, Illinois
Northfield Mount Hermon
Mac Irvin Fire
 
High School: McDonald's All America Game nominee… Helped Northfield Mount Hermon reach the finals in both the NEPSAC Triple-A championship and the national prep championship… NMH Team was ranked No. 11 in the country for the majority of the season.
 
AAU: Played for Mac Irvin Fire EYBL.
 
Personal: Oldest brother Josh played basketball at Lehigh University… Other older brother Jake plays basketball at Washington University in Saint Louis (Class of 2025)… Volunteer at multiple soup kitchens throughout the Chicago land area… Went on a partial service trip to Costa Rica.
 
Why Yale? – "Because it truly is the best mix of basketball and education in the world. I had the opportunity to receive an extremely prestigious degree while also playing on a winning team at the highest level of college basketball. Also, the relationship I built with Coach Jones and the coaching staff was real, authentic, and they stuck with me since the first days of my recruiting process."
 
Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan
Favorite NBA team: Chicago Bulls
Favorite Movie: Coach Carter
Favorite Artist or song: Quinn XCII, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi,
Game Day Superstition: No game day superstitions but must always listen to music before games.
Biggest Inspiration: My dad Joe. He has taught me the definition of hard work, drive and dedication.