Christian Shumate is likely headed back to the Cowboys after all.

The American Press has learned the athletic forward has met with new McNeese State head coach Will Wade and could make an announcement as early as Tuesday.

Shumate set the record for rebounds in the Southland Conference Tournament just over a month ago, fueling a surprising Cowboy run to the semifinals. He put his name into the transfer portal on April 6, just days after Wade took over from fired John Aiken.

The news of a reunion between Shumate and the Pokes would be pleasing to McNeese fans who celebrated his effort and energy the last two seasons.

Wade would not confirm the news but praised Shumate’s game.

“He is a great player, and we would welcome him back with open arms if that is what he decides to do,” said Wade.

Shumate, a 6-foot-7 transfer from Tulsa, averaged 26.5 points and 13.7 rebounds in three tournament games this season. For the season he led McNeese in scoring (15.1) and rebounding (9.7) while earning second-team All-Southland honors.

Shumate is a possible preseason conference Player of the Year pick if he does return. He would be the fourth Cowboy to stay through the coaching change.

Guard Trea English and forwards Roberts Berze and Dionjahe Thomas are also expected back. Berze will be a senior next season while English is a junior.

Thomas, who came on strong with more playing time will be just a sophomore.

McNeese fired Aiken after a 23-loss campaign, setting the stage for the roster overhaul under Wade, the former LSU head coach.

Wade picked up his sixth new player and more firepower on Monday when Shahada Wells signed with McNeese.

Wells played two years for the Horned Frogs after one season at Texas-Arlington. While at TCU Wells played in 42 games, 35 last year while starting nine.

He averaged 17.3 minutes and 5.9 points for the Frogs.

“Hada had some big games or TCU last season, he just didn’t get the consistent minutes,” said Wade. “This is big for us. He is the real deal.”

In 2020-21 at Arlington Wells averaged 16.8 points and 3.8 assists while starting 24 of 25 games and was named to the All-Sun Belt second team. He averaged 29.9 minutes a contest.

“He fits what we want to do on both sides of the ball,” Wade said of the 6-foot Wells. “He can get downhill, score and get to the basket. He also finds the open man.

“We beat out some big schools for him.”

For his college career Wells has hit on 33.5 percent of his three-point shot attempts. He will graduate from TCU in May and has two years of eligibility left.

That leaves the Cowboys with 10 scholarships on the roster and three spots still open.

Wade has said he is still looking or more size to go with what he has already added.

In other McNeese basketball news, two former players recently found new homes. Guards Johnathan Massie has selected Longwood in Virginia while Darren Oday tweeted he was headed to California State Fullerton.