[2][3] They lost their three leading scorers and rebounders in QJ Peterson, Julian Eleby, and Trey Chapman.

VMI experienced noticeable roster turnover from the previous year, losing their three starting seniors as well as several other players to transfer.

This included the Keydets' leading scorer and rebounder, QJ Peterson, who averaged nearly 20 points per game.

Five days later, on April 12, 2017, it was announced that Jason Slay, who had also been in his second year with the program, was given an assistant coaching position at Youngstown State.

[6] In May, Earl announced the hiring of VMI basketball standout Austin Kenon as an assistant.