C of I Men's Hoops Adds Four Recruits
CALDWELL, Idaho – College of Idaho men's basketball coach
Scott Garson has announced the signing of four student-athletes to Cascade Conference Letters of Intent for the 2017-18 season.
Coming off a trip to the second-round of the NAIA Division II National Championships, Garson inked a pair of transfers, along with two true freshmen to add to the roster.
Junior transfer Keun Palu-Thompson (pictured) heads to Caldwell after a pair of outstanding seasons at Lower Columbia College in Washington. The 6-foot-2 combo-guard earned All-NWAC honors as sophomore after leading his team – averaging 16.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
"Keun played four positions at his junior college, making him very versatile," Garson said. "His strong body and athleticism makes him very difficult for opponents to matchup with. He is an explosive guard that we feel will really be able to score the ball for us, along with everything else he brings to the table."
Sophomore transfer Nate Bruneel (
highlight video) returns to the Treasure Valley after an outstanding season at Snow College in Utah. The 6-foot-5 Boise native and former Rocky Mountain High star averaged 11.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game as a redshirt freshman, making 53-percent of his field goal attempts, helping his team to a 26-6 record in the difficult Region 18.
"Nate brings great experience to the table having played an integral role on one of the best junior college teams in the country this past season," Garson said. "He can play both forward positions, combining athleticism and the ability to get to the basket with an excellent outside touch and feel for the game."
Joining the duo is Idaho 1A Player of the Year, Ivory Miles-Williams of Lapwai High – coming off a state title as a senior. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 15.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game as a senior, connecting on 59-percent of his field goal attempts in also earning Whitepine League Player of the Year honors.
"Ivory is a player that can fill up a stat sheet," Garson said. He is a guard that has a tremendous ability to get into the paint. He also rebounds the ball well and has the ability to post up smaller guards. Ivory brings great toughness and athleticism to our team and has the potential to become a great defender."
Fellow freshman Justin Saunders (
HUDL video) closes out the recruiting class after a stellar prep career at Capital High. The 6-foot-2 guard earned 5A All-Southern Idaho Conference honors as a senior as one of the top outside shooters in the state.
"Justin is a high level shooter with a quick release and excellent range," Garson said. "He also has an outstanding mid-range game and his body is ready for the college level now. Justin plays with poise well beyond his age."
The Yotes will release their 2017-18 schedule in the next two weeks – with the season opening with the Taco Bell Shoot-Out on Oct. 27-28.