CSU Men’s Basketball Adds Five New Faces to 2024-25 Roster - Columbus State University Athletics (2024)

Men's Basketball 8/22/2024 Clayton Barefield

Coach Robert Moore Announces '24-25 Signing Class

COLUMBUS, Ga. - Columbus State University Men's Basketball is excited to announce the latest additionsto join the program ahead of the 2024-25 season, Head Coach Robert Moore has announced.

Five talented new Cougars are prepped to don the red and blue this season for Coach Moore's 15th campaign at the helm of the CSU men's program. Four of the five new facesare transferring in which will help establish experience within the team.

"We're excited about the incoming group of student-athletes," Coach Moore said. "I believe they will come in and make an impact to our program. We are looking forward to a great season ahead."

Harp Hunter – Guard/Forward – University of Tampa (Fla.)

Hunter comes to Columbus State as a 6'6 transfer guard/forward from fellow NCAA Division II member Tampa (Fla.) where he averaged 8.3 points per game in 10 contests while shooting for 34.4% from the floor. Prior to Tampa, the Charlotte, N.C. native spent three seasons at NCAA Division I Youngstown State (Ohio) where he played a career total 90 games, averaging 4.8 points and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 44.3% from the field.

"Harp will bring experience and leadership to the Cougars this season," Moore mentioned. "We look forward to him bringing outside shooting and rebounding from the forward spot."

Rakeim Gary – Guard – South Carolina State University

Gary will rep the Cougars after spending time at NCAA Division I South Carolina State from 2021-2023. The 5'10 guard out of Dallas, Texas transferred to CSU after taking last season off due to injury. While at SC State, Gary produced a career average 8.85 points and 1.66 rebounds while shooting 34.9% from the floor. Gary competed at Wallace Community College Selma (Ala.) out of high school, earning Region 22 Co-Player of the Year and South Division Player of the Year honors for the 2020-21 season.

"Rekeim will bring us speed, ball handling, and outside shooting," Moore said. "He has a unique way of scoring the basketball and he will be a solid addition for us"

Jordan Mitchell – Forward – Shelton State Community College (Ala.)

Mitchell is a 6'6 forward transfer coming from Shelton State (Ala.) where he averaged 16.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting for 63.8% from the field during the 2023-24 season. As a freshman, the Atlanta, Ga. Native scored an average of 13.3 points per contest while snagging and average of 7.3 rebounds.

"Jordan has the potential to be one of the top forwards in the Peach Belt," said Moore. "There are so many things he can do to affect the game."

Masiah Jones – Forward – Riverdale High School (Ga.)

Jones who is a 6'9 forward from Riverdale, Ga. Jones comes to CSU as a true freshman out of Riverdale High School. He averaged 20 points and 10.2 rebounds per game as a senior. In addition, he has earned recognition such as First-Team All-Region honors, the Eagles Holiday Classic MVP, Team MVP, and the region's leading scorer.

"Masiah is a true freshman with a wealth of talent," Moore stated. "This first season at CSU will be an adjustment, but his work ethic and skill level are off the charts."

Akiem Nickerson – Guard – St. Petersburg College (Fla.)

Nickerson is a 6'3 guard transferring from St. Petersburg College in Florida where he averaged 16.8 points per game and four rebounds. The Leesburg, Fla. native was also selected as a Second-Team All-Citrus Conference member.

"Akiem has great athleticism and knows how to score," Moore mentioned. "We need him to help lock down defensively and use his athletic ability in transition."

The Cougars have started prepping for the 2024-25 campaign with their season opener set for Nov. 8 at Barton College (N.C.). CSU will remain on the road until Dec. 3 for the home opener in the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center against Francis Marion (S.C.).