EOU Men’s Basketball Announces 2022-23 Additions
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, August 22nd, 2022 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE — (Release from Eastern Oregon University) Eastern Oregon University Men’s Basketball is pleased to announce the addition of 13 recruits for the upcoming 2022-23 season. The group of roster additions includes a mix of incoming freshman and transfers. In total the Mounties will add four freshman and nine transfers.
Of the transfers, several have high-level collegiate experience. Incoming guard Nate Pryor (SR) will add NCAA Division I experience having played at New Mexico State where he was a part of a team that played in the NCAA Tournament. Two graduate-transfers will also join the squad this year. Adam Orr will join the Mounties from NAIA affiliated Menlo College, and Emmitt Taylor III will add even more NCAA Division I experience coming from Idaho State University.
“Our coaching staff really prioritized recruiting the ‘right kid’ through the process this last year. I really think we got a lot of guys that check-off all the boxes on and off the court,” Head Coach, Chris Kemp said. “They will be great people in the community, academically, and winners on the basketball court. I can’t wait to get things rolling!”
Mason Ainsworth
Guard | 6’1 | FR
Coos Bay, Ore. | Marshfield HS |
Coach’s Thoughts: “Mason comes to Eastern with a long list of high school accolades. That list includes: 3-time All-State selection, leading 4A in scoring three years in row, 2021 state champion, 4A Outstanding Player in the state tournament, and Conference Player of the Year. Mason will become a tough three-level scorer and I have very high hopes that he will be a great four-year player here at EOU!”
Malachi Afework
Guard | 6’1 | SO
Federal Way, Wash. | Fife HS | Carroll College
Coach’s Thoughts: “Malachi is a transfer student from perennial NAIA powerhouse, Carroll College. He played behind one of the best guards in the country at our level. His work-ethic, skill set and IQ have him primed for a great last 3 years at Eastern! I think he can be more of a combo guard and we can maximize his decision making and scoring ability.”
Isaac Brown
Guard | 6’1 | SO
Pocatello, Idaho | Pocatello HS | Wenatchee CC
Coach’s Thoughts: “Isaac was always on our radar. After I saw him play a couple times, I knew we had to get him to Eastern. He has a high-level motor, can really shoot it, and is a very good on-ball defender. We hope to expand his role even more than what he played at his junior college.”
Malachi Butler
Center | 6’9 | JR
Modesto, Calif. | Downey HS | Merced College
Coach’s Thoughts: “We stumbled across Malachi from another coach that had played against him in California. He has a great body, tries to dunk everything, and can rebound out of his area. We think he can be an instant presence for us defensively and also playing off guards that are high level drivers. Malachi’s best basketball is clearly ahead of him!”
Pierce Davidson
Forward / Wing | 6’7 | FR
Coos Bay, Ore. | Marshfield HS
Coach’s Thoughts: “Pierce was a high school teammate and friend of Mason Ainsworth, they will come to EOU together from Coos Bay. He was a two-sport athlete also having offers to play college football. Pierce has great potential with his height, length and work-ethic. He is another high-character kid that we think can develop into a really good player!”
Ethan Easley
Guard | 6’2 | FR
Wenatchee, Wash. | Eastmont HS
Coach’s Thoughts: “Ethan is another true freshman that is a great kid from a great family. We have very high hopes he can have a great career here at EOU. His attitude and work ethic are exactly what we want for our program. He has the body and skill set to develop into a very good player at our level!”
Jaden Hansen
Guard | 6’1 | (RS)FR
Eagle, Idaho | Rocky Mountain HS | College of Southern Idaho
Coach’s Thoughts: “I have known and followed Jaden throughout his whole high school career. I have always loved how he played and what kind of kid he is. This is why he was at the top of our list as we started the recruiting process. His senior year, he was one of the best guards in Boise before losing the season to injury. Jaden checks every box on and off the basketball court. Mountie fans are in for a treat when they get to watch him for four years!”
Jaylen Lyday
Guard | 6’3 | JR
Portland, Ore.| Roosevelt HS | Portland CC
Coach’s Thoughts: “Jaylen is a big physical guard that can guard one through four. We got to meet him late in the summer and knew he was perfect for what we are trying to do on the basketball court. He comes from a family of athletes and lives in the gym! Jaylen will be one of our position-less players that will make things very tough on opposing teams!”
Solomon McGinnis
Guard / Wing | 6’4 | JR
University Place, Wash. | Curtis HS | Tacoma CC
Coach’s Thoughts: “Solomon is a winner that will do whatever his team needs to be successful! Basketball is just the beginning of great things that he is going to do in his life. He fits the position-less mold and can guard 1-4. I expect him to be a leader and a big part of what we do from day one!”
Jace McKarcher
Guard | 6’0 | FR
Lewiston, Idaho | Lewiston High School
Coach’s Thoughts: “Jace is another true freshman that was a high-level multi-sport athlete. He is ultra-competitive and has a great motor! He was first-team IEL in 5A in Idaho as well as 2021 IEL offensive MVP for football. Jace’s work-ethic and skill set have him primed for a great four years here at EOU!”
Adam Orr
Wing | 6’4 | Graduate Transfer
Sacramento, Calif. | Menlo College
Coach’s Thoughts: “Adam comes to us very highly recommended from Menlo College. He still has two years to play and was looking for a graduate program that fits what he wants to do. He has good size and can really shoot it, but what really sets him apart in the process is that he is the ultimate team guy! Adam is ready to have a great two years here at EOU!”
Nate Pryor
Guard| 6’3 | SR
Seattle, Wash. | West Seattle HS | New Mexico State University
Coach’s Thoughts: “Nate is considered one of the most talented guards in the Northwest over his high school and college career. His IQ and ability to make teammates better really sets him apart. It’s not very often you get a kid at our level with his resume, having played on a team that won 27 games and played in the NCAA tournament. Nate wanted to finish his career with guys he knows and cares about here at Eastern, it should be fun!”
Emmit Taylor III
Guard | 6’4 | Graduate Transfer
Lapwai ID | Lapwai HS | Idaho State University
Coach’s Thoughts: “Emmit is the last on the list alphabetically, but we couldn’t be more excited to have him here at EOU! He has great size and should be one of the top shooters in the conference. We hope to use all he learned at ISU to expand his game and help lead our team to great things this season!”
