Colorado State University Athletics
Men’s Basketball Inks Four
11/9/2023 9:44:00 AM | Men's Basketball
CSU men’s basketball welcomes four new Rams to the 2024 recruiting class
FORT COLLINS – While the 2023-24 season just tipped off for Colorado State men's basketball, the future is taking shape as well. Head coach Niko Medved and his staff welcome four signees to their 2024 recruiting class. The Ram's welcome Kyle Jorgensen, Jonathan Mekonnen, Darnez Slater and Jaden Steppe to the program.
"We are thrilled to have these four talented young men join our program. Each of them possesses the attributes we look for in the players and people we bring into our program," head coach Niko Medved said. "They all have a high basketball IQ, versatility and are great community members. Our coaching staff and players are eager to welcome them with open arms, and we can't wait to see them showcase their abilities on the court. We're looking forward to having them here next year."
Kyle Jorgensen | 6-9 | 225 | Forward | Minneapolis, Minn. | Minneapolis Washburn
The Minnesota connection continues for Colorado State men's basketball with the addition of Kyle Jorgenson. A two-time All-Conference selection, Jorgensen was the Minneapolis City Conference MVP in 22-23 averaging 22.5 points and 13.8 rebounds. He played his AAU ball for the MN Comets.
The son of Calllan and Alissa Jorgensen he has two siblings Jack and Reese. Jorgensen plans to earn his degree in business at CSU.
Why Kyle Chose CSU
"I chose Colorado State based on the trust the coaches have in me and the family vibes that players and coaches have. Also for the beautiful campus."
Jon Mekonnen | 6-8 | 195 | Forward | Eagan, Minn. | Eastview HS
Not one, but two Minnesotans will join the program in 2024 with the addition of Jonathan Mekonnen. The 6-8, 195 pound forward makes his way to Fort Collins from Eagan, Minnesota. A three-star prospect according to 247Sports, he is the seventh-rated prospect out of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Last year he helped Eastview High School to a 23-9 record and trip to the semifinals of the Minnesota Class AAAA state tournament. He played AAU basketball for DI Minnesota.
The son of Zene Ayano and Nate Mekonnen, Jonathan intends to major in business at CSU.
Why Jon Chose CSU
"I felt the biggest connection with the coaches and the environment here. I felt that the coaches believed in me and my abilities more than anybody else. I feel that I will leave here as the best version of myself."
Darnez Slater | 6-3 | 175 | Guard | Eastvale, Calif. | Eleanor Roosevelt HS
First team All-State selection for California Darnez Slater will make his way to Fort Collins next year. The 6-3 guard can hill up the basket holding the Eleanor Roosevelt High School record for points in a game with 52. His playmaking abilities helped him earn first team All-Area, first team all-CIF-SS Division 1 honors and first team All-State Juniors honors. Slater is also a two-time All-League honoree. He played AAU ball for the Cali Rebels.
The son of Yarenis and Derron Slater he has two siblings Davinn and Zendaya. He will major in finance at CSU.
Why Darnez Chose CSU
"I chose Colorado State because I feel it is the best fit for me to develop into the best version of myself, not only as a basketball player but also as a person. It is a great community and environment that I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of soon."
Jaden Steppe | 6-8 | 220 | Forward | Tualatin, Ore. | Tualatin HS
Playmaking big man Jaden Steppe will be joining the Colorado State men's basketball program next year. The four-star prospect via ESPN is ranked 230th in the nation for the class of 2024 according to 247Sports Composite rankings. Steppe is the second-rated recruit out of the state of Oregon for his class. He has helped Tualatin High School to back-to-back Oregon 6A state titles and aiming for a third this season. Steppe played AAU for Rose City Rebels and NW Rotary Rebels.
The Soce of Kirk and Janine Steppe, he has two siblings Dakota and Bridger. He plans to major in business.
Why Jaden Chose CSU
"I chose Colorado State because of the family environment and a style of play that fits me perfectly."
While the newest Rams will arrive in the summer of 2024, this season's team sets to take on Wright State on Friday at 7 pm inside Moby Arena.