Little over a month ago, Colorado State Rams men’s basketball was seemingly crumbling, like a rock cliff falling into the sea.
The team lost its two top assistants in Ross Hodge and Leonard Perry, then lost a commitment of Leon Gilmore III.
But, since then, the Rams’ captain has righted the ship, steered them away from a crash course with those rocky cliffs; Larry Eustachy’s held the wheel calmly through stormy waters.
Now, Eustachy and the Rams have announced their latest signing in Braden Koelliker, a 6-foot-8 forward out of Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. Out of high school, Koelliker attended a two-year mission trip with the church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints, then played his freshman season with Snow. So, the mature sophomore comes to Colorado State with immediate eligibility and three years remaining to still improve.
Last year as an older than average freshman, Koelliker played the most minutes for his team (29.9 per), averaging 13.2 points on a high 47.7 percent from the floor. He also grabbed 8.2 rebounds per game, which are key in Eustachy’s game plan every night. Another strong statistic: The tall forward shot a strong 72.0 percent from the free throw line.
“We are extremely excited to add Braden to our team,” Eustachy said. “He is only a sophomore who has been on a church mission and is extremely mature for his age. I feel he will make an impact immediately.”
Following the departure of Hodge and Perry, as well as graduate John Gillon and sophomore Toby Van Ry leaving the program, Koelliker is the fourth new addition to the Rams and the third player.
First, Eustachy landed Che Bob out of South Plains College, a 6-foot-5 combo guard who will compete for playing time immediately next season. Then, the Rams head coach signed new assistant Jase Herl while promoting the others on his coaching staff. The biggest improvement will be a more hands-on position for former Rams star Pierce Hornung.
And last week, Colorado State earned the commitment of 6-foot-10 high schooler Felipe Hasse, who will will play in Fort Collins starting in 2017.
So, that leaves two scholarships remaining for the Rams — Devocio Butler committed back in the fall, another tough, 6-foot-5 combo guard who comes from a JUCO — and the team is still hoping redshirt senior Gian Clavell is granted a medical hardship.
More Braden Koelliker:
He proposed to his fiancé at a Snow College game last year at mid-court:
