GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Colorado Mesa University men’s basketball is undergoing a significant roster and coaching staff overhaul after head coach Mike Dunlap stepped down following the conclusion of the past season. New head coach Ken DeWeese is tasked with rebuilding a program that went 21-11 last season and made appearances in the RMAC Tournament title game and NCAA Tournament.
Only two players from last year’s team are returning, guard Jaylen Pitman and center Ben Kaye. The rest of the roster is being constructed through six incoming freshmen and an eight-player transfer portal class announced this week. The class includes Division I talent, junior college standouts, and players with NCAA Tournament experience.
DeWeese said he searched the country to find “young men of great character” who know how to win.
CMU landed several guards to replenish backcourt depth. Walker Asp, a Colorado native who prepped at Palmer High School on the Front Range, is transferring from Northern Colorado.
CJ Willenborg joins the backcourt as a guard known as a strong passer who can also shoot from beyond the arc.
Alfonso Medina comes over from the College of the Redwoods, where he shot nearly 60% from the field last season.
JD Bradford arrives from Odessa College, a top ten JUCO program, and profiles as a lock down Guard.
Cole Johnson, who made the NCAA Tournament from Alaska Anchorage this past season, is also headed to the Western Slope, along with former Seawolves assistant coach, Ryan Engebretsen who is taking over as Head Coach at Fruita Monument High School.
From Panola College in Carthage, Texas, comes Tait Spencer a legacy Maverick whose father, Leif Spencer, was an All-RMAC selection in 1999.
DeWeese also added size to the roster. Ryan Weber, listed at 6-foot-10, is described as a stretch forward capable of shooting from deep.
Aidan Triplet transfers from Yuba College and brings athleticism and defensive ability.
Drew Larson, a Fort Collins native, returns to Colorado after playing Division I ball at Niagara.
We will have more on the incoming six-person freshmen class in the coming days.