With only 18.4 points and 9.5 rebounds returning from last year’s team, this squad will be largely defined by newcomers. With a mix of upperclassmen from all parts of the world, David Riley has assembled an intriguing group that blends athleticism, shooting, and high-IQ basketball.
All Stats Per Game
Incoming Transfers:
#0 Emmanuel Ugbo (Senior) – 6’8”, 245 lbs
Previous School: Boise State
2024 Stats: 36 Games, 12 Starts | 3.1 Points | 2.3 Rebounds
Check out Ugbo’s Highlight Reel Here
Ugbo arrived at Boise State after playing for Porsche BBA (Professional League 2) in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Born in the Netherlands, he joined Boise State during the spring semester of 2024. Ugbo isn’t a high-flying athlete who will play above the rim, but he’s a relentless rebounder with a smooth shooting touch. At 245 pounds, Ugbo can carve out space and punish teams on the offensive glass if they fail to box him out. He led the Cougs with 16 points and was second on the team with seven rebounds against New Mexico in the exhibition game. I expect him to be a key contributor all season.
#2 Eemeli Yalaho (Junior) – 6’8”, 235 lbs
Previous School: Texas Tech
2024 Stats: 8 Games, 1 Start | 3.3 Points | 2.4 Rebounds
Check out Yalaho’s Highlight Reel Here
Injuries derailed Yalaho’s sophomore year as he dealt with an upper-body issue. In his lone start for the Red Raiders, he posted 13 points and five rebounds against Lamar. Originally from Finland, Yalaho came to the U.S. for high school, playing at Western Reserve Academy in Ohio. He also represented Finland’s U18 National Team, helping them win bronze at the FIBA U18 Division B tournament, where he averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds. A solid recruit, Yalaho chose Texas Tech over offers from Georgetown, Providence, and Nebraska, among others. I’m not sure what to expect from Yalaho just yet, but he did start in the exhibition against New Mexico—so the coaches clearly like what they’ve seen early.
#3 Simon Hildebrandt (Senior) – 6’9”, 240 lbs
Previous School: High Point
2024 Stats: 25 Games, 0 Starts | 5.5 Points | 3 Rebounds | 34% 3PT
Check out Hildebrandt’s incredibly well edited Highlight Reel Here
Hailing from Canada, Hildebrandt made his move to American basketball last year as a junior. His numbers were modest for a High Point team that reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. However, looking back to his time at the University of Manitoba offers a better sense of his game—he averaged 17 points as a freshman and 16 as a sophomore, highlighted by a 41-point game that included eight made threes. At 6’9” and 240 pounds with legitimate range, Hildebrandt should provide the Cougs with valuable floor spacing.
#11 Jerone Morton (Junior) – 6’4”, 180 lbs
Previous School: Morehead State
2024 Stats: 26 Games, 20 Starts | 10.4 Points | 3.2 Rebounds | 3.4 Assists | 38% 3PT
Check out Morton’s High School Highlight Reel Here (Couldn’t Find a Good College Reel)
The No. 2 prep prospect out of Kentucky in 2023, Morton took over starting duties early in the season for Morehead State. He finished second on the team in scoring and led in assists. One of the few players on WSU’s current roster with Division I starting experience, Morton should be an essential piece this season. He drew the start in the exhibition game and led the team with a +20 while on the court.
#13 Adria Rodriguez (Senior) – 6’4”, 185 lbs
Previous Team: Lucentum Alicante (Spanish Second Division)
2024 Stats: 34 Games | 8.1 Points | 2.7 Assists | 1.4 Steals | 38% 3PT
Check out Rodriguez’s Highlight Reel Here
There’s absolutely nobody I’m more excited to watch this year than Rodriguez. Having played professionally in Spain’s second division—widely considered the second-best basketball league in the world—Rodriguez brings a flair synonymous with Spanish guards. If you enjoy no-look passes, behind-the-back dishes, and crafty euro steps, Adria is your guy. If not, you probably just hate fun. Rodriguez led the team in minutes and assists during the exhibition and is likely to be one of, if not the, most important players on this roster.
Thoughts:
What a fun group of new faces in Pullman! I’ve always believed that blending players from different cultures sparks creativity—especially on the basketball court. Rodriguez might end up being one of the most entertaining guards we’ve seen in Pullman in recent memory. Last year’s team struggled with athleticism, defensive stops, and turnovers. It seems clear the Cougs were intentional about addressing those weaknesses, and this group looks poised to be a much more dynamic and exciting team to watch.