Bronco Basketball Team Gets Stronger

Boise State basketball coach Leon Rice made it official with the announcement of three new recruits on LOI Day.  Kenny Buckner, Jarrell Crayton and Igor "Iggy" Hadziomerovic will join the Bronco team that advanced to the semi-finals of the and were one of the last college basketball teams still playing.

“We are very excited to coach and develop this class,” Rice said. “Although this is a very diverse group, they share a common love for the game and a desire to improve. They are high-character young men who care about their teammates and this program. Bronco Nation will enjoy watching them in the years to come.”

Buckner (6-9, 250) is the newest recruit from the legendary College of Southern Idaho program to come down Interstate 84 and play for Boise State.  Buckner gives the Broncos a tall, muscular force in the middle, something they haven't had for a while.  Bucker was one of the key reasons why the Golden Eagles (33-4) swept to yet another Junior College National Championship, averaging 10.8 points and 10.0 rebounds during the national tournament.  Buckner was named to the All-Region team and was also named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team.  Last season, Buckner led CSI in field goal perentage (59.3%) and was second in rebound with an 8.2 average.  Boise State is very fortunate to get a student-athlete of Buckner's caliber.

Crayton (6-7, 210) has a good frame that strength coach Tim Socha can work with.  He played power forward for Sheridan College each of the past two seasons.  Crayton led te Generals in scoring (15.4 ppg) and rebounding (7.6) and helped his team to the championship of the Region IX Tournament.  He was All-Region last season and all-conference as a freshman.  Last year, Crayton averaged 11 points and seven rebounds per game.  Together with Buckner, Crayton will help solidify the inside game for Boise State.


Hadziomerovic is a 6-4, 200-pound guard from Melbourne, Australia who will have four years.  Hadziomerovic will represent Australia at the U19 World Championships in Latvia this summer.  He averaged 23 points and five assists for Victoria State, helping his team win the U20 National Championship.

With all the talent coming back for Coach Rice, this trio will give Boise State a solid team next winter.