With the 2026-2027 season nearly upon us, the Cougars welcome in 9 newcomers to Lakewood. After a 13-15 record last season, the Cougars look to take a step forward in one of the top conferences in the nation.
 
Colorado native Joel Speckman joins the Cougars as a transfer from RMAC opponent Black Hills State. A 6'9 power forward, the senior brings in valuable RMAC experience, size, and physicality to the court. Speckman was nothing short of exceptional at BHSU, earning CSC Academic All-District, Academic All-RMAC First Team, and RMAC Defensive Player of the Week as a yellowjacket. Speckman was also notably ranked 4^th in the RMAC in offensive rebounds his sophomore season. With aspirations to play professionally around the world to show the love of God post-college, Speckman looks to be an impact both on and off the court for the Cougars.
 
Gavin Carter, originally hailing from Parker, Colorado, transfers from nearby UCCS after spending his first two seasons there. The 6'3 point guard made 54 appearances for the Mountain Lions in the past two seasons, averaging nearly 8 points a game. Another player with valuable RMAC experience, the junior looks to continue to build CCU up as a program before playing professionally after graduation.
 
Andrew Okafor beings his journey transferring from Division 1 Stony Brook after his freshman year. The forward stands at 6'9, ready to use valuable collegiate experience and size at the Division II level. While at Archbishop McCarthy, Okafor averaged 10.8 points a game while averaging 5.3 boards a game. Okafor averaged a block per game and owned 14 career double-digit scoring games, including five with over 20 points and a pair of double-doubles. After a successful college career, Okafor seeks to continue playing at the next level.
 
Steven Hall comes from across the Pacific, the 6'1 freshman originally from Sydney, Australia. The point guard's basketball roots run deep, both parents playing basketball in Australia and a sister playing for TCU. Known as the fastest kid in year 3, the speedy point guard looks to be a dynamic scorer and playmaker to aid the Cougars in upcoming seasons. After college, Hall Jr. looks to take his abilities to the next level and play professionally.
 
Derek Eide, another RMAC transfer, comes to the Cougars after being a Cowboy at New Mexico Highlands for the past season. The 6'5 forward started at Barstow college, before moving to William Penn, then starting his stint in the RMAC the following year. Coming out of high school, Eide was ranked #1 in the state of California averaging 34 points per game. Eide was ranked in the top 100 in California Jucos, leading the IEC in double doubles. Bringing collegiate and RMAC experience to the Cougars, the graduate student looks to make an impact in his final season of college basketball before pursuing opportunities at the professional level.
 
Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, Akani Sithole enters his first collegiate season as a 6'3 freshman guard with an impressive résumé. Making a name for himself back home, Sithole earned First Team All-State honors, was a two-time MVP Award winner, and earned a selection to the South African National Team. Following in the footsteps of his brother, who currently plays at Skidmore College, Sithole looks to make an immediate impact at Colorado Christian and throughout the RMAC. Following his collegiate career, Sithole hopes to take his game to the professional level.
 
A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, the true freshman makes the move to CCU after establishing himself as a standout in the high school ranks. Cota-Cardova arrives in Lakewood following an impressive high school career, earning First Team All-Conference, All-League, and All-State honors. The 6'3 shooting guard looks to carry that success into the collegiate level as he begins his career with the Cougars. Following his playing career, Cota-Cardova hopes to own his own business and start a family.
 
Shane Curry enters his second year at the collegiate level, a transfer from the University of Northern Colorado. The Denver native wreaked havoc in the high school scene, a 2x Conference Player of the Year and a 3x Academic First team selection. A fantastic basketball player and even better athlete, Curry played football at UNC, the 6'5 shooting guard now continuing his basketball journey in Lakewood. Utilizing strength, size, and athleticism, the sophomore will play a large role in pushing the Cougars towards new heights. After his athletic career, Curry wants to become a coach, growing the love of the game for young players around the country.
 
Freshman James Matthews makes the journey from Nelson, New Zealand, to begin his collegiate career at CCU. The 6'1 point guard arrives in Lakewood with an impressive international résumé, most recently helping lead his team to a fourth-place finish at the U17 FIBA World Cup, a historic accomplishment for New Zealand at that age level. Matthews shone on and off the court back home, similarly, earning Valedictorian and Head Boy in high school. Matthews looks to continue building on his success at CCU before taking his talents to the professional level following his collegiate career.

The Cougars kick off the season in California, taking on Concordia Irvine with tip-off set for Monday, November 9^th at 8pm MST.