Central Arizona College Men's Basketball has added 9 new student-athletes for the 2019-20 academic year.

Among the signees are NCAA Division 2 transfer Ryan Pate; along with incoming freshman Jalen Menzies, Brenton Woods, DJ Hawkins, Alan Tchatchouang, Shakiel Bertrand, Catch Robles, Mycole Rodriguez, and Keivon Robinson.

This group of signees joins three returning Vaquero's from last year's team. Sophomore guard JC Canahuate is one of the ACCAC's best returning players along with 6'9" rim protector Abdoul Ndao. The Vaquero's also return the hometown hero Jeremy Zepeda.

Ryan Pate, FR, Wing, 6-5, Phoenix, AZ (Mesa CC/Western New Mexico)

Pate is 6-5 guard who played at Mesa CC and Western New Mexico last year. Previously, Pate prepped at Mountain Pointe HS and led them to the 6A state title game. Considered one the best shooters in the state, his range will help spread the court.

Ryan Pate

Coach Aaron on Ryan: "Ryan is a guy who I can see having great success here. His ability to shoot reminds me a lot of former Vaquero Danny Garrick (Nicholls State). What impresses me the most is his want to get better in all aspects of the game. "

Jalen Menzies, FR, PG, 5-11, Toronto, Canada (Father Henry Carr HS)

Menzies is a hard-nosed point guard who averaged 15 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals at Father Henry Carr. At FHC, he was backcourt mates with RJ Barrett (Duke/New York Knicks). Along with his success at the prep level, Jalen was also a member of the U16 and U17 Jamaica FIBA Centrobasketball team.

Coach Aaron on Jalen: "Jalen's played at a really high level in Canada and his experience playing for the Jamaican national team will really prepare for what he'll see in the ACCAC. His athleticism and his tenacity on defense is what really stood out to me in film. He has a junk yard dog mentality"

Jalen Menzies

Brenton Woods, FR, G, 6-0, Compton, California (Dominguez Hills HS/Scale Prep)

Brenton "BJ" Woods is a 6-0 combo guard from Scale Prep in California.  The 2 star guard according to ESPN will bring great experience and energy to the backcourt at CAC.

Coach Aaron on BJ: "Brenton is a guy I really liked because of his experience against other National JUCO's. He scored 22 points against Tohono O'odham and gave Pima and NMJC all they could handle. His ability to guard and his understanding of defensive rotations will help us out immediately."

Brenton "BJ" Woods

Dana "DJ" Hawkins, FR, Wing, 6-5, Phoenix, Arizona (Eduprize HS)

Hawkins is coming off a state title win in March at Eduprize HS in Gilbert. His size and versatility will give him the opportunity to play multiple positions. DJ's biggest strength's are his ability to score from the perimeter and guard the 1-5.

Coach T on DJ: "DJ is a guy who is a real winner. He has won at every stop he's made and we hope that tradition continues. He has played against the top teams in the country along with numerous D1 players. He's a guy who's not going to back down from competition."

Alan Tchatchouang, FR, Wing/Forward, 6-7, France (Springfield Commonwealth Academy)

Alan is one of 3 international signees for the Vaqueros. At Springfield Commonwealth, he helped lead them to the state final championship game. There, he led the league in blocks averaging 2.7 per game.

Coach T on Alan: "Alan is the best weak side shot blocker that I have seen. His timing and athleticism are tremendous. He has a great body and a very high ceiling. He will be a presence in the paint for us."

Shakiel "Shak" Bertrand, FR, Forward, 6-8, Trinidad (Victory Rock Prep)

Bertrand comes to Coolidge from Trinidad and Tabgo by the way of Victory Rock Prep (FL). Shak's athleticism and ability to finish at the rim will make an immediate impact. At 6-8, he will bring great length and speed to the frontcourt.

Coach T on Shak: "Shak is a kid I really enjoyed watching on film. I had the opportunity to see him live down in Trinidad and really liked his motor and athleticism. He competed hard in every drill/game and stayed after to get in extra work. That is the thing I look for most in a prospect is his want to get better. Shak is that guy for sure."

Shak Bertrand

The Vaqueros will round out this year's class with 3 preferred walk-ons.

Mycole Rodriguez, FR, Guard, 6-2, Phoenix, AZ (Taylormade Prep)

Catch Robles, FR, Guard, 5-8, Scottsdale, AZ (Saguaro)

Keivon Robinson, FR, Forward, 6-7, Phoenix, AZ (Alhambra)

Coach T on them: "I am really excited to have them join our program. Each one of them have been hand selected by our staff and I am extremely confident they will help us getter better daily. Mycole's energy and his chatter will be contagious. Catch brings a great work ethic and give us a great look each at what a typical guard in our league is like. Keivon is has a great body and will push our guys daily down on the block."