CALDWELL, Idaho – The College of Idaho men's basketball program has announced the incoming recruiting class for the 2023-2024 season. The incoming class features a state Gatorade Player of the Year, a local standout, and an NCAA Division I transfer.
Alex Germer
Germer is a 6'8 forward from Missoula, Montana. Germer comes to the College of Idaho following a two-year stint at NCAA Division I Montana State University. Germer scored over 1,000 points in his high school career, as well as earning the title of leading scorer in Montana AA ball with 24.1 PPG. The two time Big Sky Conference champion was named the Montana High School Max Preps Player of the Year while in high school.
"Alex is a fantastic addition to our program this spring. With 13 players returning we were not focused on recruiting the transfer portal, however, when Alex became available, it made complete sense to add him to our roster," said Yotes head coach
Colby Blaine. "Alex brings with him tremendous size and strength. He can really shoot the ball and has a unique ability to post and get to the free throw line. As a two year member at Montana State he helped the Bobcats win two Big Sky championships. That experience will help Alex's transition as we look to continue our championship quest. Also, Alex also has a tremendous connection to our roster as he played with three of our current players on summer travel teams. This connection will go a long way in keeping our culture strong. We believe Alex can make an immediate impact on our veteran squad and look forward to having him in purple and gold for the next three seasons."
Micah Mendiola
Mendiola comes to Caldwell from just down the road in Middleton. Micah is a 6'3 guard who earned a 5A SIC All-Conference honorable mention nod, as well as being named to the Academic All-State team. A dual sport athlete, Mendiola was also a member of the Middleton Vikings varsity baseball team.
"Having Micah join us may seem like a no brainer because the College of Idaho campus literally raised him. However, we pinpointed Micah early in the process because he is 100% the right fit for our program, college and community," added head coach
Colby Blaine. "Micah is the ultimate teammate that knows what it takes to win. The growth he has made with his body and skill over the last couple years has been impressive. With an improved perimeter shot, strong lateral movement and an exceptional work ethic, we are very excited to see what Micah can accomplish over his career as he continues to develop. If he continues on the same trajectory that he has been on, there is no doubt in my mind that he can help contribute to our future success."
Dougie Peoples
Rounding out the incoming class is Montana native Dougie Peoples. Peoples is a 6'4 guard from Butte, who was named as the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state. He is Butte High School's all time leading scorer, and holds the school record for most point scored in a game with 44. Averaging 25 PPG in high school, he was a state champion in 2020 and 2022, and was named to the All-State team on three occasions.
"We are thrilled to have the Montana State Gatorade Player of the Year join us. Dougie is an exceptional player that has experienced a high level of success," added Blaine. "He has won multiple state championships, which has helped him to understand winning at a high level. He also has set many statistical records in Butte and Montana, which has helped him understand how to play his role at a high level. He has an elite ability to make shots, while also impacting the game in other areas such as rebounding and offensive flow. However, with all of his basketball success, we were most drawn to the incredible story that comes with Dougie. He has had many life experiences in his short time on earth and has a unique way of connecting with those around him. We know the Yotefam will really enjoy getting to know him better over the next four years."
On the incoming class as a whole, head coach
Colby Blaine said "We are very excited about Dougie, Micah & Alex joining our veteran squad this fall. Our staff did a great job of identifying talent, winning and individuals that understand how to sacrifice and build trust. Those characteristics went a long way in our 2023 National Championship run. We fully expect to contend for the red banner again next season and believe with the pieces were adding and the 13 returners, we will have a chance to do so. I am most excited about having three individuals join us that understand our journey as well as any potential prospects in the country. We expect their transition to be smooth and productive and can't wait to get them on campus."
