CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho men's basketball program and head coach
Colby Blaine announced the addition of six student-athletes set to join the Yotes for the upcoming season. The class features a mix of experienced transfers and standout high school graduates, all bringing proven success on and off the court.
"We are thrilled to add six decorated student-athletes to our program for the upcoming season," Blaine said. "The thing that stands out most from this recruiting class is their winning pedigree. We have incoming athletes that have won championships at various levels and understand what it takes to be successful on and off the court. Winning is hard, and the sacrifice and work that goes into it is something we value here at the College of Idaho. When piecing together this incoming class with our strong returning group, it was evident that winning should be the key element to those who join us. Our staff has done a great job of pinpointing individuals that are focused on being part of something bigger than themselves, and we are confident this will play out next season with another deep run into March."
TRANSFERS
Kareem Barnett
6-1 Guard | Junior | Miami, Fla. | College of the Sequoias
Barnett joins the Yotes after competing at the College of the Sequoias. He redshirted in 2024 and received a medical redshirt in 2025 before returning to play in 2026. A first-team All-Central Valley Conference selection, he also earned first-team all- defense honors. Barnett helped lead his team to two conference championships and compiled a 47-12 overall record.
Aidan McGarvin
6-4 Forward | Graduate | Eagle, Idaho | Carroll College
A graduate transfer returning to Idaho, McGarvin brings a decorated academic and athletic résumé. He was a 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection, a three-time Frontier Conference Academic All-Conference honoree and a two-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete. McGarvin earned Carroll's Halo Award as Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was recognized as the Frontier Conference Champion of Character. On the court, he led his team in field goal percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio.
Kairi Shepherd
6-4 Guard | Junior | Long Beach, Calif. | Fullerton College
Shepherd arrives after a highly successful stint at Fullerton College, where he helped lead the program to three conference championships. He earned second-team all-conference honors in 2025 and honorable mention recognition in 2026. Fullerton posted a 62-5 record during his time, including a state runner-up finish in 2025 and a state championship in 2026. Shepherd was also named the recipient of the Edgar Clark Character of Man Award and earned dean's list honors.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Keizo Baxter
6-0 Guard | Loveland, Colo. | Mountain View HS
Baxter brings a strong combination of leadership and versatility.
He earned Academic All-State honorable mention honors and helped guide his team to playoff appearances during both his junior and senior seasons. A key contributor on the track team as one of the top 800-meter runners, Baxter also served in multiple leadership roles, including student council, FCA and as a LINK leader.
Jaxon Lysne
6-2 | Guard | Post Falls, Idaho | Post Falls HS
Lysne comes to Caldwell following a standout prep career at Post Falls High School while also completing dual enrollment at North Idaho College, where he earned a 4.0 GPA. A first-team all-league selection and Inland Empire League Co-Player of the Year, Lysne was named MVP of his varsity team and earned Idaho High School All-Star honors. He was also a North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame finalist and a consistent academic award recipient. Lysne served as team captain and also competed in track while remaining active in community service and youth basketball programs.
Ty Read
6-10 Forward/Center | Eugene, Ore. / Meridian, Idaho | Owyhee HS
Read brings size and production to the Yotes frontcourt. A four-year varsity player who competed at Churchill High School before finishing at Owyhee High School, he led the state of Oregon in rebounds during his junior season. Read also played football and competed in select basketball throughout high school while earning four academic awards.
Fans looking to follow the Yotes this season can view the full schedule and stay up to date with game times and promotions
HERE. Supporters are also encouraged to join the 6th Man Club, the official booster group for College of Idaho men's basketball, to enhance the game-day atmosphere and play a direct role in backing the program throughout the 2026-27 season.
