LACEY, Wash. - The Saint Martin's Men's Basketball program has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its roster for the upcoming season with the recent signings of Jael Vaughn and Myles Samuels. Both players bring unique talents and experiences that are sure to make a positive impact on the team's performance on the court. Head Coach Aaron Landon is thrilled about the potential contributions these players will make in the seasons to come.

Jael Vaughn, a talented guard, initially began his collegiate basketball journey at Southwestern Oregon Community College during the 2019-20 season. As a freshman at SWOCC, Vaughn showcased his exceptional skills, averaging an impressive 17.3 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, and 5.6 assists per game. These outstanding numbers highlighted his ability to be a triple-threat on the court, not only scoring but also actively contributing to his team's rebounding and facilitating plays for his teammates.

After a successful season at SWOCC, Vaughn decided to transfer to Utah State Eastern, where redshirted during the 2021-22 season. However, his time at USUE was marked by continued growth and development as he put up solid numbers during his sophomore season, averaging 12.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game before an injury curtailed his season after 11 games.

"Jael is going to add a layer of toughness and physicality to our backcourt; we're really excited about his motor and the way he competes. He's seen the highs and lows of college basketball; we're expecting him to draw on those experiences and continue to develop," Coach Landon remarked about Jael Vaughn.

Myles Samuels, another exciting addition to the team, joins Saint Martin's from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, where he showcased his versatility and all-around abilities on the court. During his time at NEO, Samuels averaged an impressive 7.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, contributing to his team's exceptional 23-6 record. His capacity to impact the game in various ways, combined with his unselfish playing style and excellent passing skills, will undoubtedly make him an asset to the team's offensive strategy.

Samuels' basketball journey commenced at NCAA Division II's Drury University, where he gained valuable experience and exposure to a higher level of play. In his sophomore season at Drury, he appeared in 19 games and started in nine, further honing his skills and acclimatizing himself to the competitive college basketball landscape.

"Myles is a versatile player and can impact the game in a variety of ways. He's an unselfish player that can really pass; we're excited about how he can fit in with the great group of returners we have," Coach Landon expressed his enthusiasm about Myles Samuels.

Both Jael Vaughn and Myles Samuels are poised to make an immediate impact on the Saint Martin's Men's Basketball team. Their diverse skill sets and collegiate experiences promise to elevate the team's performance and competitiveness in the challenging basketball landscape of the GNAC and the West Region.