FULLERTON, Calif. – Kennedy Esume, a 6-foot-10 center from Warri, Nigeria, is the fifth student-athlete to join Cal State Fullerton's 2014 recruiting class, it was announced by second-year men's basketball head coach Dedrique Taylor on Wednesday.

Esume recently completed his sophomore season at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. CSI finished the 2013-2014 campaign with a 27-5 overall record, and ranked 10th in the National Junior College Athletic Association poll. In addition during Esume's sophomore year, the Golden Eagles won the Scenic West Athletic Conference title and took second in the Region 18 Tournament.

"We are tremendously excited to add Kennedy to our program," Taylor said. "He provides us with some much needed size and athleticism.  I'm most excited for his presence academically, as we continue to improve the brand of Titan basketball, Kennedy helps us immediately accomplish that."

In 30 games played for the Golden Eagles during 2014, Esume averaged 3.9 points per game shooting 62.5 percent from the floor. He averaged 4.0 rebounds per game and totaled 20 blocks.

During his freshman season, Esume averaged 3.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

"I am extremely excited for Kennedy to join the Titan family," College of Southern Idaho assistant men's basketball coach Colby Blaine said. "He could not have selected a better coach than Dedrique Taylor to play his final two years for. Kennedy is an extremely high-character student-athlete, and one of my all-time favorites that has played here at the College of Southern Idaho, and he genuinely cares about the people around him.

"His focus on basketball and academics is second to none. Kennedy played two outstanding years for us. He always did what we asked of him, and he did it at a high level. His size and strength is impressive, which will allow for him to make an immediate impact on the defensive side. Kennedy's offensive game has come a long way as well, and I expect to see him make a strong impact for the Titans with his ability to get position and score around the rim. I know the Fullerton community will fall in love with him."

Prior to attending CSI, Esume had never played organized basketball.

Esume, who signed during the regular period, joins Jamar Akoh, Ron Freeman, Malcom Henderson and Lanerryl Johnson, who were signed during the early period in November.

2014-15 CAL STATE FULLERTON MEN'S BASKETBALL SIGNEES

Name (HT, WT, POS, Hometown/Previous School)

Jamar Akoh, 6-7, 240, F (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Los Osos HS)
Kennedy Esume, 6-10, 245, C (Warri, Nigeria/College of Southern Idaho)
Ron Freeman, 6-6, 180, F (Gardena, Calif./Serra HS)
Malcolm Henderson, 6-8, 260, F (Chatequguay, Quebec, Canada/Missouri State West Plains JC)
Lanerryl Johnson, 6-1, PG (Atlanta, Ga./Central Arizona JC)