CSU Adds Four Additional Players to 09-10 Class

Columbus, GA - Columbus State head men's basketball coach Doug Branson has announced the signing of three junior college transfers and one high school graduate to scholarships for the 2009-10 season. CSU has added Larry Cox and Charles Collins from junior college USC Salkehatchie, Jeremy Grimball from Daytona State College, and Darius Smith from Shiloh High in Snellville.

Cox, a 6-7 forward originally from Byron, GA, averaged 12.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game to help lead the Indians to the NJCAA Division I Region X championship and was named Second Team All-Region. He spent one season at Cowley Community College in Kansas where he averaged 12.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. "Larry brings a toughness and aggression to the low post that we welcome. He's a true power forward, but has a soft touch from the perimeter," said Branson.

Collins, a 6-4 guard originally from Richmond, VA, averaged 5.5 points and 3.2 rebounds for the Indians last season. He played one season at Peach Belt foe Francis Marion before transferring to Salkehatchie. "Charles brings to the table open-court athleticism and a knack for getting the tough rebound. I also like the fact that he has PBC experience," added Branson.

Grimball, a 7-0 footer originally from Jacksonville, FL, averaged 5.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks per game in his one season at Daytona State. The 220-pounder spent one season at Trinity Valley Junior College in Texas before transferring back to the state of Florida. "Jeremy will bring a 'big man' defensive presence we've been lacking here at CSU," said Branson.

Smith, a 6-4 guard, averaged 11.6 points and 7.4 rebounds for Shiloh his senior season. The 170-pound high-flyer has a 41-inch vertical leap. "What separates Darius from other gifted athletes is the fact that he knows how to use his skills to compete and win," added Branson.

CSU signed two players back in the early signing period in November and the program announced in early May the signing of three transfers and two true freshmen. Branson enters his third season as head coach in 2009-10 and fourth overall in the head coach's chair after serving as interim coach in the 2006-07 season.