Syracuse, N.Y. – Le Moyne College head men's basketball coach Nate Champion '14 announced on Wednesday that two high school student-athletes have signed Letters of Intent to attend Le Moyne and play for the Dolphins in 2024-25. The class consists of guard Jakob Blakley and forward Isaac Nyakundi.
 
Jakob Blakley – G – Chicago, Ill./Walter Payton Preparatory High School
AAU: Fundamental U
 
Blakley was a first team all-conference, second team all-city and second team all-state in his career, during which he eclipsed 1000 career points. As a senior, he averaged 28 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.

Champion on Blakley: "We are really excited for Jakob to be coming to us. He is one of the most talented scorers in Chicago and I think he can be equally as talented at Le Moyne. Jakob is not only an outstanding player but a great person as well. I'm looking forward to seeing his growth over the next four years!"
 
Blakley on choosing Le Moyne: "When I first visited the Le Moyne campus, I knew immediately that it was the right place for me to grow athletically and academically as a college athlete. The coaches are very engaged with all the players, which creates an environment that pushes each athlete to perform at their best. The practice I attended was very energetic and the system the coaches had in place was a clear indicator that they really understood the key components that it takes to create a winning program. From the moment I arrived on campus, I knew this was the right place for me to grow as a college athlete."
 
Reggie Bates, Head Coach, Walter Payton Prep on Blakley: "Jakob is the most prolific scorer I have ever coached. He's an absolute winter that does whatever his team needs to win!"
 
Mike Weinstein, Head Coach Fundamental U on Blakley: "Jakob was a pleasure to coach and was always wanting more criticism to get better. He always wanted to help his team win and was a true culture guy. I was truly fortunate to coach this young man and he is only scratching the surface of how successful he will be on and off the court. Truly a winner. Oh, he can really score too!"
 
Isaac Nyakundi – F - Duluth, Minn./Duluth East/The MacDuffie School (Mass.)
AAU: NY Jayhawks
 
Nyakundi was a two-year captain at The MacDuffie School, which is located in Granby, Massachusetts. As a senior, he averaged 18 points and 13 rebounds per game. As a junior, he earned All-NEPSAC Class AA Honorable Mention after recording 20 double-doubles. In his final season at Duluth East High School, he averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Champion on Nyakundi: "We're thrilled for Isaac to be joining the program. He brings a great feel for the game and a presence in the paint. Isaac plays with a high motor and high IQ on both ends of the floor. He will add a great deal to the culture of our program. We can't wait to have him on campus."
 
Nyakundi on choosing Le Moyne: "I chose Le Moyne because I really liked the coaching staff. The coaches took a lot of time recruiting and building a relationship with me. Having them come out to my games and open gyms really meant a lot. It really felt like they wanted me there and after taking a visit it really felt like a place I could see myself. I can't wait to be a part of the culture they're building at the D1 level."
 
Kurt Steiner, Head Coach, The MacDuffie School on Nyakundi: "In addition to his basketball skills and leadership qualities, Isaac Nyakundi brings a strong work ethic, dedication to improvement and his character off the court sets a positive example for his teammates. Isaac can stretch the floor and has dominant strength in the post. He also contributes to team chemistry and unity, fostering a supportive and competitive environment among his teammates.  Issac's work ethic in the classroom is as impressive as his dedication to the game of basketball."
 
The Dolphins finished their first season at the Division I level with an overall record of 15-17, including a mark of 9-7 in NEC action, and advanced to the NEC semifinals.

The National Letter-of-Intent program was started in 1964. Administered by the Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA), the program was designed with prospective student-athletes in mind. A signed letter-of-intent indicates a prospective student-athlete agrees to attend the designated college or university for one academic year. Institutions agree to provide athletics financial aid for one academic year to the student-athlete, provided the student-athlete is admitted to the institution and is eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules.