CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- With the 2025-26 season right around the corner, Southern Utah Men's Basketball is gearing up for a year with plenty of new faces that bring length, athleticism, versatility, and chemistry -- and the Thunderbirds front court is leading the charge. SUU Head Coach Rob Jeter and his coaching staff have built a group of centers and forwards that combine all those traits.

The Front Court

#0 Isaiah Cottrell - 6'11 - Senior - Las Vegas, NV
#11 Juok Riak - 6'8 - Sophomore - Madison, WI
#23 Chuks Isitua - 6'10 - R-Sophomore - Lagos, NG
#24 Cale Barclay - 6'8 - Freshman - Herriman, UT
#25 Kai Burdick - 7'0 - Senior - Carlsbad, CA
#35 Jaiden Feroah - 6'9 - Senior - Draper, UT

"It is all about pairing talent and personality," Jeter said. "We have a group that plays the right way and fits who we are trying to be. Our front court is a big part of that."

At the center of that group is Isaiah Cottrell, a 6'11" senior and former five-star recruit whose blend of athleticism and shooting ability gives the Thunderbirds a major weapon on both ends of the floor. Cottrell can score inside, stretch the defense, and protect the rim — all while bringing valuable experience from his collegiate journey.

"Isaiah's skill level is special," Jeter said. "Our big guys can play inside out, which is really important for us. We can score inside, but we can also step out and shoot the three, and Isaiah fits that perfectly."

Joining him up front is Jaiden Feroah, a 6'9" senior transfer from Holy Cross who grew up in Utah and returns home for his final college season. Feroah is the exact type of player that a coach loves: always takes coaching well, consistently gives 100% effort, and always makes the right play.

"Jaiden brings great effort and maturity," Jeter said. "His ability to make plays inside will be huge for us. He can score from anywhere on the floor, and he passes out of the post really well."

"Isaiah and Jaiden both understand the physicality needed to make a difference at this level, and that has been an important piece for us," continued Jeter.

The future of SUU's front line looks bright thanks to Cale Barclay, a 6'8" true freshman whose athleticism and upside have made him a name to watch early. Despite being one of the youngest on the roster, Barclay has already shown the ability to impact games.

"Cale's got great potential," Jeter said. "He works hard, learns quickly, and brings a lot of energy. He's only going to get better."

Rounding out the unit is Kai Burdick, a 7'0" senior and the only returning front-court player from last season. Burdick's experience and steady leadership have made him an anchor in the locker room and on the floor.

"Kai is our most improved player from last year," Jeter said. "Having a guy that already knows what I am going to say is very beneficial. He stayed in Cedar for the majority of the summer and has gotten a lot better in all facets of the game."

Together, this mix of veterans and youth gives the Thunderbirds a front court with both power and polish — one capable of setting the tone in the paint and beyond.

"In this day and age, it is all about understanding your guy's personalities. You have to know the right way to coach them, how they will respond, and how to get the most out of them." Said Jeter. "I am really excited about this group; they are athletic, they are versatile, and most importantly, they all want to win."

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