Dakota College at Bottineau Head Men's Basketball Coach Karl Sorby has announced the program's first batch of signees for the 2023-24 season. DCB finished the 2022-23 season with a record of 20-11, the first 20 win season for DCB Men's Basketball since 2015. These signees, along with the returning sophomores will look to continue upon last season's success. This first group of signees include:

Luke Valencia (6'4 Wing – Howell, NJ)

Coach Sorby comments: "Luke joined the program in January 2023, and spent the spring semester as a redshirt. That semester of experience in our program is valuable for our program as he is basically another returner for us. What our fans can look forward to with Luke is that he is a sharpshooting wing who can also score off the dribble. Luke also put on quite a bit of strength this spring which will be useful to have him play & guard multiple positions for us."   

Wai'apo Louis (6'0 Guard – Hamilton, NZ & Iowa Lakes CC)

Coach Sorby comments:"Wai'apo is a very good addition to our program as a dynamic, shot-making guard who is a good decision maker with the ball in his hands. He also provides high level 3pt shooting off the ball for us off the ball. On the defensive end, Wai'apo is a pesky defender who consistently gets his hand on the ball for steals and deflections. We like that Wai'apo spent last season growing and developing as a redshirt in a quality Iowa Lakes C.C. program this past season and we believe that he will be ready to make an impact here right away."

Gerardo Saucedo (6'0 Guard – Sevilla, Spain)

Coach Sorby comments:"Gerardo is a crafty guard, he does a great job of setting up his defender in order to gain a driving angle. Gerardo has an array of finishes around the basket and has the vision necessary to find the open man in our offense. Defensively Gerardo does a very good job of pressuring the ball-handler while moving his feet to avoid picking up fouls and is a willing charge-taker. We look forward to working with Gerardo in our program."

Wyatt Spickler (5'11 Guard – Glenfield, ND)

Coach Sorby comments:"Wyatt was our first commitment to kick off this 2023 class. Wyatt brings the ability to shoot the 3 and shoot it from deep. He also is crafty with the ball in his hands and able to finish with a variety of finishes around the basket. Wyatt will be a quality addition to our program."

Jon Saurez (6'0 Guard – Rapid City, SD)

Coach Sorby comments:"Jon is a quality addition from the region. He is another guard who will bring craftiness and shooting to our program along with vision to find the open guy. Defensively, he has nice anticipation to be an effective defender. We look forward to getting Jon to Bottineau."

Phil Gibaut (6'2 Guard – Bunbury, AUS)

Coach Sorby comments:"Phil is a high-motor, tough guard who likes doing the dirty work. He can guard for 94ft, make all the defensive rotations, put his body on the line, then sprint up the floor in transition. Offensively, he is a sharpshooter from 3, and a good decision maker with the ball in his hands. Phil is also a vocal, positive teammate that Lumberjack fans will enjoy watching. We will look to Phil to replace many of the qualities that Loukas Triantis brought to our program the past two seasons.

Brayden West-Linnett (6'5 Wing – Melbourne, AUS)

Coach Sorby comments:"Brayden is that classic "3 & D" wing that we always look for. He is constantly hunting for his shot, provides excellent size & length for our wing position, and is a tough-nosed defender who can guard multiple positions. We are excited to keep the Aussie connection going with Brayden. DCB fans will enjoy watching him torch the nets in the Woodshed in 2023-24."

Harrison Keaney (6'3 Wing/Forward – Rockhampton, AUS)

Coach Sorby comments:"Harrison is one of our first commitments of the 2023 class. Harrison is a strong, tough, and hardworking guy that our program always looks for. Look for Harrison to be a "swiss-army knife" that will be looked upon to both play & guard multiple positions for the Lumberjacks. Harrison will prove to be someone who fans will love to watch."

Danny Lazic (6'8 Forward – Toronto, Ontario & Ellsworth CC)

Coach Sorby comments:"Danny is a multi-skilled forward who spent the past season as a redshirt at a quality Ellsworth C.C. program. We will look to use Danny in the post, to stretch the floor, and to attack off the dribble on the offensive end. Defensively, Danny will be a good shot-altering presence around the rim and will be able to switch onto smaller matchups while being able to stay in front of them. I believe DCB fans will enjoy watching Danny compete every night."

Cael Simpson (6'8 Forward – Currumbin Waters, AUS)

Coach Sorby comments:"Cael is a mobile forward who comes to DCB from Australia. Cael really moves up and down the court well at 6'8, has the ability to attack off the dribble, and finishes around the basket at a high level. Defensively, we look for Cael to anchor our defense with being a shot-blocking presence while also being able to switch onto smaller matchups successfully. I am looking forward to getting Cael to campus in August."

DCB Men's Basketball looks forward to completing the remainder of their 2023 recruiting class soon and will announce new signings at a later date.