Whenever a team signs a new recruit, the coach invariably says the newcomer will have a chance "to have an immediate impact."

Those words carry a little more weight when the coach in question is coming off one of the worst seasons in school history. Colorado State head coach Tim Miles' debut season included a school-record 17-game losing streak, an 0-16 record in conference play and a 0-14 record on the road. So when he says his recruits have a chance to play right away, they have a chance to play right away.

Last season's Rams roster featured four walk-ons, including starter Adam Nigon. Andre McFarland started more games (31) than any freshman in school history. Predictably, the youthful and inexperienced club finished eighth or ninth in the Mountain West in almost every statistical category.

Six new players will try to follow up teammate Marcus Walker's Newcomer of the Year success. That includes two transfers from JUCO powerhouse College of Southern Idaho (30-2 last season), 6-9 forward Mame Bocar Ba and 6-5 shooting guard Harvey Perry Jr.

"We expect these players to have an immediate impact on our team," Miles said. "Not only are these guys talented on the floor, but good guys off the floor. High talent and high character."

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