BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University reinforced its talent for the future with the additions of Braden East (6-9, 238, F, Houston, Texas) and Jayden Gambrell (6-3, 170, G, Houston, Texas) Thursday evening as both signed National Letters of Intent to play basketball and further their education at Lamar announced head coach Alvin Brooks.
 
The two newest Cardinals are both ranked among the top prospects from the Greater Houston Area and have made a career of filling up the stat sheets. East averaged nearly a double-double per game during his junior season, while Gambrell scored 25 points, pulled down 12 rebounds, recorded nearly five assists and four steals per game as a junior.
 
"Being a former player here and now head coach at Lamar, I understand that it takes a special type of player to be successful here," said Brooks. "Both of these young men fit all of those qualities. In addition to being talented players, they're both humble guys who are hardworking and come from strong families.
 
"In this day and age of the transfer portal, you have to also find guys who really want to be at your institution, and both Braden and Jayden want to be here. Their high schools had huge signing day celebrations for them, and their communities are very excited about them coming to Lamar," added Brooks.
 
A candidate for the VYPE Houston Public Schools Preseason Player of the Year, East has been ranked as the No. 13 prospect in Houston according to OTR Exposure – a site dedicated to highlighting top talent in Houston. East proved himself to be a weapon at both ends of the floor during his junior year averaging nearly 14 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game on his way to all-district honors. East also led Stafford to the regional final appearance as a junior.
 
"East is 6-9, 238-pounds and is just 17," said Brooks. "He doesn't turn 18 until the end of the season. He is still growing into his frame."
 
Gambrell is rated as a three-star prospect according to 247Sports.com. Considered the No. 46 combo guard nationally, and the 34^th-ranked prospect in the Lone Star state, he is also a candidate for VYPE's Houston Public Schools' Preseason Player of the Year. Gambrell averaged 25 points, 12 rebounds and dished out nearly five assists per game for a Madison squad that went 24-8 last year and led the state averaging 83 points per game.
 
"Gambrell opened the year by scoring 40 points in his first game and followed that up with a 30-point game," said Brooks. "These two young men play with confidence and will compete against everyone. We play an up-tempo style of basketball and that fits how they both play."
 
The announcement of the Cardinals two signees comes as the Cardinals are flying to Stockton, Calif., to take on the University of the Pacific. The game against UOP will tip off Saturday at 2 p.m. (4 p.m. Beaumont time) from the Alex G. Spanos Center.