T-Birds Sign SLCC's Cheesman 
  
CEDAR CITY, Utah, May 15 - Southern Utah University has added another men's basketball commitment, as Salt Lake Community College's Jayson Cheesman has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Thunderbirds next season, SUU Coach Nick Robinson has announced. 
  
"We are thrilled to have Jayson join the Thunderbird family next season as we enter the Big Sky," Robinson said. "Jayson brings needed experience, size, and skill to our frontline.  He has been well coached under Coach Phillips and we look forward to his contributions to our program."

Cheesman, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound center from Orem, Utah (Mountain View HS), was an honorable mention all-Region 18 performer for Coach Todd Phillips' Bruins last year. Cheesman led the Bruins in rebounding and blocks, averaging 5.5 boards and 1.4 rejections per contest last year. He also chipped in 7.9 points per game while connecting on 50.0 percent of his shots from the field last season. His blocks average ranked second in the Scenic West Conference, his field goal percentage ranked fourth and he was also among the conference's top-10 in rebounding and offensive rebounds last year. Cheesman helped the Bruins to a 22-9 overall mark - including a 9-6 record in SWAC play - and a number-two seed in the Region 18 tournament.

Cheesman said the coaching staff and the location of the school played a big part in his choosing the Thunderbirds over Rhode Island, San Francisco and San Jose State.

"I liked the coaching staff a lot. They had a lot of good energy and it seemed like I was a good fit with the coaches," he pointed out. "Also, the players seemed like they were all ready to focus on next year, it just felt like a good feel all around. It's also close to home, my family will be able to come and see me play here."

-- SUU --