FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Zach Crisler, a 6-9, 215-pount forward, and Supreme Cook, a 6-9, 200-pound forward, have signed to attend and play basketball at Fairfield University. Stags Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Young made the announcement today.

                "Zach and Supreme are the epitome of student athletes," Coach Young said. "We welcome them and their families to our Fairfield community and are looking forward to the journey ahead."

                Crisler comes to Fairfield after spending a season at Rice University where he started seven of his 23 appearances. He made his collegiate debut against the University of Arkansas before scoring his first points against Penn one game later. He scored in eight straight games in January which resulted in 4.3 points per game including a season-high 11 points at North Texas. The forward finished the season with a 2.4 scoring and a 1.7 rebounding average

                Before playing at Rice, Crisler excelled on the hardwood at LaSalle College High School where he helped the program post a 28-4 record and finish as the runner-up in the Philadelphia Catholic League. LaSalle College High School went on to reach the semifinals in the Philadelphia Interscholastic Athletic Association tournament. As a senior, Crisler averaged 12.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His numbers were strong enough to garner a spot on the All-Catholic League second team.4

                 Crisler was honored with two awards while at LaSalle College High School, including the Ferguson Award which is presented for excellence in basketball and academics. He also collected the Most Dedicated Award for his efforts on the court. Over his scholastic career, he averaged 13.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.

                "Zach is a versatile and skilled player who is capable of stretching defense with his ability to shoot the ball," Coach Young said. "He will bring some needed experience to our front court having competed in Conference USA during his freshman year. We are excited to welcome Zach to our family."

                 Cook joins the Stags basketball program after spending last season at The Peddie School. The forward also attended East Orange Campus High School for three years and St. Benedict's Prep for one year before enrolling at the Peddie School. Cook played AAU basketball with the New Jersey Roadrunners, the same program which featured current Fairfield University guard Taj Benning.

                 He has been a scorer throughout his scholastic career, posting 10 or more points on average since his sophomore season. Last season, Cook garnered several post-season honors from NJHoops.com, earning second-team All-State Independent/Prep and a spot on site's All-Rebounding first team. His efforts are around the rim have also been noticed defensively as he averaged better than three blocks per game through his career. He served as Peddie's team captain for the 2019-20 campaign.

                "Supreme's best years of basketball are ahead of him," Coach Young said. "He has excelled at one of the most competitive prep levels in the country and I am confident he will continue to find success at Fairfield. Supreme can defend multiple positions and has the potential to be one of the best rebounders in the MAAC. I am looking forward to having Supreme join our program."

                The Fairfield University men's basketball team will begin its second season under Coach Young. In his first season with the program, the Stags became one of the top defensive teams in the country, ranking 23^rd in the nation for scoring defense by allowing 62.9 points per game.