POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State Men's Basketball continues to build its future, as Head Coach Ryan Looney announced the signing of four players who will join the Bengals for the 2027-28 season. Siincere Hudson, Orland Axton, Emmanuel Chabuka, and Gage Ontiveros.
Headlining the group is Hudson, who arrives as the highest-rated recruit in Idaho State men's basketball program history. The Sacramento native is ranked among the top 200 players nationally by multiple recruiting services and has earned a four-star rating from ESPN.
As the landscape of college basketball continues to evolve, Idaho State's coaching staff remains focused on building a roster through multiple recruiting avenues. Alongside its work in the transfer portal, the Bengals continue to invest in high school talent, identifying players with the potential to develop and contribute to the program in the years ahead.
The four signees represent a blend of local, regional and national recruiting, with all four recruits set to join the Bengals for the 2027-28 campaign.
Siincere Hudson
Guard, 6-2
Freshman
Sacramento, California | Modesto Christian High School
Hudson arrives in Pocatello as the highest-rated recruit in Idaho State men's basketball history. The 6-foot-2 guard is rated the No. 195 player in the nation and the No. 14 player in California by Rivals and On3. He is also ranked No. 184 nationally and No. 18 in California by 247Sports, while earning a four-star rating from ESPN.
Hudson is coming off a standout junior season at Modesto Christian, where he averaged 16.3 points, 7.6 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. Drawing interest from other programs, including Texas Tech, UNLV, Wichita State and San Francisco.
There is some familiarity with Hudson, as he spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Inderkum High School in Sacramento. Inderkum is also the alma mater of current Bengals, Malik and Malachi Johnson, as well as the program where Idaho State assistant coach Robert Rodriguez previously coached.
"Siincere is great addition to our program", shared Bengals' head coach, Ryan Looney. "You must have great guard play in the Big Sky. Siincere definitely has a chance to develop into the type of player that can be extremely successful. It's been great getting to know him and his family during the recruiting process."
Orland Axton
Guard, 6-4
Freshman
Spokane, Washington | Central Valley High School
Axton joins the Bengals from Central Valley High School in Spokane, Washington, where he helped lead the program to an 18-8 record last season. Basketball runs in the family for Axton, whose father, Marc Axton, is a Hall of Famer at Eastern Washington.
Central Valley also has a strong connection to Idaho State, serving as the alma mater of both Looney and former Bengal and Big Sky MVP, Dylan Darling. The 6-foot-4 guard brings scoring ability to the Bengals' incoming class.
"Orland has been someone we have been following for a while", Looney said. "He comes from the same high school program as former Bengal Dylan Darling. He can really score. Bengal fans should be excited about Orland."
Emmanuel Chabuka
Forward, 6-7
Freshman
Kuna, Idaho | Kuna High School
Chabuka stays close to home as he makes the move from Kuna High School to Idaho State. The Idaho native also has a family connection to the university, as his mother attended Idaho State.
Chabuka was named a second-team all-state selection following his junior season in 2025-26, after averaging 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game for a Kuna squad that finished 20-7. He delivered one of his top performances on the state tournament stage, scoring 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in Kuna's 72-67 victory over Capital in the consolation championship of the 6A state tournament last March.
"Emmanuel is one of the best in Idaho", Looney shared. "We identified him last year during the Idaho High School State Basketball Tournament. Manny has great versatility. Our staff is excited to start coaching him."
Gage Ontiveros
Forward, 6-10
Sophomore
Pocatello, Idaho | North Idaho College
Ontiveros returns home to Pocatello after continuing his basketball career at North Idaho College. The 6-foot-10 forward previously starred at Pocatello High School, helping lead the Thunder to a state championship during his senior season in 2024-25.
During his freshman campaign at North Idaho College in 2025-26, Ontiveros appeared in all 31 games for the Carindals, making 17 starts while averaging 6.0 points in 16.3 minutes per game. Ontiveros also shot 63.0 percent from the field.
Ontiveros has continued to make strides during his sophomore season, averaging 9.3 points in 17.0 minutes per game through his first three appearances. He is shooting 70.6 percent from the field and 80.0 percent from the free-throw line.
His return to the Gate City gives Idaho State another frontcourt addition with local ties, size and collegiate experience.
Looney gave his thoughts on bringing Ontiveros back to Pocatello, "Gage is coming home. His senior year of high school he helped Pocatello High School win a state championship. We have been extremely impressed with his continued development at North Idaho College. He is poised to have a great year for them. Gage will be a great Bengal and our fans will get to watch him play again."
With the addition of Hudson, Axton, Chabuka and Ontiveros, Idaho State continues to shape its roster for the 2027-28 season and beyond. The group adds talent from across the northwestern United States while also keeping two Idaho natives in the Gem State.
