CSI basketball player Cooper Kesler commits to Lafayette University

Sharpshooting guard will join Patriot Conference program in Pennsylvania

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:03am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player's jump shot broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the dynamic energy and motion of the sport.A rising star from Idaho joins a Patriot Conference program in hopes of elevating their fortunes on the hardwood.Twin Falls Today

Cooper Kesler, one of only three Idahoans on the College of Southern Idaho men's basketball team this past season, has announced his commitment to play Division I basketball at Lafayette University in Easton, Pennsylvania. Kesler was the top shooter for CSI, appearing in all 37 games and knocking down 92 of 220 three-pointers for a 42% clip.

Why it matters

Kesler's commitment to Lafayette is a significant development for the Leopards, who finished seventh in the 10-team Patriot League last year and will be looking to Kesler's shooting ability to help them improve their floor spacing and scoring output next season.

The details

Despite starting just seven of 37 games, Kesler was the third-highest scorer on the CSI team, averaging 12.7 points per game. He was also the top player at the charity stripe, connecting on 80% of his free throw attempts. Kesler was named the MVP of the Region 18 Tournament after scoring 21 points in the tournament championship game victory over Snow College.

  • Kesler played for the CSI men's basketball team this past season (2025-26).
  • Kesler announced his commitment to Lafayette University on April 15, 2026.

The players

Cooper Kesler

A sharpshooting guard who was one of only three Idahoans on the College of Southern Idaho men's basketball team this past season.

Lafayette University

A Division I basketball program that competes in the Patriot Conference and last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2015.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to welcome Cooper to our program. His shooting ability will be a great asset as we look to improve our floor spacing and scoring next season.”

— Lafayette University Head Coach

What’s next

Kesler will join the Lafayette University men's basketball team for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Kesler's commitment to Lafayette University represents an opportunity for the Patriot Conference program to add a talented shooter who can help them take a step forward after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. The Leopards will be counting on Kesler's perimeter scoring to boost their offense next season.