Men's Basketball Signs Six Players
5/7/2025 10:30:00 AM | Men's Basketball
2025-26 Men's Basketball RosterWill Ashford BioNathan Claerbaut BioJalen Kampen BioNick Mullen BioKayden Nation BioJaxson Whitaker Bio
Central Michigan, Andy Bronkema adds six players to 2025-26 roster: Will Ashford, Nathan Claerbaut, Jalen Kampen, Nick Mullen, Kayden Nation, and Jaxson Whitaker.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Six student-athletes—Will Ashford, Nathan Claerbaut, Jalen Kampen, Nick Mullen, Kayden Nation, and Jaxson Whitaker—have signed a National Letter of Intent to play and have joined the Central Michigan Men's Basketball program, Head Coach Andy Bronkema announced on Wednesday morning.
Ashford, Claerbaut, Kampen, Mullen, Nation, and Whitaker are the first six players of Central Michigan's incoming 2025 recruiting class. All six players will enroll at Central Michigan in June.
"We are excited to welcome all six players to Central Michigan," Bronkema said. "It's great to have some of our original targets and have players that we have good relationships with and evaluations on. Having players familiar with the system and myself will help us establish our culture. We have a little bit of everything with this group: length, shooting, physicality, efficiency, and experience. I'm looking forward to building the next phase of our roster around these players and continuing to put the pieces together. The most exciting part about these recruits is that they all want to win, they all heard about our vision, and were excited about it."
"I think the staff just did a great job identifying our type of players and getting them to campus."
SPRING 2025 MEN'S BASKETBALL SIGNEES
The following is information on each signee:
WILL ASHFORD
Guard | 6-5 | 200 | Sophomore | Aurora, Ill./Purdue Northwest/Metea Valley H.S.
Enrolled at Central Michigan in June 2025 as a sophomore.
2024-25 AT PURDUE NORTHWEST
As a true freshman guard, saw action in all 28 games with 19 starts … Averaged 9.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 28.3 minutes per game … Shot 54.7 percent (98-179) from the floor, 55.4 percent (31-56) from 3-point range, and 80.0 percent (40-50) from the free throw line … Reached double figure scoring in 12 games on year … Scored 12 points in 37 minutes vs. Northern Michigan (2/27) … Scored 12 points (6-10 FG) with six rebounds at Lake Superior State (2/22) … Grabbed eight rebounds, scored eight points vs. Davenport (2/15) … Scored 14 points (5-14 FG) with three assists vs. Grand Valley State (2/13) … Scored a career-high 20 points (8-11 FG), hit 4-5 free throws, grabbed six rebounds vs. Roosevelt (2/10) … Scored 14 points (5-10 FG) at Wisconsin-Parkside (2/8) … Finished with 16 points (6-6 FG), hit 4-4 3-pointers and grabbed five rebounds vs. Wayne State (1/30) … Scored 12 points, hit 4-5 3-pointers at Grand Valley State 91/25) … Finished with 14 points (4-8 FG) with six rebounds at Davenport (1/23) …. Contributed 15 points (5-9 FG) with four rebounds at Saginaw Valley State (1/9) … Scored 18 points (6-9 FG)vs. East-West U (12/21) … Added 18 points (7-9 FG), hit two 3-pointers vs. Great Lakes Christian (11/26) … Scored 13 points (6-7 FG) vs. Westcliff (11/14).
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2024 graduate of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Ill, where he played three years of varsity basketball for head coach Isaiah Davis … Named to the 2024 Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area First Team, Aurora Beacon-News All-Area First Team, and Naperville Sun All-Area First Team as a senior … Two-time First Team All-Conference selection … Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area honorable mention selection as junior … Averaged 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists for the Mustangs during his senior season … Guided the Mustangs to a 19-11 overall record and second place finish in conference play with a 6-4 record … Scored 23 points (9-15 FG) with nine rebounds in an upset vs. Oswego East … Averaged 11.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists as a junior … Helped lead the Mustangs to a 21-9 overall record and 5-5 slate in conference play as a junior … Played AAU basketball with the M14 adidas Gold squad and M14Hoops.
PERSONAL
Born Will Ashford on November 10, 2005.
ARTICLES
Basketball: Metea Valley's Will Ashford among state's best
NATHAN CLAERBAUT
Center | 7-0 | 230 | Senior | Zeeland, Mich./Ferris State/East H.S.
Enrolls at Central Michigan in June 2025 as a senior.
CAREER
Averaged 6.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 15.6 minutes per game while seeing action in 61 career games and 33 starts at center at Ferris State … Shot 58.6 percent (160-273) from the floor and 75.9 percent (60-79) from the free throw line.
2024-25 AT FERRIS STATE
As a redshirt junior center, saw action in 34 games with 33 starts … Earned GLIAC All-Defensive Team honors … Averaged 9.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 23.1 minutes played per game … Shot 60.4 percent (137-227) from the floor and 82.0 percent (50-61) from the free throw line … Registered three double-doubles on the season … Reached double figure scoring in 17 games and double figure rebounding in four games on season … Earned the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week honor on Nov. 11 after back-to-back double-doubles vs. Northwood and Lake Erie … Earned All-Tournament honors for the GLIAC/GMAC Crossover … Scored 18 points (7-8 FG) and hit 4-6 free throws with eight rebounds at Saginaw Valley State (3/1) … Scored 19 points (7-11 FG), hit 5-5 free throws with nine rebounds at Purdue Northwest (1/18) … Blocked a career-high eight shots, grabbed eight rebounds vs. Grand Valley State (1/9) … Scored 14 points (5-6), grabbed seven rebounds, and blocked a then career-high seven shots vs. Lake Superior State (12/3) … Notched double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds at Roosevelt (12/7) … Finished with 16 points (6-11 FG) with nine rebounds vs. Grace Christian (11/26) … Scored 12 points, blocked four shots with 11 rebounds vs. Lake Erie (11/9) … Notched double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and blocked four shots vs. Northwood (11/8).
2023-24 AT FERRIS STATE
As a redshirt sophomore center, played in 13 games and 89 minutes off the bench … Averaged 2.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and blocked seven shots … Converted 54.2 percent (13-24) of his field goal attempts on the year … Scored four points, grabbed a season-high eight rebounds, and blocked three shots vs. Kuyper (12/30) … Scored a season-high eight points (4-6 FG) in 13 minutes vs. Fanshawe (12/29).
2022-23 AT FERRIS STATE
As a redshirt freshman center, played in 14 games and 5.4 minutes per game … Earned redshirt season … Played in a season-high 14 minutes, blocked a season-high four shots, and grabbed five rebounds vs. Michigan-Dearborn (12/17) … Scored seven points vs. Davenport (12/4) … Scored 10 points with five rebounds and two blocked shots in 13 minutes vs. Great Lakes Christian (11/22).
2021-22 AT FERRIS STATE
As a true freshman, did not see any action … Redshirted season.
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2021 graduate of Zeeland East High School, where he played xx years of varsity basketball for head coach Jeff Carlson … First Team All-OK-Green Conference honoree … MLive Grand Rapids Dream Team Second Team honoree as a senior … Averaged 13.5 points, 10 rebounds per game during senior season … Shot 62 percent from the floor … Registered a triple-double against Holland … Scored a career-high 24 points in a game … Ranked as the No. 29 player in the state … Ranked as the state's No. 1 center by Prep Hoops and No. 2 at his position by Bank Hoops … Played AAU ball for the West Michigan Lakers.
PERSONAL
Born Nathan Claerbaut on June 11, 2003 … Has a twin brother Brandon, who he played three years with at Ferris State … Originally was recruited by Boston U., Denver, and Ferris State.
ARTICLES
Claerbaut twins bolster Bulldogs – The Ferris State Torch
Ferris State's Claerbaut twins get big chance against Michigan
JALEN KAMPEN
Guard | 6-4 | 175 | Freshman | Parchment, Mich./Parchment H.S.
HIGH SCHOOL
Will graduate in June 2025 from Parchment High School, where he played four years of varsity basketball for head coach David Jones … Earned consensus Division 2 First Team All-State honors as a senior …Two-time Associated Press Division 2 All-State honoree … Two-time Michigan Sports Writers Division 2 All-State honoree … Named the MLive/Kalamazoo Gazeete Dream Team Player of the Year following the 2024-25 season … Four-time SAC Valley honoree … Four-year starter for the Panthers … Set the school's career scoring mark with 1,459 points … Guided Parchment to over 50 wins in 70 high school games … Ranked No. 17 in MHSAA basketball history with an 80.1 percent career free throw percentage … Averaged a career-best 22.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game during senior season … Shot 87 percent from the free throw line and 36 percent from 3-point range … Scored a career-high 40 points in a win over Three Rivers … Scored 32 points and went over 1,000 career points vs. Constantine … Scored basket in final seconds to lead Parchment to a win over Kalamazoo Hackett … Scored 35 points in season opener vs. Howardsville Christian … Averaged 21.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game and shot 40 percent from 3-point range and 52 percent from the floor in 19 games played as a junior … Played varsity basketball as a freshman and helped the Panthers claim a district title … Three-sport athlete who also played football and competed in track and field … Played quarterback and cornerback in football …Scored five touchdowns in a game … Named the Detroit Free Press football player of the week after throwing for 229 yards (16-24 passing) and two touchdowns and rushing for 124 yards and three touchdowns vs. South Haven … Helped set school record in 4x100 meter relay with a 49.10 time.
PERSONAL
Born Jalen Kampen on September 6, 2006 … Originally committed to Ferris State but once new CMU coach Andy Bronkema took the job at Central Michigan, switched his commitment.
ARTICLES
Parchment legend, Kalamazoo Player of the Year, flips commitment to this D1 program - mlive.com …
Breaking records is nice, but Ferris State commit wants to leave Parchment a winner - mlive.com
NICK MULLEN
Forward | 6-10 | 230 | Senior | Chesterton, Ind./IU-South Bend/Chesterton H.S.
Enrolled at Central Michigan in June 2025 … Transfers to Central Michigan after playing three years at IU-South Bend (2022-25).
CAREER
In three-year, 69-game, 58-start career at IU-South Bend, scored 581 points (8.4 ppg.), grabbed 408 rebounds (5.9 rpg.), blocked 115 shots, shot 56.1 percent (216-385) from the floor, 37.4 percent (55-147) from 3-point range, and 76.4 percent (94-123) from the free throw line … Played for head coach Scott Cooper.
2024-25 AT IU-SOUTH BEND
As a junior forward, started all 28 games for IU-South Bend … Named the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year … First Team All-CCAC selection … Averaged 13.9 points per game while leading the CCAC both in field goal percentage (.641) and blocked shots (68) … Ranked No. 4 nationally in blocked shots … Ranked third in the league in rebounds per game (8.3) and sixth in 3-point field goal percentage (.434) … Converted 152-237 field goals, 36-83 3-point field goals, and 76.8 percent (63-82) of his free throws … Averaged 2.3 blocked shots per game … Led IU-South Bend in conference games in scoring (14.3 ppg.), rebounds (8.3 rpg.), field goals made (107), and blocks (48) in 20 games … Registered 10 double-doubles … Reached double figure scoring in 24 games and double figure rebounding in 10 games … Scored 20 or more points six times … Led IU-South Bend to a 17-12 overall record and 14-6 league record … Scored 20 points (7-11 FG), hit 3-6 3-pointers and grabbed in eight rebounds in season finale vs. Olivet Nazarene (2/25) … Notched double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds at Judson (2/22) … Finished with a season-high 29 points (9-12 FG), hit 3-5 3-pointers and 8-8 free throws with eight rebounds and three blocks vs. Saint Xavier (Ill.) (2/13) … Scored 20 points (9-10 FG) and grabbed eight rebounds vs. Calumet (2/5) … Notched double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds at St. Francis (1/29) … Scored 23 points (9-17 FG), hit 5-11 3-pointers, and grabbed 10 rebounds at Holy Cross (1/22) … Scored 18 points (7-9 FG), hit 4-6 3-pointers with five rebounds vs. Judson (1/15) … Registered double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds vs. St. Ambrose (1/11) … Scored 25 points (8-10 FG), converted 8-9 free throws with seven rebounds at Calumet (1/4) … Had three straight double-doubles including a 16-point, 13-rebound effort vs. St. Francis (Ill.) (12/13), a 10-point, 15-rebound effort vs. Governors State (12/10), and a 15-point, 10-rebound game at Trinity Christian (12/7) … Scored 28 points (9-12 FG) and grabbed 15 rebounds with three blocks at Lawrence Tech (10/29) … Blocked a season-high six shots and registered double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds in season opener vs. Grace Christian (10/25).
2023-24 AT IU-SOUTH BEND
As a sophomore forward, played in 31 games with 29 starts … Averaged 5.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and blocked a team-high 47 shots … Shot 42.8 percent (59-138) from the floor, 77.5 percent (31-40) from the free throw line, and hit 19-61 3-pointers … Reached double figure scoring in two games and double-figure rebounding in three games … Scored 13 points (6-8 FG) vs. Judson (2/24) … Grabbed 10 rebounds at Saint Xavier (2/14) … Scored eight points with six rebounds at St. Francis (1/31) … Scored a season-high 15 points (6-11 FG), hit 3-6 3-pointers, and grabbed six rebounds at Indiana Northwest (1/20) … Scored nine points with 10 rebounds at St. Ambrose (1/14) … Finished with nine points (4-5 FG) with seven rebounds at Governors State (12/16) … Blocked a career-high and school-record seven shots, scored eight points with six rebounds vs. Trinity Christian (12/6) … Tied a school-record with six blocks vs. Waldort (12/1) … Scored nine points (4-6 FG) at St. Francis (11/4).
2022-23 AT IU-SOUTH BEND
As a freshman forward, played in nine games and 32 minutes … Averaged 1.1 points and 0.3 rebounds with three blocked shots on the year.
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2019 graduate of Chesterton High School in Chesterton, Ind., where he played four years of varsity basketball for head coach Marc Urban … Played both basketball and volleyball in high school … Scored three points per game as a senior … Coach Marc Urban kept him on as a volunteer assistant coach the year after he graduated and he helped lead Chesterton to a 23-3 record and a berth in the Class 4 state championship game … Weighed 155 pounds in high school.
PERSONAL
Born Nick Mullen … Son of Daniel Mullen … Has two brothers Jack and Chris … Nicknamed the "Titan of Swat" … Took three years off from competition and his education … Served as an assistant coach at Chesterton High School and helped lead his alma mater to a 29-1 record … Offered a scholarship at IU-South Bend after Marc Urban approached IUSB coach Scott Cooper … Worked part-time at the Chesterton Boys and Girls Club and part-time student at Ivy Tech.
ARTICLES
https://www.onwardtrojans.com/24-25-stories/nickmullen050825
Nick Mullen, the Titan of Swat - Chesterton Tribune
Better late than ever for Nick Mullen - Chesterton Tribune
Season of huge improvement for Nick Mullen - Chesterton Tribune
KAYDEN NATION
Forward | 6-7 | 215 | Junior | Peoria, Ill./Indian Hills C.C./Western Nebraska/Colorado Prep
Enrolled at Central Michigan in June 2025.
2024-25 AT INDIAN HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
As a sophomore, played in all 32 games with six starts … Named a top-100 JUCO player … Averaged 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 16.6 minutes per game … Shot 42.5 percent from the floor and 34.5 percent from 3-point range … Reached double figure scoring in 10 games on year … Scored 11 points (4-6 FG) vs. Vincennes (3/24) … Scored 15 points (6-12), hit 3-6 3-pointers in 20 minutes at Dawson (3/15) … Scored 14 points with seven rebounds vs. Elgin (1/31) … Finished with 12 points vs. Marshalltown (1/11) … Scored 17 points (5-6 FG), hit 4-5 3-pointers vs. Snow (12/13) … Contributed 15 points (6-8 FG) in 28 minutes at John A. Logan (11/22) … Scored 12 points (4-9 FG) at Wabash Valley (11/20) … Scored 17 points (7-11 FG, 3-5 3FG) vs. Dodge City (11/12) … Scored 15 points (6-10 FG) vs. Tyler (11/9).
2023-24 AT WESTERN NEBRASKA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Appeared in 30 games as a true freshman, making five starts for the Cougars ... Ranked second on the team with 11.5 points per contest ... Shot 45.2 percent from the floor and 41.6 percent from 3-point range while hitting 52 3-pointers ... Reached double-figure scoring in 18 contests … Scored a season-high 22 points on 6-8 3-point shooting in a 90-71 win over McCook (1/26) … Scored 21 points against Southern Idaho (11/24) ... Made at least two 3-pointers in 14 contests, including four games with at-least four ... Invited to the All-American JUCO Showcase in Atlanta, Georgia in July ... Invited to the Next Up Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona in July.
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2023 graduate of Colorado Prep in Denver, Colo., where he played one year of varsity basketball for head coach Xavier Silas … Named to the All-State team … Also named to the All-Area team … Played for Elevation Prep in Indiana … Played club basketball for Team Rose … Member of the football and basketball teams.
PERSONAL
Born Kayden Nation on February 2, 2004 in Peoria, Illinois ... Son of Erin Nation … Aims to major in Exercise Science.
JAXSON WHITAKER
Guard | 6-4 | 210 | Sophomore | Muskegon, Mich./Ferris State/Reeths-Puffer H.S.
Enrolled at Central Michigan in June 2025.
2024-25 AT FERRIS STATE
As a true freshman, played in 32 of 34 games off the bench at guard … Averaged 7.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 16.7 minutes per game … Shot 42.6 percent (84-182) from the floor, 42.6 percent (22-32) from 3-point range and dished out 36 assists with 54 rebounds on the year … Registered 10 double figure scoring games on the year … Scored 14 points (4-5 3FG) vs. Wisconsin-Parkside (2/22) … Scored 16 points (6-10 FG) and hit two 3-pointers vs. Purdue Northwest (2/20) … Registered 13 points (5-9 FG) and hit three 3-pointers at Lake Superior State (1/30) … Scored a season-high 19 points (6-10 FG) and hit a career-high 6-9 3-pointers vs. Michigan Tech (1/25) … Finished with 15 points (5-7 FG), hit 3-4 3-pointers vs. Northern Michigan (1/23) … Scored 10 points vs. Davenport (1/11) … Contributed 14 points (5-8 FG) with two 3-pointers and five rebounds vs. Wayne State (1/4) … Hit 4-6 3-pointers, scored 14 points vs. Lambton (12/21) … Scored 16 points (6-9 FG), hit 4-6 3-pointers at McKendree (11/16) … Finished with 12 points (5-7 FG) vs. Northwood (11/8).
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2024 graduate of Muskegon Reeths-Puffer High School, where he played four years of varsity basketball for head coach Nate Aardema …Earned First Team All-State honors as a senior and honorable mention honors as a junior … Michigan Mr. Basketball Watch List member … Named the 2024 MLive Muskegon Player of the Year … Named to the MLive Muskegon Dream Team … Associated Press Second Team All-State honoree as a senior … Detroit Free Press honorable mention All-State honoree … Named the Conference Player of the Year following his senior season … WMOA Player of the Year … Named one of 10 players by MLive.com as the best in the Muskegon area since 2000 … Three-time All-OK Green Conference selection … Two-time Academic All-State honoree … Named a finalist for the prestigious MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award … Named the West Michigan Officials Association Boys Basketball Athlete of the Year which highlights on-court performance, sportsmanship, community involvement, and character … Honored by his high school in a ceremony on February 8, 2025 … Played guard for the Rockets … Concluded his career as Reeths-Puffer's all-time leading scorer with 1,390 points and its all-time leading 3-point shooter (219) … Also set school records for most 3-point field goals made in a season (80), 3-point field goals made in a game (9), and points scored in a quarter (22) … Guided the Rockets to a 19-4 overall record and first conference championship since 1985 … Averaged 18.6 points with 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game as a senior … Once scored 37 points in a game … Scored 22 points in a quarter vs. Zeeland East … Averaged 19 points per game as a junior … Set school record with nine 3-pointers, scored 35 points in a win over Kenowa Hills … Played AAU basketball for the Grand Rapids Storm for head coach Jason Martin … Ranked the state of Michigan's No. 4 wing player and No. 21 overall prospect by Prep Sports and No. 7 wing and No. 42 talent by Prep Hoops … Earned letters in three sports: football, basketball, and baseball … Even played doubles in tennis with his friend Travis Ambrose … Finished his high school career with a 4.19 cumulative grade point average.
PERSONAL
Born Jaxson Whitaker on May 21, 2006 … Nickname is Jax … Attended Muskegon Reeths-Puffer with current Central Michigan tight end Travis Ambrose.
ARTICLES
Former Reeths-Puffer basketball star makes Division I jump to Central Michigan
R-P all-time scoring leader Jaxson Whitaker, already a success in college basketball, was honored on Friday for his great career with the Rockets | HS Athletics
Jaxson Whitaker sets a new R-P record for career three-pointers in the Rockets' victory over Mona Shores | HS Athletics
R-P basketball standouts Travis Ambrose, Jaxson Whitaker taking their athleticism to the football field
Ashford, Claerbaut, Kampen, Mullen, Nation, and Whitaker are the first six players of Central Michigan's incoming 2025 recruiting class. All six players will enroll at Central Michigan in June.
"We are excited to welcome all six players to Central Michigan," Bronkema said. "It's great to have some of our original targets and have players that we have good relationships with and evaluations on. Having players familiar with the system and myself will help us establish our culture. We have a little bit of everything with this group: length, shooting, physicality, efficiency, and experience. I'm looking forward to building the next phase of our roster around these players and continuing to put the pieces together. The most exciting part about these recruits is that they all want to win, they all heard about our vision, and were excited about it."
"I think the staff just did a great job identifying our type of players and getting them to campus."
SPRING 2025 MEN'S BASKETBALL SIGNEES
| Player | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Year | Hometown/Previous School/High School |
| Will Ashford | G | 6-5 | 200 | Sophomore | Aurora, Ill./Purdue Northwest/Metea Valley H.S. |
| Nathan Claerbaut | C | 7-0 | 230 | Senior | Zeeland, Mich./Ferris State/East H.S. |
| Jalen Kampen | G | 6-4 | 175 | Freshman | Parchment, Mich./Parchment H.S. |
| Nick Mullen | F | 6-10 | 230 | Senior | Chesterton, Ind./IU-South Bend/Chesterton H.S. |
| Kayden Nation | F | 6-7 | 215 | Junior | Peoria, Ill./Indian Hills C.C./Western Nebraska/Colorado Prep |
| Jaxson Whitaker | G | 6-4 | 210 | Sophomore | Muskegon, Mich./Ferris State/Reeths-Puffer H.S. |
The following is information on each signee:
WILL ASHFORD
Guard | 6-5 | 200 | Sophomore | Aurora, Ill./Purdue Northwest/Metea Valley H.S.
Enrolled at Central Michigan in June 2025 as a sophomore.
2024-25 AT PURDUE NORTHWEST
As a true freshman guard, saw action in all 28 games with 19 starts … Averaged 9.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 28.3 minutes per game … Shot 54.7 percent (98-179) from the floor, 55.4 percent (31-56) from 3-point range, and 80.0 percent (40-50) from the free throw line … Reached double figure scoring in 12 games on year … Scored 12 points in 37 minutes vs. Northern Michigan (2/27) … Scored 12 points (6-10 FG) with six rebounds at Lake Superior State (2/22) … Grabbed eight rebounds, scored eight points vs. Davenport (2/15) … Scored 14 points (5-14 FG) with three assists vs. Grand Valley State (2/13) … Scored a career-high 20 points (8-11 FG), hit 4-5 free throws, grabbed six rebounds vs. Roosevelt (2/10) … Scored 14 points (5-10 FG) at Wisconsin-Parkside (2/8) … Finished with 16 points (6-6 FG), hit 4-4 3-pointers and grabbed five rebounds vs. Wayne State (1/30) … Scored 12 points, hit 4-5 3-pointers at Grand Valley State 91/25) … Finished with 14 points (4-8 FG) with six rebounds at Davenport (1/23) …. Contributed 15 points (5-9 FG) with four rebounds at Saginaw Valley State (1/9) … Scored 18 points (6-9 FG)vs. East-West U (12/21) … Added 18 points (7-9 FG), hit two 3-pointers vs. Great Lakes Christian (11/26) … Scored 13 points (6-7 FG) vs. Westcliff (11/14).
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2024 graduate of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Ill, where he played three years of varsity basketball for head coach Isaiah Davis … Named to the 2024 Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area First Team, Aurora Beacon-News All-Area First Team, and Naperville Sun All-Area First Team as a senior … Two-time First Team All-Conference selection … Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area honorable mention selection as junior … Averaged 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists for the Mustangs during his senior season … Guided the Mustangs to a 19-11 overall record and second place finish in conference play with a 6-4 record … Scored 23 points (9-15 FG) with nine rebounds in an upset vs. Oswego East … Averaged 11.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists as a junior … Helped lead the Mustangs to a 21-9 overall record and 5-5 slate in conference play as a junior … Played AAU basketball with the M14 adidas Gold squad and M14Hoops.
PERSONAL
Born Will Ashford on November 10, 2005.
ARTICLES
Basketball: Metea Valley's Will Ashford among state's best
NATHAN CLAERBAUT
Center | 7-0 | 230 | Senior | Zeeland, Mich./Ferris State/East H.S.
Enrolls at Central Michigan in June 2025 as a senior.
CAREER
Averaged 6.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 15.6 minutes per game while seeing action in 61 career games and 33 starts at center at Ferris State … Shot 58.6 percent (160-273) from the floor and 75.9 percent (60-79) from the free throw line.
2024-25 AT FERRIS STATE
As a redshirt junior center, saw action in 34 games with 33 starts … Earned GLIAC All-Defensive Team honors … Averaged 9.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 23.1 minutes played per game … Shot 60.4 percent (137-227) from the floor and 82.0 percent (50-61) from the free throw line … Registered three double-doubles on the season … Reached double figure scoring in 17 games and double figure rebounding in four games on season … Earned the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week honor on Nov. 11 after back-to-back double-doubles vs. Northwood and Lake Erie … Earned All-Tournament honors for the GLIAC/GMAC Crossover … Scored 18 points (7-8 FG) and hit 4-6 free throws with eight rebounds at Saginaw Valley State (3/1) … Scored 19 points (7-11 FG), hit 5-5 free throws with nine rebounds at Purdue Northwest (1/18) … Blocked a career-high eight shots, grabbed eight rebounds vs. Grand Valley State (1/9) … Scored 14 points (5-6), grabbed seven rebounds, and blocked a then career-high seven shots vs. Lake Superior State (12/3) … Notched double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds at Roosevelt (12/7) … Finished with 16 points (6-11 FG) with nine rebounds vs. Grace Christian (11/26) … Scored 12 points, blocked four shots with 11 rebounds vs. Lake Erie (11/9) … Notched double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and blocked four shots vs. Northwood (11/8).
2023-24 AT FERRIS STATE
As a redshirt sophomore center, played in 13 games and 89 minutes off the bench … Averaged 2.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and blocked seven shots … Converted 54.2 percent (13-24) of his field goal attempts on the year … Scored four points, grabbed a season-high eight rebounds, and blocked three shots vs. Kuyper (12/30) … Scored a season-high eight points (4-6 FG) in 13 minutes vs. Fanshawe (12/29).
2022-23 AT FERRIS STATE
As a redshirt freshman center, played in 14 games and 5.4 minutes per game … Earned redshirt season … Played in a season-high 14 minutes, blocked a season-high four shots, and grabbed five rebounds vs. Michigan-Dearborn (12/17) … Scored seven points vs. Davenport (12/4) … Scored 10 points with five rebounds and two blocked shots in 13 minutes vs. Great Lakes Christian (11/22).
2021-22 AT FERRIS STATE
As a true freshman, did not see any action … Redshirted season.
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2021 graduate of Zeeland East High School, where he played xx years of varsity basketball for head coach Jeff Carlson … First Team All-OK-Green Conference honoree … MLive Grand Rapids Dream Team Second Team honoree as a senior … Averaged 13.5 points, 10 rebounds per game during senior season … Shot 62 percent from the floor … Registered a triple-double against Holland … Scored a career-high 24 points in a game … Ranked as the No. 29 player in the state … Ranked as the state's No. 1 center by Prep Hoops and No. 2 at his position by Bank Hoops … Played AAU ball for the West Michigan Lakers.
PERSONAL
Born Nathan Claerbaut on June 11, 2003 … Has a twin brother Brandon, who he played three years with at Ferris State … Originally was recruited by Boston U., Denver, and Ferris State.
ARTICLES
Claerbaut twins bolster Bulldogs – The Ferris State Torch
Ferris State's Claerbaut twins get big chance against Michigan
JALEN KAMPEN
Guard | 6-4 | 175 | Freshman | Parchment, Mich./Parchment H.S.
HIGH SCHOOL
Will graduate in June 2025 from Parchment High School, where he played four years of varsity basketball for head coach David Jones … Earned consensus Division 2 First Team All-State honors as a senior …Two-time Associated Press Division 2 All-State honoree … Two-time Michigan Sports Writers Division 2 All-State honoree … Named the MLive/Kalamazoo Gazeete Dream Team Player of the Year following the 2024-25 season … Four-time SAC Valley honoree … Four-year starter for the Panthers … Set the school's career scoring mark with 1,459 points … Guided Parchment to over 50 wins in 70 high school games … Ranked No. 17 in MHSAA basketball history with an 80.1 percent career free throw percentage … Averaged a career-best 22.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game during senior season … Shot 87 percent from the free throw line and 36 percent from 3-point range … Scored a career-high 40 points in a win over Three Rivers … Scored 32 points and went over 1,000 career points vs. Constantine … Scored basket in final seconds to lead Parchment to a win over Kalamazoo Hackett … Scored 35 points in season opener vs. Howardsville Christian … Averaged 21.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game and shot 40 percent from 3-point range and 52 percent from the floor in 19 games played as a junior … Played varsity basketball as a freshman and helped the Panthers claim a district title … Three-sport athlete who also played football and competed in track and field … Played quarterback and cornerback in football …Scored five touchdowns in a game … Named the Detroit Free Press football player of the week after throwing for 229 yards (16-24 passing) and two touchdowns and rushing for 124 yards and three touchdowns vs. South Haven … Helped set school record in 4x100 meter relay with a 49.10 time.
PERSONAL
Born Jalen Kampen on September 6, 2006 … Originally committed to Ferris State but once new CMU coach Andy Bronkema took the job at Central Michigan, switched his commitment.
ARTICLES
Parchment legend, Kalamazoo Player of the Year, flips commitment to this D1 program - mlive.com …
Breaking records is nice, but Ferris State commit wants to leave Parchment a winner - mlive.com
NICK MULLEN
Forward | 6-10 | 230 | Senior | Chesterton, Ind./IU-South Bend/Chesterton H.S.
Enrolled at Central Michigan in June 2025 … Transfers to Central Michigan after playing three years at IU-South Bend (2022-25).
CAREER
In three-year, 69-game, 58-start career at IU-South Bend, scored 581 points (8.4 ppg.), grabbed 408 rebounds (5.9 rpg.), blocked 115 shots, shot 56.1 percent (216-385) from the floor, 37.4 percent (55-147) from 3-point range, and 76.4 percent (94-123) from the free throw line … Played for head coach Scott Cooper.
2024-25 AT IU-SOUTH BEND
As a junior forward, started all 28 games for IU-South Bend … Named the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year … First Team All-CCAC selection … Averaged 13.9 points per game while leading the CCAC both in field goal percentage (.641) and blocked shots (68) … Ranked No. 4 nationally in blocked shots … Ranked third in the league in rebounds per game (8.3) and sixth in 3-point field goal percentage (.434) … Converted 152-237 field goals, 36-83 3-point field goals, and 76.8 percent (63-82) of his free throws … Averaged 2.3 blocked shots per game … Led IU-South Bend in conference games in scoring (14.3 ppg.), rebounds (8.3 rpg.), field goals made (107), and blocks (48) in 20 games … Registered 10 double-doubles … Reached double figure scoring in 24 games and double figure rebounding in 10 games … Scored 20 or more points six times … Led IU-South Bend to a 17-12 overall record and 14-6 league record … Scored 20 points (7-11 FG), hit 3-6 3-pointers and grabbed in eight rebounds in season finale vs. Olivet Nazarene (2/25) … Notched double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds at Judson (2/22) … Finished with a season-high 29 points (9-12 FG), hit 3-5 3-pointers and 8-8 free throws with eight rebounds and three blocks vs. Saint Xavier (Ill.) (2/13) … Scored 20 points (9-10 FG) and grabbed eight rebounds vs. Calumet (2/5) … Notched double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds at St. Francis (1/29) … Scored 23 points (9-17 FG), hit 5-11 3-pointers, and grabbed 10 rebounds at Holy Cross (1/22) … Scored 18 points (7-9 FG), hit 4-6 3-pointers with five rebounds vs. Judson (1/15) … Registered double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds vs. St. Ambrose (1/11) … Scored 25 points (8-10 FG), converted 8-9 free throws with seven rebounds at Calumet (1/4) … Had three straight double-doubles including a 16-point, 13-rebound effort vs. St. Francis (Ill.) (12/13), a 10-point, 15-rebound effort vs. Governors State (12/10), and a 15-point, 10-rebound game at Trinity Christian (12/7) … Scored 28 points (9-12 FG) and grabbed 15 rebounds with three blocks at Lawrence Tech (10/29) … Blocked a season-high six shots and registered double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds in season opener vs. Grace Christian (10/25).
2023-24 AT IU-SOUTH BEND
As a sophomore forward, played in 31 games with 29 starts … Averaged 5.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and blocked a team-high 47 shots … Shot 42.8 percent (59-138) from the floor, 77.5 percent (31-40) from the free throw line, and hit 19-61 3-pointers … Reached double figure scoring in two games and double-figure rebounding in three games … Scored 13 points (6-8 FG) vs. Judson (2/24) … Grabbed 10 rebounds at Saint Xavier (2/14) … Scored eight points with six rebounds at St. Francis (1/31) … Scored a season-high 15 points (6-11 FG), hit 3-6 3-pointers, and grabbed six rebounds at Indiana Northwest (1/20) … Scored nine points with 10 rebounds at St. Ambrose (1/14) … Finished with nine points (4-5 FG) with seven rebounds at Governors State (12/16) … Blocked a career-high and school-record seven shots, scored eight points with six rebounds vs. Trinity Christian (12/6) … Tied a school-record with six blocks vs. Waldort (12/1) … Scored nine points (4-6 FG) at St. Francis (11/4).
2022-23 AT IU-SOUTH BEND
As a freshman forward, played in nine games and 32 minutes … Averaged 1.1 points and 0.3 rebounds with three blocked shots on the year.
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2019 graduate of Chesterton High School in Chesterton, Ind., where he played four years of varsity basketball for head coach Marc Urban … Played both basketball and volleyball in high school … Scored three points per game as a senior … Coach Marc Urban kept him on as a volunteer assistant coach the year after he graduated and he helped lead Chesterton to a 23-3 record and a berth in the Class 4 state championship game … Weighed 155 pounds in high school.
PERSONAL
Born Nick Mullen … Son of Daniel Mullen … Has two brothers Jack and Chris … Nicknamed the "Titan of Swat" … Took three years off from competition and his education … Served as an assistant coach at Chesterton High School and helped lead his alma mater to a 29-1 record … Offered a scholarship at IU-South Bend after Marc Urban approached IUSB coach Scott Cooper … Worked part-time at the Chesterton Boys and Girls Club and part-time student at Ivy Tech.
ARTICLES
https://www.onwardtrojans.com/24-25-stories/nickmullen050825
Nick Mullen, the Titan of Swat - Chesterton Tribune
Better late than ever for Nick Mullen - Chesterton Tribune
Season of huge improvement for Nick Mullen - Chesterton Tribune
KAYDEN NATION
Forward | 6-7 | 215 | Junior | Peoria, Ill./Indian Hills C.C./Western Nebraska/Colorado Prep
Enrolled at Central Michigan in June 2025.
2024-25 AT INDIAN HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
As a sophomore, played in all 32 games with six starts … Named a top-100 JUCO player … Averaged 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 16.6 minutes per game … Shot 42.5 percent from the floor and 34.5 percent from 3-point range … Reached double figure scoring in 10 games on year … Scored 11 points (4-6 FG) vs. Vincennes (3/24) … Scored 15 points (6-12), hit 3-6 3-pointers in 20 minutes at Dawson (3/15) … Scored 14 points with seven rebounds vs. Elgin (1/31) … Finished with 12 points vs. Marshalltown (1/11) … Scored 17 points (5-6 FG), hit 4-5 3-pointers vs. Snow (12/13) … Contributed 15 points (6-8 FG) in 28 minutes at John A. Logan (11/22) … Scored 12 points (4-9 FG) at Wabash Valley (11/20) … Scored 17 points (7-11 FG, 3-5 3FG) vs. Dodge City (11/12) … Scored 15 points (6-10 FG) vs. Tyler (11/9).
2023-24 AT WESTERN NEBRASKA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Appeared in 30 games as a true freshman, making five starts for the Cougars ... Ranked second on the team with 11.5 points per contest ... Shot 45.2 percent from the floor and 41.6 percent from 3-point range while hitting 52 3-pointers ... Reached double-figure scoring in 18 contests … Scored a season-high 22 points on 6-8 3-point shooting in a 90-71 win over McCook (1/26) … Scored 21 points against Southern Idaho (11/24) ... Made at least two 3-pointers in 14 contests, including four games with at-least four ... Invited to the All-American JUCO Showcase in Atlanta, Georgia in July ... Invited to the Next Up Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona in July.
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2023 graduate of Colorado Prep in Denver, Colo., where he played one year of varsity basketball for head coach Xavier Silas … Named to the All-State team … Also named to the All-Area team … Played for Elevation Prep in Indiana … Played club basketball for Team Rose … Member of the football and basketball teams.
PERSONAL
Born Kayden Nation on February 2, 2004 in Peoria, Illinois ... Son of Erin Nation … Aims to major in Exercise Science.
JAXSON WHITAKER
Guard | 6-4 | 210 | Sophomore | Muskegon, Mich./Ferris State/Reeths-Puffer H.S.
Enrolled at Central Michigan in June 2025.
2024-25 AT FERRIS STATE
As a true freshman, played in 32 of 34 games off the bench at guard … Averaged 7.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 16.7 minutes per game … Shot 42.6 percent (84-182) from the floor, 42.6 percent (22-32) from 3-point range and dished out 36 assists with 54 rebounds on the year … Registered 10 double figure scoring games on the year … Scored 14 points (4-5 3FG) vs. Wisconsin-Parkside (2/22) … Scored 16 points (6-10 FG) and hit two 3-pointers vs. Purdue Northwest (2/20) … Registered 13 points (5-9 FG) and hit three 3-pointers at Lake Superior State (1/30) … Scored a season-high 19 points (6-10 FG) and hit a career-high 6-9 3-pointers vs. Michigan Tech (1/25) … Finished with 15 points (5-7 FG), hit 3-4 3-pointers vs. Northern Michigan (1/23) … Scored 10 points vs. Davenport (1/11) … Contributed 14 points (5-8 FG) with two 3-pointers and five rebounds vs. Wayne State (1/4) … Hit 4-6 3-pointers, scored 14 points vs. Lambton (12/21) … Scored 16 points (6-9 FG), hit 4-6 3-pointers at McKendree (11/16) … Finished with 12 points (5-7 FG) vs. Northwood (11/8).
HIGH SCHOOL
A 2024 graduate of Muskegon Reeths-Puffer High School, where he played four years of varsity basketball for head coach Nate Aardema …Earned First Team All-State honors as a senior and honorable mention honors as a junior … Michigan Mr. Basketball Watch List member … Named the 2024 MLive Muskegon Player of the Year … Named to the MLive Muskegon Dream Team … Associated Press Second Team All-State honoree as a senior … Detroit Free Press honorable mention All-State honoree … Named the Conference Player of the Year following his senior season … WMOA Player of the Year … Named one of 10 players by MLive.com as the best in the Muskegon area since 2000 … Three-time All-OK Green Conference selection … Two-time Academic All-State honoree … Named a finalist for the prestigious MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award … Named the West Michigan Officials Association Boys Basketball Athlete of the Year which highlights on-court performance, sportsmanship, community involvement, and character … Honored by his high school in a ceremony on February 8, 2025 … Played guard for the Rockets … Concluded his career as Reeths-Puffer's all-time leading scorer with 1,390 points and its all-time leading 3-point shooter (219) … Also set school records for most 3-point field goals made in a season (80), 3-point field goals made in a game (9), and points scored in a quarter (22) … Guided the Rockets to a 19-4 overall record and first conference championship since 1985 … Averaged 18.6 points with 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game as a senior … Once scored 37 points in a game … Scored 22 points in a quarter vs. Zeeland East … Averaged 19 points per game as a junior … Set school record with nine 3-pointers, scored 35 points in a win over Kenowa Hills … Played AAU basketball for the Grand Rapids Storm for head coach Jason Martin … Ranked the state of Michigan's No. 4 wing player and No. 21 overall prospect by Prep Sports and No. 7 wing and No. 42 talent by Prep Hoops … Earned letters in three sports: football, basketball, and baseball … Even played doubles in tennis with his friend Travis Ambrose … Finished his high school career with a 4.19 cumulative grade point average.
PERSONAL
Born Jaxson Whitaker on May 21, 2006 … Nickname is Jax … Attended Muskegon Reeths-Puffer with current Central Michigan tight end Travis Ambrose.
ARTICLES
Former Reeths-Puffer basketball star makes Division I jump to Central Michigan
R-P all-time scoring leader Jaxson Whitaker, already a success in college basketball, was honored on Friday for his great career with the Rockets | HS Athletics
Jaxson Whitaker sets a new R-P record for career three-pointers in the Rockets' victory over Mona Shores | HS Athletics
R-P basketball standouts Travis Ambrose, Jaxson Whitaker taking their athleticism to the football field
MBB Sign Video
Wednesday, July 23
MBB Insider - 6.13.25
Friday, June 13
Men's Basketball Summer Practice 1
Thursday, June 12
Men's Basketball Move-In Day
Friday, June 06