Tauer announces four additions for National Signing Day

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- St. Thomas men's basketball is one game into the 2023-24 season and announced its newest members of the program Thursday as part of National Signing Day. The Tommies welcome in three guards and one forward from Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest for the 2024-25 season.

"We are thrilled to receive commitments from four outstanding seniors, two from Wisconsin and two from the Pacific Northwest," Tauer said. "These four young men come from outstanding families, excel in the classroom and on the court, and are high character individuals who fit the fabric of our program exceptionally well. They will continue to build a strong foundation of Tommie Basketball that is predicated on unselfish, skilled, smart, and tough players who are committed to being the best they can be on and off the court."

Name	Position	Height	Weight	Hometown	High School
Kyle Counts	Forward	6-7	195	Wilsonville, Ore.	Wilsonville
Tim Franks	Guard	6-5	190	Mequon, Wis.	Homestead
Ryan Lafferty	Guard	6-5	195	Spokane, Wash.	Mt. Spokane
Nolan Minessale	Guard	6-5	180	Brookfield, Wis.	Marquette University

Kyle Counts (F, 6-7, 195, Wilsonville, Ore./Wilsonville HS)
Counts is one of two incoming recruits to commit from the Pacific Northwest after helping Wilsonville High School to back-to-back Oregon State Championships as a scholar athlete. He ranked as the No. 12 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2024 rankings, was a 2022-23 Northwest Oregon Conference First Team selection and named to the Oregon state all-tournament second team. Counts' grandfather, Mel Counts, is a 7-footer who won two NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics and helped the United States to a gold medal at the 196 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Tauer's comments: Kyle Counts is a versatile forward from Wilsonville High School, where he has helped lead them to back-to-back Oregon state titles under the tutelage of Chris Roche. Kyle is one of the top players in Oregon, where he has developed into a phenomenal passer, skilled shooter, and student of the game. He's the grandson of NBA Champion Mel Counts, and we are thrilled to welcome him and his parents, Karin and Brian, to St. Thomas. Kyle played for Deny AAU under Jonathan Canalin, and Kyle's skills will fit well with our system at St. Thomas that values skilled, versatile, and unselfish players.

Tim Franks (6-5, 190, Mequon, Wis./Homestead HS)
Franks enters his senior season at Homestead High School after leading the program to a 21-6 record and the North Shore Conference title. He was an all-conference second team selection as a junior and averaged 15.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 33 percent from 3-point range. Franks is a member of the National Honor Society and has a twin brother.

Tauer's comments: Tim Franks is one of the top players in the state of Wisconsin, prepping at Homestead under coach Sean Crider. Tim is a truly elite shooter and teammate. Tim's passion for the game was evident every time we watched him play. His competitive zeal and winning spirit make him a great fit at St. Thomas. Tim has nearly limitless range on his 3 point shot, and his ability to stretch the defense and make everyone around him better are two qualities we value in recruiting. We're excited to welcome Tim and his parents, Mike and Julie, to Tommie Basketball.

Ryan Lafferty (G, 6-5, 195, Spokane, Wash./Mt. Spokane HS)
Lafferty comes to St. Thomas from Mt. Spokane High School after helping the team to a 25-2 record, including a perfect 11-0 mark and first place finish in the district, as a junior and a 22-7 record, including a 15-2 mark in the district, as a sophomore. He's earned Washington All-State First Team and all-league first team honors and enters his senior season as the program's all-time leader in assists.

Tauer's comments: Ryan Lafferty is a stellar guard from Mt. Spokane High School where he has led his team to prominence in the state of Washington, playing under Dave Wagenblast and Matt Airy. Ryan's court vision, unselfishness, and leadership were all qualities that surfaced immediately in the recruiting process. He makes his teammates better, is an elite passer, and possesses the size to be a versatile guard in our system. Ryan played for the Seattle Rotary AAU program, and we're happy to welcome Ryan and his parents, Tyler and Kelly, to St. Thomas.

Nolan Minessale (G, 6-5, 180, Brookfield, Wis./Marquette University HS)
Minessale is a Greater Metro Conference Player of the Year selection entering his senior season at Marquette University High School. He was also selected to the GMC All-Conference First Team and all-conference second team, in addition to being named Wisconsin Division I All-State First Team. Minessale averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists as a junior and scored a career-best 40 points during a win over West Allis Hale.

Tauer's comments: Nolan Minessale is a versatile guard from Marquette High School where he plays for Casey Kowalewski. Nolan's athleticism, passing, and competitiveness stood out in the recruiting process. Nolan and Tim both played for Joe Chapman/Chapman Basketball Academy where they played on an outstanding team whose free flowing, highly competitive, and unselfish style of play meshes well with our system. Nolan is one of the top players in the state of Wisconsin and his ability to play an up-tempo style on both ends of the floor is unique. We are delighted to welcome Nolan and his parents, Mark and Michelle, to the Tommie Family!

"We want to welcome Kyle Counts, Tim Franks, Ryan Lafferty, and Nolan Minessale to the St. Thomas Basketball Family," Tauer said. "These four young men are bought in to the culture and mission of St. Thomas and our basketball program. I know that our fans will enjoy watching them compete, grow, and develop as players and people during their time at St. Thomas!"

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-- St. Thomas Athletics --

University of St. Thomas Athletics

Tauer announces four additions for National Signing Day

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