Jamestown, ND- The University of Jamestown men's basketball team is excited to announce the signing of seven student-athletes to add to their 2025 recruiting class. Jackson Beauchamp (Trophy Club, TX), Thomas Diew (St. Cloud, MN), Matas Gaidukevicius (Lemont, IL), Vladislav Karasev (Moscow, Russia – Plano, TX), Henry Meyer (La Crosse, WI), Ford Okehi (Brooklyn, NY), and Davis Walker (Naperville, IL) all signed their letter of intent to make their commitment to attend the University of Jamestown official.
 
"We are thrilled to be adding these seven exceptional student-athletes to our men's basketball program," said head coach Casey Bruggeman. "All seven embody the type of character, leadership, and competitiveness we desire in our program.  I would like to thank our recruiting coordinator and head assistant coach Tath Dak, along with assistant coach Carter Janssen, for their lead efforts in recruiting this group of student-athletes. I would also like to thank the UJ admissions team, our Jimmie faculty and staff, and other athletic department members who aided in the recruitment of these student-athletes. We are thrilled for these seven young men to be joining the Jimmie Family."
 
Jackson Beauchamp
Forward, 6'7, Byron Nelson HS (Trophy Club, TX)

"I chose UJ because from the beginning the coaches made me feel like part of the family. They built genuine relationships with every player and took a personal interest in me as a player and person. Their vision for the program was exciting, focused on winning and developing us into better men." – Jackson Beauchamp

Notes: Jackson comes to UJ from Byron Nelson High School in Texas… A two-year varsity starter, he helped lead the team to 23 wins and a 2025 District 4-6A Finalist finish… Averaged 10.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists as a senior while shooting 58% from the field and 50% from three… Earned First Team All-District and BN Classic All-Tournament honors in 2024–25… Helped Byron Nelson win the 2024–25 BN Classic Holiday Tournament… His teams won 30 games as a sophomore and 19 as a junior… Standout performer for Elite Academy Ducks on the NXTPRO Circuit, showing versatility and efficiency on both ends of the court.
Son of Joey Beauchamp, and Kim Beauchamp and her husband Greg Harward, Jackson plans to major in Business Administration at the University of Jamestown.

Coach Bruggeman on Jackson: "Jackson is a strong, smart, and skilled player with the versatility to impact the game on both ends of the floor. What stood out most during the recruiting process was his selflessness, his ability to connect and elevate his teammates, and the positive energy he brings on and off the court. He put together a great senior season playing in the largest class in the state of Texas. Jackson is a tremendous young man from a great family, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to help him grow at UJ."
 
Thomas Diew
Forward, 6'8, Moberly Area College (Moberly, MO) / St. Cloud, MN

"I knew UJ was the right fit as soon as I visited. The bond I built with the coaches made it feel like home. They had a clear vision for my growth and believed in me from the start. Plus, the homemade tacos didn't hurt. It truly felt like family." – Thomas Diew

Notes: Thomas joins UJ from Moberly Area College, he played in 30 games and started in 19. Thomas helped lead Moberly to a 26-win season and a Region 16 Regular Season and MCCAC Championship in 2024–25… Averaged 6.9 PPG and 4.6 RPG as a sophomore while shooting 48.7% from the field and 30.8% from three… Named to the 2024–25 All-MCCAC Second Team and All-Region 16 Second Team… Also earned team Defensive Player of the Year and Most Charges Taken honors… Prepped at St. Cloud Apollo High School in Minnesota.
Son of Nyabiey and Kueth, Thomas plans to major in Criminal Justice at the University of Jamestown.

Coach Bruggeman on Thomas: "Thomas is a versatile, experienced forward with a high basketball IQ and strong competitive edge. What stood out most during the recruiting process was his defensive motor and feel for the game on both ends of the floor. A native of St. Cloud, MN, Thomas showed genuine interest in UJ from the moment our conversations began. Thomas is a tremendous young man from a great family, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to help him grow at UJ."
 
Matas Gaidukevicius
Guard, 6'7, Lemont HS (Lemont, IL)

"I chose Jamestown because Coach Bruggeman and Coach Dak believed in me from the start. I knew it was the right place for me to grow both on and off the court." – Matas Gaidukevicius

Notes: Matas joins UJ from Lemont High School in Illinois. He helped lead Lemont to a 2025 IHSA Regional Championship, a Sectional Finals appearance, and an undefeated (13–0) conference title run. He averaged 13.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 1.3 APG while shooting 42.5% from the field and 84.6% at the line. He posted multiple 20+ point games, including a 38-point performance vs. Hinsdale South. Matas earned PrepHoops Grit Region Elite 8 honors and was recognized by NY2LA and PrepHoops for his breakout senior season. On the AAU circuit, he played with M14 Hoops (IL), competing in high-level events across the NXTPRO and PrepHoops circuits.
Son of Darius and Dovile, Matas plans to major in Business at the University of Jamestown.

Coach Bruggeman on Matas: "Matas is an explosive, long, and skilled perimeter player with the potential to become an elite two-way contributor at the next level. What stood out most during the recruiting process was his shooting ability, athleticism, and competitive drive. He's coming off a strong senior season competing in the largest class in the state of Illinois. Matas is a tremendous young man from a great family, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to help him grow at UJ."
 
Vlad Karasev
Forward, 6'8, Collin College (Plano, TX) / Moscow, Russia

"I chose UJ because from the start, the coaches showed real love and made me feel welcomed. They treated me like family and created an environment that felt like home. Also, it's a quiet place with no distractions. That's the kind of space I need to stay locked in and become the best version of myself." – Vlad Karasev

Notes: Vlad joins UJ after two seasons at Collin College in Texas… Started every game as a sophomore in 2024–25, averaging 8.3 PPG and 5.9 RPG… Earned NTJCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention… Helped lead Collin to back-to-back 15+ win seasons, including 24 wins as a freshman… Known for his consistency, toughness, and two-way impact in the frontcourt… Originally from Moscow, Russia, where he competed in national youth events before coming to the U.S.
Son of Ed and Mary, Vlad plans to major in Business Administration at the University of Jamestown.

Coach Bruggeman on Vlad: "Vlad is a strong and experienced forward who possesses a great blend of size and skill for his position.  What stood out to us most in the recruiting process was his maturity, gym-rat mentality, and ability to shoot the basketball at a high-level. Vlad is a tremendous young man from a great family, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to help him grow at UJ."
 
Henry Meyer
Guard, 6'3, Maryville University (St. Louis, MO) / La Crosse Central HS (La Crosse, WI)

"I chose UJ to be a part of a great culture and the opportunity to compete in a great conference. I'm excited to be in a competitive environment with others who understand the importance of relationships and prioritize winning." – Henry Meyer

Notes: Henry joins UJ after one season at Maryville University… Played about 20 minutes per game in 2024–25, averaging 7.0 points and 2.5 rebounds… Prepped at La Crosse Central HS, where he was a two-year varsity contributor and scored 1,086 career points… As a senior, averaged 20.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 2.3 APG while shooting 46% from the field and 82% from the line… Earned First Team All-Conference and was a Senior Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist… Recognized by WisBBYearbook for his leadership and performance.
Son of Jeff and Denise, Henry's major is undeclared at the University of Jamestown.

Coach Bruggeman on Henry: "Henry is an explosive, skilled guard who brings toughness and competitiveness on both ends of the floor. Our coaching staff had the opportunity to recruit him out of high school, so it's been exciting to reconnect a year later at UJ. What stood out most during the recruiting process was his ability to get to his spots and his desire to be a connector in the locker room. Henry is a tremendous young man from a great family, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to help him grow at UJ."
 
Ford Okehi
Guard, 6'2, Taft School (Watertown, CT)
"I chose UJ because of the family culture. I had already built strong relationships with Coach Bruggeman and Coach Dak, but what made it special was the support I felt from the other coaches and faculty. It felt like home." – Ford Okehi

Notes: Ford joins the University of Jamestown from the Taft School, a top prep program in Connecticut, after previously attending Bishop Loughlin in Brooklyn, NY… Served as team captain and led Taft in scoring… Helped guide Taft to a 20-win season and a NEPSAC Class A Semifinal appearance… In 2024–2025, averaged 14.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, and 2.9 SPG while shooting 46.2% from the field and 89.2% at the line… Earned Class A All-NEPSAC honors and was a two-time Founders League All-Conference selection (First Team in 2024, Second Team in 2025)… Recognized as a NERR Top 20 player in the state of Connecticut… Competed with Pro Level Titans on the PRO16 NXTPRO PUMA Circuit, helping them win the 2024 NERR Hoopfest 17U Championship and finish ranked #2 overall in the NXTPRO Circuit.
Son of Ijeoma and Uzodinma, Ford plans to major in Business Administration at the University of Jamestown.

Coach Bruggeman on Ford: "Ford is a highly skilled guard with the ability to control the tempo of the game and a knack for making big plays. What stood out most during the recruiting process was his excellence as a student-athlete and his relentless drive to be great. He is coming off a strong senior season competing in one of the top prep school leagues in the country. Ford is a tremendous young man from a great family, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to help him grow at UJ."
  
Davis Walker
Guard, 6'2, Maryville University (St. Louis, MO) / Prep College Homeschool (Naperville, IL)
"I chose UJ because of the great relationship I have with the coaches. They're great people who want the best for me on and off the court. I connected with the culture right away. The vision they have for me and the program is perfect. I can't wait to help start UJ's transition to Division II and compete in an elite conference." – Davis Walker

Notes: Davis joins UJ after four seasons at Maryville University, playing in 82 games and starting 36… He averaged 21.7 minutes, 5.5 points, and 2.9 rebounds per game over his career, Shot 36% from the field and 30% from three. Known for smart decision-making and ball protection, finishing with a 4.3 assist-to-turnover ratio last season… Prepped at Prep College Homeschool in Naperville, Illinois.
Son of Lee and Tiffany, Davis is pursuing his MBA at the University of Jamestown.

Coach Bruggeman on Davis: "Davis is a veteran lead guard with valuable experience and a proven two-way skill set. I had the privilege of building a strong relationship with Davis during my time as an assistant coach at Minnesota-Duluth, and it's special to reconnect now at UJ. What stood out most during the recruiting process was Davis's genuine desire to step into a leadership role and help shape the next chapter of UJ Men's Basketball. He's a tremendous young man from a great family, and we're thrilled for the opportunity to help him grow at UJ."