PORTLAND, Ore. – University of Portland men's basketball signed guard Donyae McCaskill (St. Louis, Mo./Vashon HS) and post Cody Collinsworth (Lindale, Texas, Lindale HS) to National Letters of Intent on the first day of the early signing period, head coach Terry Porter announced on Wednesday. Both players will join the Pilots as a freshmen in the fall of 2019.

Donyae McCaskill (6-3, 185) averaged 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists as a junior for Vashon High School. He helped the Wolverines to a 21-6 overall record, District 4 title, and a trip to the Missouri 4A State Basketball Championships. Vashon won the 4A state title during McCaskill's sophomore season.

"Donyae is a great competitor," Porter said. "He is an explosive athlete and his quickness will be a good fit with our guards. Donyae is already an elite defensive player that can guard multiple positions. He is a high character young man that will fit well in the University of Portland community."

An excellent athlete, McCaskill received offers from Creighton, UMKC, Southern Illinois, Missouri State, Southeast Missouri State, and was receiving interest from high-majors before committing to Portland.
 
"Donyae is a great kid with a lot of upside," said Vashon head coach Tony Irons. "Physically he is ready to compete at that level immediately and will be a great addition to Portland's program. We are extremely proud of him and look forward to watching him as he continues his academic and athletic journey."

Cody Collinsworth (7-1, 225) averaged 18.3 points, 14 rebounds and eight blocked shots per game last season for Pilot Point High School. He earned District 9-3A Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors and was named to the All-Texomaland Second Team by the Herald Democrat. The Denton-Record Chronicle selected him as the Area's Defensive Player of the Year. Collinsworth transferred to Lindale High School for his senior season.

"Cody is long and skilled," Porter noted. "He has the ability to influence the game at both ends of the floor. His versatility will be an excellent addition to the program. Cody is very coachable and can play and defend both post positions. He shoots the ball well and his range extends to the three-point line. Like Donyae, Cody will also be an excellent member of the UP community."

Collinsworth had offers from TCU, Minnesota, Wright State, Northern Colorado and Northwestern State, while many other high majors showed interest.

"I couldn't be happier that Cody has committed to the University of Portland," Lindale basketball head coach Chris Grotemat said. "He is an extremely skilled, modern big man whose shooting and passing ability will translate favorably in the West Coast Conference, a league which produces some of the best post players in America. Coach Porter, Coach Cantu and the UP staff were terrific throughout the entire process, and it was apparent to Cody from the start that this is a program poised to climb to the top of the WCC." 

Porter and the Pilots (1-2) continue regular season action this Saturday at Cal State Northridge. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. with radio coverage on 910 ESPN-Portland (KMTT). Portland then returns home to host Lewis & Clark on Monday at 7 p.m. and then the Portland Classic beginning on Wednesday. Tickets for all home games are available by visiting PortlandPilots.com/Tickets or calling the Pilot Box Office at 503-943-GOUP (4687).