Bushnell Signs a Pair
Bushnell University has always made it a priority to recruit in-state and the Class of 2023 is no exception. The Beacons didn’t look too far from Eugene to nab their two most recent recruits either and both come not only from the 4A level, but from the top. Kaleb Burnett Kaleb Burnett 6'3" | SF Junction City | 2023 State OR of Junction City and Cole Beardsley Cole Beardsley 6'2" | CG Philomath | 2023 State OR of Philomath both recently signed on the bottom line and we caught up with both to hear about their college decisions.
For Burnett, the 4A State Player of the Year, the decision was fairly easy. Prior to making a visit to campus, he was looking at the junior college route but when the Beacons came forward with an offer he jumped at the chance.
“When I went to Bushnell I loved the way they played and moved the ball and all the guys were so nice and treated me like I was on the team even though at the time I wasn’t,” Burnett said. “The school is amazing – they have small classes which I like very much and very nice dorms and it’s right next to the U of O. The program for basketball is great – it’s a bunch of guys with great team chemistry who just want to win and treat each other like family and that’s the type of environment I want to be around!”
Burnett noted that the plan is for him to redshirt his first season and he’s planning on making an impact when he’s all set to play. “I’m gonna have to play a role I haven’t played before but I’m ready for it,” Burnett said. “I’ve got to work my butt off in practice and make me and my teammates better and bring intensity every day. I definitely think my non-stop motor and the way I hustle and crash the boards will help the team and I just need to work on my perimeter game and hit the weight room consistently and I can play at that level soon.”
For Beardsley, who like Burnett was a First Team 4A All-State honoree, the opportunity to play at Bushnell also came later in the process. But when the Beacons offered, he knew it was the right move for him as well.
“It feels like home and (they have) a really honest and welcoming coach with what seems to be a great community,” Beardsley said. “Kaleb and I are really good friends, we shared the court together in AAU and now we’re back. All I know is we will not get outworked!”
Our congratulations go out to Burnett and Beasley and their families on their decisions.