BOONE, N.C. – Head coach
Dustin Kerns announced the signing of three players to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. They will join the team for the 2025-26 season.
The Mountaineers signed Tre McKinnon (SG/SF | Wilmington, N.C. | Lake Norman), Jacari Brim (PG | Winston-Salem, N.C. | West Forsyth) and Davin "Ted" Neal (SF | Greensboro, Ga. | Newton).
Tre McKinnon
SG/SF | Wilmington, N.C. | Lake Norman
A 6-5 wing from Wilmington, Tre McKinnon is a three-star prospect, according to 24/7 Sports, out of Lake Norman High School who boasts elite athleticism at the wing position. He is a 1,000-point scorer, compiling 1,189 points as of 2024, which includes 478 in his junior year. McKinnon is a 4A State champion and is Lake Norman's all-time leading scorer. He was his conference's Offensive Player of the Year in the 2023-24 season, averaging 15.4 points a game in 31 games played. Using his length at the shooting guard position, McKinnon has a knack for blocking shots and generating turnovers as in his career, he has tallied 59 blocks and 116 steals. In addition to his state championship this past year, McKinnon is also a champion on the travel circuit, winning the Boys Under Armour Association Next Tournament for Team Charlotte and coach Jeff McInnis.
"We are extremely excited about the addition of Tre McKinnon," Kerns said. "Tre is the youngest player in Lake Norman history to reach 1,000 points and he helped lead his team to a 4A State Championship appearance this past year under head coach Grant Hodges. The combination of tenacity and elite athleticism is something Mountaineer fans will love to see. It is also great to add in-state players who want to come to App State. Please welcome Tre, his mother Tara, his father Gerald and two brothers, Taurean and Taylen, to the App State family."
Jacari Brim
PG | Winston-Salem, N.C. | West Forsyth
From West Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, Jacari Brim is a willing passer and a capable scorer. Brim is a 1,000-point scorer at West Forsyth High School, a list headlined by NBA legend Chris Paul. The 6-2 guard shoots the three at a high level as well, finishing last year with 68 made threes on 144 attempts, which is good for a 47 percent clip. Additionally, he has dished out 500 career assists with 199 of those coming his sophomore year. Brim was the 2023-24 Central Piedmont Conference Player of the Year and was named to the All-District 7 team. He has been named all-conference three times in his career.
"We are excited about the addition of Jacari Brim to the Mountaineer family," Kerns said. "We started building a relationship with Jacari and his parents early in the recruitment process when we identified he would be a great fit for our program. It is always great when we can add an exceptional player from the state of North Carolina. Jacari comes from a great family with parents Kim and Marlon and brother Jaxon, who is also his high school basketball coach. Jacari is a special player and an even better person. App State fans, please welcome Jacari and his family to Boone."
Davin "Ted" Neal
SF | Greensboro, Ga. | Newton
The second-ranked small forward in the state of Georgia, according to the Georgia High School Association, Davin "Ted" Neal brings length and versatility to the basketball court. He is an athletic forward who makes plays in transition by using his length while also creating scoring chances with his rebounding ability in the half court. Neal shined in his high school career at Newton High School, posting five games with a double-double in his career while also being named honorable mention all-conference in 2024. Neal is labeled as a three-star prospect by 24/7 Sports and was also named to the 2024 Atlanta Tip-Off Club Watchlist while playing for the Atlanta Xpress and head coach Winfred Jordan. Additionally, Neal was a Preseason All-State selection in the 6A class in Georgia.
"Davin "Ted" Neal is a versatile prospect from Newton County High School outside of Atlanta, Ga.," Kerns said. "Ted and his parents, David and Brittany, are a perfect fit for the App State community. Ted is ranked as the No. 2 small forward prospect in the state of Georgia and has been an integral part in the success of Newton High School. Under the tutelage of Newton head coach Barry Browner and Winfred Jordan of the Atlanta Xpress, his game has grown every year. His relentless work ethic and extremely high ceiling of talent will be something App State fans will enjoy for a long time."
App State is excited to welcome the class of 2025 to the mountain.
