FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball Head Coach Zane Gibson has announced the signing of three incoming freshmen as part of the 2025 recruiting class.
Joining the Lions this fall are guard Aiden Buckmon, wing Markece Young and guard Zane Restelli.
"We are so excited about these three young men joining our basketball program," Gibson said. "These are outstanding young men who will represent the community in a first-class manner. I have no doubt that these three together are going to leave a legacy here at UAFS."
Aiden Buckmon
Buckmon is a 6-foot-2-inch guard from The Woodlands, Texas, where he was ranked as the 83rd best player in Texas by Texas Basketball Review. He averaged 20 points, 4.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game as a senior at College Park High School and totaled four 40-point games and finished with over 1,900 career points.
During his career, Buckmon was a three-time First Team All-District honoree, a two-time First Team All-Region selection and an All-State honoree. He was a two-time district MVP and led his team to the most wins in school history and two district championships.
"Aiden is a dynamic lead guard. He can shoot it, he can pass it. He is very smooth but has no problem challenging his man on the defensive end. I love his competitive spirt at that lead guard position. Aiden will be a tremendous asset to our team and our community. I can't wait to get to work with Aiden in the fall." – Gibson
Markece Young
Young is a 6-foot-4-inch wing from Dallas, Texas, ranked as the 84th best player in Texas by Prep Hoops.
His sophomore season saw him average 14.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists as he was the district MVP and Newcomer of the Year. He averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and shot over 40.0 percent from three as a junior at South Grand Prairie High School as he earned his second consecutive First Team All-District honor.
"Markece has one of the best personalities for a young person that I have ever been around. He lights up the room when he walks in the door. During most recruiting visits, we as a staff try to have great energy for our recruit. That energy was never needed with Markece because he brings as much energy as anyone. Markece is a competitor and very versatile on the basketball court. He can do a lot of different things on the floor but the number one thing he will do from the second he walks in the gym is he will bring an edge to him that will be great for our basketball team." – Gibson
Zane Restelli
Restelli ranked as the 16th best player in Tennessee by Prep Hoops as a 6-foot-3-inch guard from The Baylor School in Chattanooga. He averaged 19.0 points, 4.0 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game during his senior season.
He was a three-time All-Region honoree and two-time All-State selection. He capped his career with over 1,600 points, 600 rebounds and 300 assists and was named to the Best of Prep Basketball by The Chattanooga Times Free Press Sports Writers twice.
"Zane is an extremely talented young man. There is nothing on the court he can't do. He's a good athlete, has a high skill level and he knows how to score and affect the game in a multitude of different ways on the offensive end. He has all the tools to be a really good defender, as well. He's smart and he comes from an outstanding high school in Tennessee. His family was wonderful during his visit and can't wait to get him back on campus in August."
