DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Head Coach Boomer Roberts and the TIU Men's Basketball program announced the signing of junior college big man Zach Kirschbaum, who will join the Trojans in 2015-2016 as a junior.

Kirschbaum, a 6-10 forward from Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon, brings length and experience to the Trojans. As a sophomore at Lane, Kirschbaum averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots for the Titans. Known as a skilled player who impacts the game on both ends of the court, Kirschbaum should give the Trojans an added dimension to the frontcourt. 

"I am fired up about the addition of Zach Kirschbaum and his family to the TIU community," Roberts said. "Zach is a very good player who will play a major role in our success for the next two years. More importantly, Zach is a good student and a big-time man of character who will bring a level of maturity and leadership to our locker room and our Trinity family."

Playing in the 33-team Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC), Kirschbaum finished 18th in scoring, 3rd in rebounding, and second in blocked shots during his sophomore season in 2013-14. He posted career highs in scoring (34, vs. Everett), rebounding (17, twice), and blocked shots (8, vs. South Puget Sound).

"I chose TIU because I believe God opened this door for a reason," Kirschbaum said. "I know that at TIU I will become the person I am called to be, not only on the court but off the court as well."

"With his length and his ability to shoot the ball, Zach can score in the paint and stretch the floor for the rest of his teammates," Roberts stated. "Zach pursues the ball off the glass very well, and has the potential to be an excellent defensive player for us. I think I am most excited about his experience and his desire to be great, two elements that will be crucial to our success as a program moving forward. While we are certainly not finished recruiting for the 2015 class, Zach's signing provides some excellent momentum heading into late spring for TIU Men's Basketball."

Trinity International opens the 2015-16 season on the road against Clarke University on October 31, 2015. Follow the TIU Men's Basketball program on Twitter, @TIUBasketball_M