Southern Illinois men’s basketball coach Bryan Mullins announced today that the program has signed Cade Hornecker, a 7-foot, 225-pound center from Amarillo (Texas) High School.

A three-star prospect by multiple recruiting services, Hornecker helped lead his team to a 24-4 record last season and averaged 8.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and one blocked shot per game. He teamed with Brendan Hauser — a four-star senior wing at Amarillo.

“Cade comes from a big-time high school program in Amarillo, great culture, they contend for state championships,” Mullins said. “He’s gotten better ever year and has a chip on his shoulder. He feels he’s one of the best bigs in the country.”

Hornecker will become the fifth 7-footer in program history, joining Deng Leek (2015-16), Kobby Acquah (2007), Shane Wells (1995-96) and Marcelo da Silva (1991-94).

“He has great size and length,” Mullins said. “He needs to continue to add strength, but he can be a great defensive anchor. Cade is vocal and I love how much he communicates. He has the ability to pick-and-pop, make a 15-footer, make a three and function from the high-post area. He brings a lot of versatility.”

“Cade fits us,” Mullins concluded. “He’s about everything that we covet in terms of his character, competitiveness and commitment to the game.”