Bucknell Men’s Basketball Adds Three During Early Signing Period
11/21/2025 12:11:00 PM | Men's Basketball
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head men's basketball coach John Griffin III has announced the addition of three promising recruits during the November signing period. Joining the Bison as freshmen in 2026-27 will be Danny Kennard, a 6'11" center from Santa Ana, Calif.; Mert Kocagözoglu, a 6'6" guard from Izmir, Turkey; and Aidan Rousseau, a 6'6" forward from Cary, N.C.
Danny Kennard
6'11" Center | Santa Ana, Calif. | Foothill H.S.
"Danny brings a high-level skillset combined with a 6'11" frame. He has a competitive approach to the game, and we love his mindset. He can stretch the floor, he has also shown the ability to be a very effective passer, and he can score in the paint. Danny has the potential to be the next impact Bucknell big man, and even more importantly, he is a high-character young man who comes from a great family."
Mert Kocagõzoglu
6'6" Guard | Izmir, Turkey | Okyanus College H.S.
"Mert has played high-level basketball within one of Europe's premier development systems. He captained the U-18 National Team, which is a testament to his maturity and leadership ability. His blend of shooting and playmaking complements the strengths of our team. We are excited to welcome Mert and his family to Bucknell."
Aidan Rousseau
6'6" Forward | Cary, N.C. | Cary Academy
"Aidan is a highly skilled and dynamic wing whose development has turned him into a complete offensive player. He finishes strong around the rim and can stretch the floor with his elite shotmaking ability. His versatility will allow us to put him in different places on the floor. We're thrilled to welcome Aidan and his family, a true family of competitors."
Danny Kennard
6'11" Center | Santa Ana, Calif. | Foothill H.S.
- Team captain and two-time all-league selection at Foothill High School
- Helped lead the team to back-to-back 20-win seasons and league championships in 2023 and 2024
- Last season averaged 18.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game
- Also plays with the Cali Rebels
- Parents are David and Deborah Kennard
- Uncle, Dave Frost, pitched for the Chicago White Sox, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals
- Uncle, Dan Frost, played basketball at Iowa
- Lists bodysurfing and skiing as hobbies outside of basketball
"Danny brings a high-level skillset combined with a 6'11" frame. He has a competitive approach to the game, and we love his mindset. He can stretch the floor, he has also shown the ability to be a very effective passer, and he can score in the paint. Danny has the potential to be the next impact Bucknell big man, and even more importantly, he is a high-character young man who comes from a great family."
Mert Kocagõzoglu
6'6" Guard | Izmir, Turkey | Okyanus College H.S.
- Brings extensive club and national team experience
- Captained the Turkish U-18 National Team
- Captained the Anadolu Efes U-19 Team
- Helped Turkey to the bronze medal at the 2024 FIBA U-17 World Cup
- 2024 Turkish BGL champion
- At FIBA U-18 Eurobasket, recorded 21 points (5-7 3FG), 5 rebounds, 3 assists against Israel
- Named Turkish BGL Player of the Week after a 35-point, 9-rebound game
- Named Best Young Player of the Week after a 23-point, 5-assist game in the TBL
- Recorded 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists in the 2025 Turkish BGL final
- Parents are Burak and Renk, and has siblings Demir and Ata
- Has an uncle who played for the Turkish National Team as well as Karsiyaka, Galatasaray, and Turk Telekom
"Mert has played high-level basketball within one of Europe's premier development systems. He captained the U-18 National Team, which is a testament to his maturity and leadership ability. His blend of shooting and playmaking complements the strengths of our team. We are excited to welcome Mert and his family to Bucknell."
Aidan Rousseau
6'6" Forward | Cary, N.C. | Cary Academy
- NCISAA All-State honoree at Cary Academy
- Earned TISAC First Team All-Conference honors
- Averaged 17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists while shooting 53% from the field and 41% from the 3-point arc last season
- Became the school's all-time leading rebounder in only three seasons
- Also played soccer in high school
- Also played AAU ball for SWISH Elite and earned All-UA Rise honorable mention
- Parents are Alex and Jenifer Rousseau; father played water polo at UCLA and in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, and he was inducted into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame in 2004.
- Has an older brother, Alexander, who is a sophomore swimmer at Northwestern
- Enjoys Spanish culture and music, he plays golf, and is an avid soccer fan
"Aidan is a highly skilled and dynamic wing whose development has turned him into a complete offensive player. He finishes strong around the rim and can stretch the floor with his elite shotmaking ability. His versatility will allow us to put him in different places on the floor. We're thrilled to welcome Aidan and his family, a true family of competitors."
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