TOPEKA, Kan. – Washburn Ichabod head men's basketball coach Brett Ballard has announced two members of the 2023 signing class who will join the Ichabods for the 2023-24 season after Brayden Shorter (Springfield, Mo.) and Tyson Ruud (Basehor, Kan.) inked their National Letter of Intents today.
 
"Two things we wanted to continue to improve on with this 2023 class was shot making and size," Ballard said. "I couldn't be more excited about the two young men we're bringing in. Both have good size, and both can shoot the rock." 
 
Brayden Shorter – 6-5 / 200 / Guard / Springfield, Mo. / Kickapoo HS
Shorter was a first team all-league, all-class district 5 and all-state as a junior after averaging 15 points a game shooting 40 percent from the field hitting 82 3-pointers shooting at a 44 percent clip … son of Robin and Chris Shorter … two brothers, Jackson and Mason … a sister, Emmy … his father played basketball and baseball at Missouri State reaching the AAA level … his mother played volleyball at Missouri State … undecided on major.
 
"Brayden is tough-nosed kid that plays very hard and is a fierce competitor," Ballard said. "He plays for one of the most respected high school programs in Missouri and understands what it's like to be in a winning culture. He is 6'5 with deep range and can get his shot off quickly and in a variety of ways. I believe he will have a chance to be one of the best shooters to ever play at Washburn. He is a crafty and versatile scorer, strong and a good athlete so he will come in ready to have an instant impact on our program." 
 
 
Tyson Ruud – 6-6 / 190 / Guard / Basehor, Kan. / Linwood HS
Ruud was named first team all-league and an all-state honorable mention selection as a junior after averaging 15 points and seven rebounds a game … son of Brandon and Deana Ruud … a sister, Sydney … his mother played basketball at Wichita State and his father was a member of the track and field team throwing the javelin … undecided on major.
 
"Tyson is strong, bouncy and physical, he has a college-ready body," Ballard said. "He will be great in transition because of his speed and strength, and he is not afraid to finish strong and dunk on somebody at the rim. We love his overall athleticism and the physical toughness he brings. The thing that is most improved about Tyson is his shot making behind the three-point line. You can see he has worked really hard on that part of his game, and he shot the ball with a great deal of confidence during the spring & summer AAU periods."