WASHINGTON, D.C---The Howard University men's basketball team took yet another step in bringing it back to prominence when it signed three players to national letters of intent.

RJ Cole, Kyle Foster and Zion Cousins will officially be Bison in 2017. 

Cole is a 6-0 highly touted guard who turned down some significant offers to sign with Howard. With senior guard James "J-Byrd" Daniel, III playing his final season at Howard, Cole figures to step right in and continue to build on what Howard University head coach Kevin Nickelberry has established. 

    "This is a special day for this program," proclaimed Nickelberry, entering his seventh season. "When you are able to get an impact player like RJ to sign, it says a lot about where we are headed with this program. He will definitely help continue our stellar play at the point guard position. RJ is a dynamic point guard who possesses all the things that you look for in a floor general." 

Cole led his team, famed St. Anthony's High School in New Jersey, to a 28-0 record and the Tournament of Champions championship last season and has been a winner as a three-year starter. 

    "Coach showed me he cared about me and he is like a second father," said Cole, Number 1 academically in his senior class. "I love the fact that by going to Howard, I will be able to learn about the culture of the school and Washington, DC. Coach is a guard-oriented coach and will let them play, focusing on getting his teammates involved as well as stepping up when you have to." 

Foster is a 6-5 shooter from Hampton Roads Christian Academy. He also played at famed Bethel High School in Hampton under former Wake Forest standout Tony Rutland. He will bring an additional weapon to the Bison's arsenal. 

    "Kyle Foster is flat out one of the best shooters in the class of 2017," said Nickelberry. "He is a long athlete who fits perfectly in our match-up zone." 

On his decision to sign with Howard, Foster says, "It feels like home. The relationship between the coaches and players was what really impressed me. Plus, there are other opportunities off the court at Howard that made feel like it is where I belong." 

Cousins is a 6-7 swingman from Fredrick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, MD, who could be a sleeper. 

    "Zion is a local kid from a program where he was well coached," noted Nickelberry. "He has an unbelievable motor for a 6-7 kid. His ability to run the floor, block shots and rebound, gives us some great versatility." 

Cousins says that Howard was the right fit for him. 

    "I love Coach Nick's passion and how hard he coaches his players and how they respond to him," said Cousins. "The relationship he has with the players on and off the court is what impressed me. They treated me like family from day One."