HAYWARD, Calif. --- Cal State East Bay's head men's basketball coach Gus Argenal has announced that four standout student-athletes have committed to compete for the Pioneers in 2014-15. De La Salle High School senior Patrick Marr, as well as junior college transfers Cody Kale, Marcus Norman, and Marquise Tolson have all signed national letters of intent following the beginning of the signing period last Friday.

A 6'7" local product, Marr is entering his third season as a varsity player at De La Salle in Concord, Calif. and was an honorable mention All-League selection as a junior. 

"Patrick has the heart of a champion and has played for a national power in De La Salle and head coach Frank Allocco," said Argenal. "He plays with an amazing motor and will bring tremendous skill and competitiveness to our frontcourt. He has the ability to change the game with his rebounding, and he's going to be a huge part of our success moving forward."

Marr helped lead the Spartans to an overall record of 54-8 over the last two years, winning back-to-back East Bay League championships. Marr's sophomore year, De La Salle claimed the North Coast Section crown, and in both seasons the Spartans reached the semi-finals of the Northern California State tournament.

"In a program known for players who have a great work ethic, Patrick's commitment and effort rank in the upper echelon," said De La Salle head coach Frank Allocco. "A team-first guy, Pat will enhance the quality of the Pioneers' program with his attitude, effort, and desire to improve."

Cody Kale brings experience in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) to East Bay. The 6'3" guard was an All-State prep player at Rocklin High School. In two seasons, he led Rocklin to 55 wins and an appearance in the 2009 CIF Championship game. As a senior, Kale scored 23.3 points per game while averaging 6.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists. 

He was the star point guard for Yuba City College in 2011-12, leading the 49ers to a 33-4 record -- best in school history -- and a trip to the California JC championship game.

Kale then transferred to Humboldt State, where he competed in 24 games for the Jacks last season. He led the team with 58 assists, while averaging 19.3 minutes and 6.4 points per game. Kale shot 50.4 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from long distance. He scored in double figures against six CCAA teams, including a 12-point, eight-assist performance against Cal State Monterey Bay. 

Kale left Humboldt State and is now attending Orange Coast College for the 2013-14 school year. The CSUEB coaches hope he will bring impressive scoring ability and solid veteran guard play to the Pioneers next season.

"Cody brings great experience and talent to our program," said Argenal. "I have known him since his days at Rocklin High School, and I have always wanted the chance to coach him. He can score at a high level, but his best attribute is his ability to make winning plays for others. He will flourish in our style and will add great character to our program."

Argenal, who spent the 2012-13 season as an assistant coach at Rice University, reached back to his Texas ties to find Marcus Norman. A 6'1" guard from Lewisville, Texas, Norman averaged 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists as a prep star for Lewsiville High School. 

Norman began his collegiate career at Division II Abilene Christian University. As a redshirt freshman, he played in 16 games, while shooting 46.7 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent from three-point range. This year he's attending Cañada College in Redwood City, Calif. before joining the Pioneers for the 2014-15 season.

"Marcus has the ability to spread the floor with his shooting range and offensive skills," noted Argenal. "He has competed at this level in the past and will bring a strong defensive mindset to our team. I anticipate the Pioneer community will love his energy and enthusiasm on the floor." 

Finally, bay area product Marquise Tolson will join Cal State East Bay from Pasadena City College. Standing 6'7", Tolson averaged eight points and four rebounds per game as a freshman in 2011-12. Last season, he shot 50.0 percent from the field and 93.3 percent from the free throw line, averaged 8.0 points per game, and notched a season-high 20 points in a game against Cypress Junior College.

Prior to attending Pasadena CC, Tolson was a prep start a Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton, Calif. As a high school senior, he poured in nearly 17 points per game and was a second-team All-Peninsula Bay League selection. 

"Marquise is a dynamic player with great length and athleticism," added Argenal. "His ability to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor with his three-point range will make him an impact player in the CCAA."

The 2014-15 season is already looking bright for Argenal's gang following the initial signing period, particularly after the first-year head coach managed to assemble his entire 2013-14 recruiting class after being hired in June. But for now, the Pioneers are focused on this season, and they have the weekend off before playing their home opener on Nov. 26 against William Jessup University.