Let Chris Mack Cook, Part Two: New Commitments Shape Historic Cougar Roster
Two 7-footers? Oh my!
Over the past week, College of Charleston secured two marquee portal commitments: 7-foot center Chol Machot—fresh off a season at Florida Southwestern where he averaged 11.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 60.4% from the floor and 36.6% from deep—and Division II All-American G/F Kendall Taylor, who starred at Wingate University with 24.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 54% shooting (38% 3-point, 88% FT). Their arrival amplifies what’s shaping up to be one of the deepest, most talented Cougar lineups ever.
Chol Machot, 7'0" Swiss-Army Center
After a season at Florida Southwestern State College, Machot averaged 11.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game over 27 outings, shooting 60.4% from the floor and sinking 36.6% of his threes . His decision to flip from Mississippi State to Charleston is a statement: he’ll anchor the paint, stretch defenses with his 3-point range, and protect the rim with his shot-altering timing.
Kendall Taylor, Wingate’s D-II Scoring Juggernaut
Taylor arrives off two standout seasons at Wingate University, where he averaged 24.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game on 54% shooting (including 38% from three and 88% at the line)—earning D2CCA Third-Team All-American honors and SAC Player of the Year consideration . His isolation scoring and improved playmaking give Mack a go-to option when the game hangs in the balance.
Beyond those headliners, Mack’s added talent across every spot:
Christian Reeves (7'2") brings four-star pedigree from Oak Hill and experience at Duke and Clemson. His elite rim protection and lob-finishing ability change the paint presence overnight.
Colby Duggan (6'7"), a Campbell transfer and First-Team All-CAA leading scorer, injects mid-range mastery and rebounding grit.
Martin Kalu (6'5") has been pro since 15 in Germany’s FC Bayern München II, posting 19.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 2.6 APG on 44.3% FG and 34.3% 3P . His Euro-polish spacing and playmaking elevate every half-court set.
Jlynn Counter (6'3"), from Middle Tennessee State, averaged 10.6 PPG on 43% FG and brings Horizon League All-Conference savvy from his IUPUI days.
Connor Hickman, a Bradley and Cincinnati veteran with 1,000+ career points and a 41% FG clip, offers proven scoring and leadership.
Bryce Baker (6'5"), the Winthrop sharpshooter who led his team in three-point percentage, stretches defenses and forces help rotations.
On top of that, incoming freshman Chadlyn Taylor arrives as a state-championship point guard with poise and playmaking chops, while previous starter Jaxon Prunty has a lot to prove after going down with a season-ending shoulder surgery, while Djordje Ćurčić and Joey Scarpitti provide two-way intensity, crafty scoring, and leadership off the bench.
Between Machot’s interior-to-perimeter versatility, Kendall Taylor’s unstoppable scoring, and a supporting cast that blends size, shooting, and experience, every lineup tilt favors Charleston. Add in Mack’s proven system and the TD Arena crowd, and you’ve got the recipe for a season that could rewrite program history.
Coug Nation, buckle up—this could be the best team to ever be assembled on George Street.
The Charleston Edge
The Charleston Edge Collective is dedicated to empowering CofC student-athletes through NIL opportunities, ensuring they have the resources to build their brands and succeed both on and off the playing surface.
Support The Charleston Edge Collective
🔗 Donate Here: www.thecharlestonedge.com
📲 Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: @thecharlestonedge
Twitter/X: @chsedgenil