Cleveland, OH-Jalin Rice, a 6'3" guard out of Jackson, Mississippi, is the newest member of the Cleveland State men's basketball team. Rice signed his National Letter of Intent earlier today and joins the Vikings with two years of eligibility remaining. 

Rice comes to CSU after three seasons at Northeast Missisippi Community College. He started all 24 games for the Tigers this past season averaging 16.1 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game and 4.3 assists per game. He shot 48 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free throw line.   

"We are excited to announce the signing of Jalin Rice," said Head Coach Daniyal Robinson. "Jalin is a proven winner, a great student, and a leader. He is a high character young man who comes from a great program at Northeast Mississippi Community College, and he will fit perfectly into our culture." 

"Jalin is a strong, quick and physical guard that can score the basketball at all three levels. His athletic ability will immediately translate to how we play both offensively and defensively.  We are pleased to welcome Jalin to our Viking basketball family. It's a great day to be a Vike!" 

Rice hails from Madison, Mississippi where he was a standout at Madison Central High School.

Playing under head coach Cord Wright at NEMCC, Rice won a state championship during the 2020-21 season and finished with 15 or more wins in every season. He was also named second-team all-conference following the 2020-21 season. He also received the Principal's Leadership Award in 2020 for his dedication to Academics and community service. 

Rice resides in Flora, MS with his parents Amanda and Awia. He has two younger siblings, sisters Jasmine (17) and Jasleen (15).