POTSDAM -- Five freshmen will join a veteran Clarkson University men's basketball team for the 2013-14 season, providing depth and balance as the Golden Knights try to break through to the conference tournament after coming up one game short in each of the last two seasons.

"It is a talented and well-balanced class," Clarkson head coach Mark Gilbride said. "More importantly, these are the type of quality young men we are happy to have in our basketball program at Clarkson. I am excited to see what these student-athletes will bring to our team."

The Golden Knights have posted back-to-back winning records in both the conference and overall, claiming 33 wins in 50 games in the last two years. Being added to the mix are a pair of guards, two forwards, and a center.

Ian Jaffier, a 6-1 guard from Brighton, Massachusetts, is a smooth guard with an excellent handle who sees the floor well and can add a scoring touch. Another 6-1 guard, Conrad Zampier from East Greenbush, NY, is a talented offensive player who should contribute some scoring punch right away.

Michael Hayduk, a 6-4 forward from Clinton, NY, and Drew Zlogar, a 6-5 forward from Clifton Park, NY, are similar players with plenty of upside for the Golden Knights. Both are versatile players with abilities on the inside and the outside as shooters, something that Gilbride has utilized significantly since coming to Clarkson.

Finally, Derek Hart is a 6-7 forward/center from Poughkeepsie, NY, who will provide the Knights with an inside presence. Hart is more athletic and mobile than your typical big man, and he should find success at Clarkson in both the short and long term.