Joe Latas is the big man of the future for the Vikings though when that future will begin may not be determined until early November. Sidelined for the majority of his senior year by a broken ankle, Latas needed further surgery in July and is quickly getting back to where he needs to be. When healthy, he will supply CSU with the size, strength and quickness to dominate in the post at both ends of the court.

HIGH SCHOOL:
• Third team all-district choice as a senior at St. Peter Chanel High, playing for coach Bernie Tarr.
• Played in the first nine games of his senior year before being sidelined with a broken ankle.
• Before the injury, he averaged 22.0 points, 14.5 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game, shooting .593 from the field.
• Earned first team all-league honors, receiving the team's most outstanding player award as a senior.
• Was ranked the No. 2 center in the state by PrepSpotlight.com while being tabbed as one of the top 12 players in the state by Rick Bolus' Recruiting.
• Averaged 11.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks as a junior.
• Played his first two seasons at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio.

PERSONAL:
Born January 1, 1989 in North Olmsted, Ohio. . . son of Dan and Penny Latas. . . has one younger brother, Andrew (12). . . his mother is a CSU graduate. . . religious studies and communication major.