Justin Menard, a point guard transferring from the Marist Red Foxes to Colorado State University, arrives in Fort Collins with a résumé that blends scoring prowess and playmaking ability. The junior’s move marks his third collegiate program in three years, underscoring a career defined by agility and ambition.
Menard’s basketball journey began on the prep courts of Connecticut, where he starred at Xavier, Loomis Chaffee and St. Thomas More before collegiate stints at Iona and Marist. At Iona he averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 assists as a freshman, while at Marist he led the team with 12.9 points per game last season.
A Strategic Move for the Rams
The guard cited Colorado State’s coaching staff, led by head coach Ali Farokhmanesh, whose 21‑13 record and NIT appearance last season convinced him that the program was poised for a breakout in the Pac‑12. The competitive environment and the presence of returning talent further solidified his choice.
Menard highlighted the Rams’ emphasis on competition, fitness and disciplined teamwork, themes he has been refining throughout the summer. He believes the blend of experienced players and a strong coaching philosophy creates an ideal platform for immediate impact.
His family, which includes brothers Josh at Saint Anselm and sisters Megan and Katie at Holy Cross and Iona, has a strong athletic pedigree, adding a personal dimension to his third collegiate stop. The connections have long encouraged a blend of academic rigor and sporting excellence.
Menard’s ambition is to contribute immediately as a leader, leveraging his experience across three programs to help the Rams contend with traditional Pac‑12 powers such as Gonzaga and San Diego State. His goal is to blend scoring, playmaking and defensive intensity into a cohesive unit.