MALIBU – Guard Zion Bethea has signed to join the Pepperdine men's basketball program with two seasons of eligibility, head coach Ed Schilling announced Thursday afternoon.
 
Zion Bethea | 6'4 | Guard | South Orange, N.J. | Delaware
 
Bethea began his college career at Hofstra in the fall of 2020 but transferred to St. Francis Brooklyn for the 2022-23 season, where he averaged 10.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 28 games for the Terriers. St. Francis unfortunately closed its athletic department and programs at the conclusion of the 22-23 school year and Bethea was forced to transfer out, choosing Delaware for the 2023-24 season.
 
"In Zion's only full season of Division I play, he averaged 10.7 points in 22 minutes while shooting 42% from three-point range at St. Francis in the Northeast Conference," Schilling said. "We believe that in his two remaining seasons, he will be a dynamic scorer and leader."
 
In his last 13 games at St. Francis, Bethea reached double-figure scoring in all but one while leading the Terriers in three-point percentage. The shifty guard also was tied for total steals that season at 35.
 
"I choose Pepperdine because of my relationship with Coach Schilling and Coach Rigot," Bethea said. "When I was going through the process and trying to figure out the best move for me, they kept it real with me and talked about putting me in the best position to win in life. It didn't take long for us to click. They have so much knowledge of the game and I'm going to be a sponge and add that information to my game on and off the court."
 
Schilling's inaugural signing class now includes: Aaron Clark, Alonso Faure, Stefan Todorovic, Jayden Russotti, Javon Cooley, Moe Odum, Dovydas Butka, Taj Au-Duke and Bethea.
 
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