Men’s basketball recruiting
The men’s basketball team at Utah State University-Eastern is losing a strong group of players. Head Coach Brad Barton is excited for those who will be coming to fill the shoes. The 2011-2012 team has five returning players. Neveij Walters, Maxim Zakharov, Jonah Blanchfield, Devaron Ingrum, and DeShawn Wiggins will return. Along with those players, two recently returned missionaries will be rejoining the team.
This archived article was written by: Katie Bigelow
The men’s basketball team at Utah State University-Eastern is losing a strong group of players. Head Coach Brad Barton is excited for those who will be coming to fill the shoes. The 2011-2012 team has five returning players. Neveij Walters, Maxim Zakharov, Jonah Blanchfield, Devaron Ingrum, and DeShawn Wiggins will return. Along with those players, two recently returned missionaries will be rejoining the team.
Coach Barton said, “Recruiting is going well. We need to find out our needs, and look around some more. We’ve got a 6’6” guy from Chicago heading out here for a tryout this week.” The coaching staff for the men’s basketball team is excited and enthusiastic about the way the recruiting has been going. They are still looking to fill a few spots with quality players. “We are still looking for everything. We have about ten to replace and some walk on positions are opened. Both the post and perimeter are open,” said Barton.
Barton mentioned that the team will be conducting two camps over the summer. He said, “One camp will be at Layton Christian Academy, and then one here at USU-CEU.” On June 7 through June 10, 2011 the team will be on campus at USU-CEU holding their camp. Barton added, “I’m excited about the upcoming season and camps over the summer. Last year’s support was amazing. It was the best attendance. We hope next year it will double and we can have a ton of great fans and support again for next fall.”
After a successful season as head coach, and with many players returning, next season looks bright for the team. Not only are we getting key players back that have playing experience and the qualities to be leaders and take over games when needed, but we will also be filling the empty roster spots with quality players that will fit into the system well.
The coaching staff and team are proud to announce that they have had three players sign with Division I schools and two have signed with Division II schools. Jonathan Mills (PF) is going to the University of Chicago. Aaron Hawk-Harris (SG) has signed to play at the University of Northern Colorado for former CEU Head Coach Chris Craig. Brady Hurst (F/C) is going to BYU Hawaii. All other sophomores are still deciding and looking at their options of where they can play if they choose to continue playing.
