Bethlehem, PA - Lehigh head coach Billy Taylor has announced the signing of seven-foot John Gourlay out of Arkansas, who will begin attending Lehigh in the fall of 2005. Gourlay, a native of Orange County, California, carries a 4.0 grade point average at the very prestigious Subiaco Academy in Subiaco, Arkansas. He helped lead his team to a 22-8 season last year as a junior as well as a conference, regional and district championships, while averaging 17 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 assists. Gourlay was named All-State in the AAA group, garnered MVP honors of his region and also earned a spot on the All-State Tournament Team in helping his team to a 17-game winning streak at the end of the season.
Taylor, the two-time Patriot League Coach of the Year, is excited to add someone with Gourlay’s abilities to the program. “We are very excited to welcome John into the Lehigh family. He is going to add additional size and strength to our program. He possesses a soft touch from the outside and the ability to score in the low post.” Taylor continues, “John will have a chance to make an impact on this team and within the Patriot League and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to work with him and help him develop his game over the next four years at Lehigh.”
Gourlay has grown a remarkable eight inches in the past two years and weighs close to 250 pounds. In addition to considering Lehigh, Gourlay also looked at Illinois and 2004 Final Four participant Oklahoma State. Gourlay, whose high school coach is Tim Tencleve, is listed as one of the top impact freshman in the Patriot League for next season by Insiders/Scouthoops.com.
