Reed announces men's hoops newest additions
11/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Murray H. Goodman Head Coach Brett Reed has announced the latest Lehigh men’s basketball recruiting class, which includes a trio of talented student-athletes from across the country. The newest Mountain Hawks include Gabe Knutson (Urbandale, Iowa), C.J. McCollum (Canton, Ohio) and Holden Greiner (Traverse City, Mich.). “I am pleased to welcome our incoming recruiting class to our Lehigh University basketball family,” Reed explained. “Each of these young men has demonstrated strong character, academic performance and excellent basketball potential. We are optimistic that Gabe, C.J. and Holden will have very productive careers here at Lehigh.”
A 6-8 post player from Waukee Community High School in Iowa, Gabe Knutson averaged 19.8 points per game as well as 8.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks as a junior. He also averaged nearly seven free throw attempts per game. A Second Team All-State selection, Knutson led Waukee Community HS to a record of 19-5 and a berth in the state tournament quarterfinals during the 2007-08 season. Knutson is a hard worker who is a matchup problem for opposing defenses with his ability to play both inside and outside.
Reed offers his thoughts on Knutson. “Gabe enters our program with strong scoring potential due to his versatility and high skill level. He has demonstrated the ability to make effective moves around the basket as well as the ability to stretch the defense due to his shooting touch.”
C.J.McCollum is a 6-1 point guard who attends Glen Oak High School in Ohio. He exploded onto the scene last year as a junior, pumping in 54 points during the season opener versus North High School in Akron. A very accurate shooter, McCollum averaged 25.1 points per game last season and earned Division I Third Team All-State recognition.
“C.J. is a smooth and fluid guard who not only possesses the ability to score the basketball but also has solid court vision and passing ability,” Reed said. “He has demonstrated a strong offensive weapon due to his shooting ability but we also expect him to make other teammates better due to his play making skills.”
The second frontcourt player in Lehigh’s newest class, Holden Greiner is a 6-8 forward from Saint Francis High School in Traverse City, Michigan. Greiner finished his junior season averaging 20.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 4.5 steals per game. A very good shooter with a high skill level, Greiner earned First Team All-Lake Michigan Conference accolades, First Team All-State Class C honors, and he is on pace to become his high school’s all-time leading scorer during his senior season.
“Holden has a unique combination of size and skill,” explained Reed. “Having formerly been a guard, he possesses strong ball handling ability and shooting touch. As he continues to develop, we anticipate that he could continue to progress as a match-up problem.”
