Reed announces Lehigh men’s basketball incoming class of 2016
11/29/2011 6:57:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Murray H. Goodman Head Coach Brett Reed announced Lehigh men's basketball's incoming class of 2016 on Tuesday as the Mountain Hawks welcome three talented student-athletes into the program. Devon Carter, Jesse Chuku and Justin Goldsborough come to Lehigh from a variety of backgrounds, from as far away as England to as close as Maryland.
“We feel we have a solid class with the commitments of the graduating class of 2016,” said Reed. “We have strong individual talent and athleticism entering our program. Collectively, I think these young men are the type who will bolster our program and help us continue to compete for championships for years to come.”
Carter comes to Lehigh from John Hay High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Last season, he was named District Player of the Year, leading his team in scoring with more than 20 points per game. He also averaged six assists, four rebounds and two steals in leading the Hornets to the Division II Regional Finals, the school's first appearance in the regional since 1988. Carter earned two honors from the Ohio High School Athletic Association as well: First Team All-Ohio and Northeast Ohio Player of the Year for Division II.
“Devon has a college-ready basketball frame,” said Reed. “He's a diligent worker, the type of individual who wakes up every morning and either lifts weights or shoots, even before school begins. Although his talent level is strong, we feel his work ethic will only continue to help him develop while he's here. Devon has played a variety of positions from point guard to small forward; his versatility is something we'll be able to utilize. He's been very instrumental for his high school program - he's scored the basketball, been a playmaker, defended strongly and rebounded well.”
Meanwhile, Chuku is a highly-touted prospect from Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire. From London England, he moved to the United States where he played at Kimball Union for the past two years. Chuku was a member of the Under-18 National Team for England and has been invited back for the Under-20 tryouts. He was also captain of the London Pioneers. An athletic 6-7 power forward, Chuku has versatility with both his back to the basket and on the perimeter.
“Jesse is an extremely athletic and giftedly talented individual,” said Reed. “He has very good size, is able to transition with great speed, rebounds the ball effectively and has a solid skill set for his size. He's a threat from the three-point line and is also very explosive going to the basket. We hope that his impressive talent level will be able to significantly impact our program.
“Jesse's journey to college has been a little unique, having come internationally from London, England then ultimately participating in a high level of prep school basketball here in the United States,” Reed continued. “He's been well coached and has already gone through adjustments of being away from home. He has also dealt with adversity and triumphed.”
Originally from Fort Washington, Maryland, Goldsborough is a 6-8 forward/center coming off a solid summer playing AAU Basketball for the DC Assault program. He was named First Team All-IAC last year while making the All-Tournament Team at the Hawk Kreul Classic.
“Justin's athletic ability is remarkable,” said Reed. “He has excellent length and size. He is a defensive presence immediately upon entering our program with his shot blocking and rebounding ability. Justin has very quick feet and his best basketball is ahead of him. His passion for the game, combined with his athletic potential, could lead to an extremely productive career at Lehigh. Just having his combination of size and athleticism could make him a unique force.”
The trio will join a strong Mountain Hawks' program that will return four starters in 2012-13, including a stellar class of C.J. McCollum, Gabe Knutson and Holden Greiner who will be seniors next season. So far those three have combined for 45.3 points per game this season, 57 percent of the team's scoring.
“These three young men are very fortunate to come into a team next year that will have a solid returning nucleus of experience and talent,” said Reed. “There are tremendous complements from this class that bring unique skills and abilities. We hope to capitalize and utilize them to supplement and bolster what we believe will be a strong team next year.”
Riding a five-game winning streak, Lehigh returns to action on Thursday when it travels to the Bronx to face Atlantic 10 foe Fordham. Following a Saturday night road contest at Cornell, Lehigh will return to Stabler Arena to host Saint Francis (Pa.) next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for all home games are now on sale and may be purchased on Lehighsports.com or by calling the ticket office at (610) 7LU-GAME.
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Lehigh Men's Basketball Incoming Class
Devon Carter G 6-3/200 Cleveland, Ohio/John Hay
High School Coach: Chris Sanders AAU Coach (King James):Percy Robinson
Jesse Chuku F 6-7/215 London England/Kimball Union Academy
High School Coach: Mike Olson AAU Coach (Metro Boston): Mo Vasquez
Justin Goldsborough F/C 6-8/210 Fort Washington, Md./St. Stephens & St. Agnes School
High School Coach: Kevin McClinton AAU Coach (DC Assault): Nathaniel Britt
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