Post by knvb141 on Nov 18, 2008 9:36:19 GMT -5
RADFORD, Va. – Second-year head coach Brad Greenberg recently announced that Evan Faulkner (Ashland, Ky./Elliott County), Blake Smith (Charlotte, N.C./United Faith Christian), Tommy Spagnolo (West Jefferson, N.C./Ashe County) and Michael Wooten (Graham, N.C./Graham) have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Radford men’s basketball team in 2009-10.
“These young men play for excellent coaches, have proven themselves to be serious competitors, and bring most of the skills we are looking for in this year’s recruiting class,” commented Greenberg. “They are also strong students, who recognize that Radford offers them outstanding academics as well as an exciting basketball opportunity.”
Evan Faulkner
6-2, 175, Guard
Ashland, Ky. / Elliott County High School
Averaged 16.0 points and seven assists per outing as a junior for Coach Rick Mays… A three-time All-District, All-Region and All-EKC selection… Earned All-Area recognition following his sophomore and junior campaigns… An honor roll student and member of the BETA Club.
Greenberg on Faulkner
“I can’t wait to coach Evan Faulkner. He is a natural leader, has a passion for basketball, can shoot with range, pass, handle and defend. He is capable of running a team or playing off the ball. But what separates Evan from most young players is the mental focus he brings to the court. He plays every possession like it’s the most important possession of the game.”
Blake Smith
6-4, 175, Guard
Charlotte, N.C. / United Faith Christian Academy
Along with playing for Hope Christian Academy, was a member of the Charlotte Royals, the nation’s 11th-rated AAU team in its classification… Participated in the first-ever Carolina Challenge.
Greenberg on Smith
“Blake has a great “feel” for the game. He is a long versatile defender with quick active hands and a stellar athlete with quickness and spring. There are very few high school players that have Blake’s defensive potential, unselfish attitude and basketball IQ. Blake does so many things to help his team win.”
Tommy Spagnolo
6-7, 210, Forward
West Jefferson, N.C. / Ashe County High School
Averaged 18 points and eight rebounds as a junior for Coach Marc Payne… Has 128 career blocks… Led the Huskies to a 23-5 record in 2007-08… A two-time All-Conference and All-Tournament performer… Named team MVP following his junior season… Voted MVP of the Colvard Oil Christmas Tournament.
Greenberg on Spagnolo
“Tommy reminds our staff of Joey Lynch-Flohr. He is physically tough, defends in the paint, is a strong shot blocker, has very strong hands and is a good rebounder. He has long arms, a real good basketball frame and might grow a few more inches. He is a no-nonsense forward prospect who also possesses a soft touch facing the basket.”
Michael Wooten
6-2, 165, Guard
Graham, N.C. / Graham High School
Transferred to Graham High School after leading Alamance Christian to their first North Carolina Christian School Association 3-A State Championship since 1981… Averaged more than 20 points per game as a junior… Coached by Rod Cousins at Graham High School, who is Radford’s all-time steals leader.
Greenberg on Wooten
“Michael is a marvelous shooter with remarkable range. He has good quickness, speed and spring. We wanted to recruit a guard who has the potential to stretch defenses and Michael has that ability. We think Michael will not only develop into an outstanding three-point shooter, but also an all around scorer and playmaker.”
Coming off a 74-55 victory over Brevard College in its season opener, Radford (1-0) will entertain Bridgewater in a 7 p.m. contest at Peters Hall Tuesday.
“These young men play for excellent coaches, have proven themselves to be serious competitors, and bring most of the skills we are looking for in this year’s recruiting class,” commented Greenberg. “They are also strong students, who recognize that Radford offers them outstanding academics as well as an exciting basketball opportunity.”
Evan Faulkner
6-2, 175, Guard
Ashland, Ky. / Elliott County High School
Averaged 16.0 points and seven assists per outing as a junior for Coach Rick Mays… A three-time All-District, All-Region and All-EKC selection… Earned All-Area recognition following his sophomore and junior campaigns… An honor roll student and member of the BETA Club.
Greenberg on Faulkner
“I can’t wait to coach Evan Faulkner. He is a natural leader, has a passion for basketball, can shoot with range, pass, handle and defend. He is capable of running a team or playing off the ball. But what separates Evan from most young players is the mental focus he brings to the court. He plays every possession like it’s the most important possession of the game.”
Blake Smith
6-4, 175, Guard
Charlotte, N.C. / United Faith Christian Academy
Along with playing for Hope Christian Academy, was a member of the Charlotte Royals, the nation’s 11th-rated AAU team in its classification… Participated in the first-ever Carolina Challenge.
Greenberg on Smith
“Blake has a great “feel” for the game. He is a long versatile defender with quick active hands and a stellar athlete with quickness and spring. There are very few high school players that have Blake’s defensive potential, unselfish attitude and basketball IQ. Blake does so many things to help his team win.”
Tommy Spagnolo
6-7, 210, Forward
West Jefferson, N.C. / Ashe County High School
Averaged 18 points and eight rebounds as a junior for Coach Marc Payne… Has 128 career blocks… Led the Huskies to a 23-5 record in 2007-08… A two-time All-Conference and All-Tournament performer… Named team MVP following his junior season… Voted MVP of the Colvard Oil Christmas Tournament.
Greenberg on Spagnolo
“Tommy reminds our staff of Joey Lynch-Flohr. He is physically tough, defends in the paint, is a strong shot blocker, has very strong hands and is a good rebounder. He has long arms, a real good basketball frame and might grow a few more inches. He is a no-nonsense forward prospect who also possesses a soft touch facing the basket.”
Michael Wooten
6-2, 165, Guard
Graham, N.C. / Graham High School
Transferred to Graham High School after leading Alamance Christian to their first North Carolina Christian School Association 3-A State Championship since 1981… Averaged more than 20 points per game as a junior… Coached by Rod Cousins at Graham High School, who is Radford’s all-time steals leader.
Greenberg on Wooten
“Michael is a marvelous shooter with remarkable range. He has good quickness, speed and spring. We wanted to recruit a guard who has the potential to stretch defenses and Michael has that ability. We think Michael will not only develop into an outstanding three-point shooter, but also an all around scorer and playmaker.”
Coming off a 74-55 victory over Brevard College in its season opener, Radford (1-0) will entertain Bridgewater in a 7 p.m. contest at Peters Hall Tuesday.