TCC announces 2012 men’s basketball signing class
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (September 12, 2012) – Tallahassee Community College men's basketball and head coach Eddie Barnes has announced the signing of eight student-athletes to first-time National Letters of Intent with the Eagles.
Headlining the group is Godby High School graduate Alex Andrews, the reigning Tallahassee Democrat Big Bend Player of the Year.
Here is a closer look at Tallahassee's 2012 signing class:
Alex Andrews, Tallahassee, Fla. (Godby High School)
TCC coaching staff on Andrews: "Alex is a very athletic, gifted young man whose skills have improved this summer. He is a joy to work with because of his work ethic and his attitude towards wanting to get better. He'll be a big influence on the court."
Jonathan Hood, Durham, N.C. (Body of Christ Christian Academy)
TCC coaching staff on Hood: "Jonathan can flat out put the ball in the hole and that will help him get on the floor early. He scores in all kinds of ways – he can shoot the three and put it on the floor. He has to get better defensively, but we're looking for good things from him."
Jalen Houston, Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Hillcrest High School/East Mississippi Community College)
TCC coaching staff on Houston: "Jalen played at East Mississippi (Community College) as a freshman and was the backup point guard on a team that advanced to the NJCAA Tournament. He was slated to be the starter this season but decided to transfer. He will help us do a lot of things – he'll bring leadership, he'll direct the team and get us going with the young players."
Marlon Johnson, Cresthill, Ill. (Joliet West High School
TCC coaching staff on Johnson: "Marlon is a tremendously athletic big man – he runs the floor well and he's versatile. He scores around the basket, and he can face up and put it on the floor which creates problems for defenders. I think he will follow in the footsteps of Bernard James, Abdullahi Kuso and Dustin Scott."
Bernard Kline, Waterbury, Conn. (Crosby High School/Western Wyoming Community College)
TCC coaching staff on Kline: "Bernard is a transfer from Western Wyoming (Community College) who averaged double-figures as a freshman. He's a wing player, a slasher who can shoot it and score. He will add depth to the guard position and bring maturity to the team as our freshmen grow up."
Trevor McDade, Bowie, Md. (Bowie High School)
TCC coaching staff on McDade: "Trevor has been out of school for three years and has served as a reserve in the Marines. This opportunity (at TCC) has allowed him to continue his education, and he brings a lot of toughness. He is street savvy and has the skills to get to the rack. He is a very strong individual, and we're expecting lots of leadership from him."
Richard Peters, Pickering, Ontario, Canada (Westwind Prep Academy)
TCC coaching staff on Peters: "Richard signed with Washington State out of high school, so we feel fortunate to have him in Tallahassee. He is a very skilled big man, but he's not a high-riser. He will play on the rim, not over it. His body allows him to push people around. He's willing to get better and that's what I like about him right now. He fits the mold of the big men we've been successful with in the past – he's one to be looking for the next two years as an impact player."
Duran Porter, Macon, Ga. (Westside High School)
TCC coaching staff on Porter: "Duran is my glue guy – he will do whatever the coaches ask. He is physically tough, athletic and has great skills. He gives us an all-around player at the four and five. His versatility and physicality will get him on the court early."
The group of new signees will be joined on the 2012-13 roster by sophomores Jarrod Batson, Curtis Diamond and C.J. Washington.
Tallahassee opens the 2012-13 season by hosting the Tallahassee Democrat Tip-Off Classic November 2-3.