Alaska Anchorage

UAA Signs 6-9 Player From West Linn (12/9/11)

Collin Spickerman, a 6-9, 205-pounder from West Linn, Ore., has signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Spickerman is currently rated the No. 1 forward in Oregon by Northwest Hoops.com as he embarks on his senior season at three-time defending Class 6A state-Jesuit High School.

In the ESPN recruiting rankings, Spickerman is currently rated No. 7 overall in Oregon, No. 81 overall in the West, and No. 119 nationally among power forwards.

As a junior, Spickerman played behind current University of Kentucky freshman Kyle Wiltjer, however he has already come into his own this season with 12 points and 12 rebounds in a season-opening win over Sprague, followed by a 12-block performance in a victory over David Douglas.

“Our staff is very excited that Collin has signed early to be a Seawolf and grateful to his family for the confidence they have in our program,” said Rusty Osborne, currently in his eighth season as UAA's head coach.

“When evaluating potential recruits, Collin kept coming back as someone who would be a great fit in our system. Although he did not play a lot last year in a loaded Jesuit program, he had a great summer as evidenced by his national rankings and the schools who were recruiting him.”

Spickerman was also recruited by several Division I programs, including St. Mary's, Weber State, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Clara and Hawaii.

“We believe he will continue to blossom as he gains more experience and strength,” Osborne added. “He has the ability to play inside but will eventually be a power forward with the ability to shoot outside and pass the ball.

"He moves extremely well for his size and already has a great feel for blocking and affecting shots on the defensive end.  It has been very rare for our program to get true young post players and we are looking forward to helping Collin develop over the next four years.

"With primarily upperclassman in our front court, it was important for us to add at least two young forwards with size.  Collin gives us a great start toward that goal.”

Seawolves Sign Player From Oregon (11/14/11)

Oregon prep standout John Erickson has signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage.

Erickson, a 6-4 guard, is entering his senior season at Sisters High School, where he led his team in scoring the last two years.

Last season, he earned Team MVP and First-Team All-Sky-Em Conference honors with averages of 18 points, five rebounds and four assists per game. He is currently the No. 5-ranked ‘combo' guard in the Class of 2012 by NorthwestHoops.com.

“We are excited that John has chosen to become a Seawolf,” said UAA coach Rusty Osborne. “With three senior perimeter players graduating this year, we felt it was important to bring in a very versatile wing player. 

"At 6-4, John has the ability to play all three wing positions. He can shoot and distribute, but his biggest asset may be his toughness and desire. He has a high basketball IQ and will have a chance to make an immediate impact next season.”

As a sophomore in 2009-10, Erickson put up 12 points, four rebounds and three assists per contest, earning second-team All-Sky-Em honors.

“John has been well coached throughout high school, and his team values a lot of the same things we do – hard-nosed defense, quality shot selection, and toughness,” Osborne added. “Both our staff and players were excited how easily he meshed with our team on his visit, and we look forward to him being a Seawolf.”

Montana State Billings

Yellowjackets Sign Player From Anchorage (12/5/11)

Luke Adams, a 6-7 forward from Anchorage, has signed a National Letter of Intent with Montana State University Biullings.

“We are excited to have Luke join our program by signing during the early signing period,” MSUB coach Jamie Stevens said.

“He will add some much needed bulk to our frontline and I really like his work ethic on the court and in the classroom. I truly believe that Luke's best basketball is ahead of him.”

Adams, the younger brother of current MSUB volleyball player Taylor Adams, is playing his senior season at Dimond High School in Anchorage. Last season he averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds per game, earning 4A all-region and all-tournament honors.

A two-sport athlete, Adams has earned letters in cross country and basketball, helping the basketball team to two appearances in the regional tournament in 2010 and 2011 with a fourth place finish at the state tournament in 2010.

Utah Player Signs With Yellowjackets (11/17/11)

Utah product Tyler Nelson has signed a National Letter of Intent Thursday during the NCAA's early signing period with Montana State University Billings.

Nelson, currently serving his one year L.D.S Church Service Mission in El Salvador, played one season under MSUB coach Jamie Stevens at Central Wyoming College in 2009-10.

He played in 23 games that season, scoring 3.96 points per game on 53 percent shooting from the floor. Nelson, a 6-foot-7 forward, prepped at Union High School in Roosevelt, Utah.

At UHS he earned first team all-region honors and was an all-state honorable mention selection during his senior year in 2008-09.

Not only did Nelson excel on the court, but also in the classroom where he carried a 3.89 GPA and was on the honor roll list. Nelson was also the President of the Seminary Council and was voted as the Most Outstanding Senior Boy.

Simon Fraser

Clan To Add Player from Vancouver (11/18/11)

A local player will return to the Metro Vancouver area next season when Dillon Hamilton joins the Simon Fraser men’s basketball team.

Hamilton, who is a native of Vancouver, BC, most recently played at the University of Western Ontario in Canadian Interuniversity Sport.

At Western Ontario during the 2009-10 season, Hamilton played in 15 games, shot 42% from beyond the arc and 73% from the free throw line.

“I like to play a fast paced game, I’m hungry to win and I love to shoot three’s,” continued Hamilton. “I also play a very tenacious style of basketball on the defensive side. I think my style will fit well into how Coach (James) Blake wants to play. I’m really anxious to get started.”

The 6-0 guard transfers to the Clan with a reputation for being an above average three-point shooter from the two guard position.

"It's great to be able to bring a local player back home to play basketball," said Blake. "Dillon has some experience in university basketball thanks to his time at Western and that should help him transition smoothly into the NCAA. He's a superior three-point shooter which will really benefit our team next season."

Western Oregon

Wolves Sign Two Oregon Prep Products (11/9/11)

Western Oregon has signed two Oregon high school prospects to National Letters of Intent. Both Jordan Wiley and Jordan Schiber inked their NLI with the Wolves on the first day of the signing period Wednesday.

Wiley was a third team all-state selection at McKenzie High School (1A) in Eugene, Ore. He is a 6-4 guard who averaged over 20 points per game last season.

"Jordan is a very skills perimeter player who has the ability to score in multiple ways," said WOU coach Brady Bergeson. "He can shoot it, move without the ball, score and make plays off the bounce. He is just a well-rounded basketball player and a well-rounded young man."

Schriber also brings in a long list of accolades to WOU from his time at Tillamook High School (4A). The 6-5 wing was a first team all-state selection and the COWAPA League Player of the Year.

"Schriber's a versatile wing who has converted from an inside player to the perimeter," Bergeson said. "He is very hard to stay in front of with the ball in his hands, and he also has the ability to stretch the defense with his 3-point shot. In addition he is one of the fiercest competitors and rebounders that we saw all offseason."

Both players will be come to Western Oregon during the 2012-13 season and are expected to contribute right away with the Wolves losing four members of its backcourt at season's end. "These guys are valuable additions for the future core of this team," Bergeson concluded.