MOREHEAD, Ky. – Three guards, three forwards and one center headline Morehead State men’s basketball's 2011 recruiting class. Guards Corey Heyward, Shaq Morris, and Angelo Warner and forwards Orlando Coleman, Jeff Drew, and Will Bailey, along with center Khalil Owens, have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Eagle basketball program, coach Donnie Tyndall announced Monday.
“This group of players is one of the most talented classes we’ve signed since I returned to MSU,” Tyndall said. “The entire class will help our program and several of these players will be able to contribute immediately."
Coleman a 6-4, 180-pound guard/forward from Pleasant Grove, Ala., was an All-West Metro First Team selection for Pleasant Grove High School. As a senior he averaged 15.3 points, 2.0 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game. Pleasant Grove finished the season as regional runners-up with a season record of 32-3, and at one point, the team won 30 straight games. Coleman was selected to four All-Tournament teams as a first-team selection. He was invited to play in the North/South All-Star game and was nominated to the Top 5 players in the West Area Metro Conference. Coleman was crowned “Rumble On the Ridge” Slam Dunk Contest Champion.
“Orlando is a long and athletic scoring wing player who is skilled enough to play and defend multiple positions,” Tyndall said. “He is a hard worker who loves basketball and competes at the highest level.”
A 6-0, 200-pound guard from Suwanee, Ga., Heyward is a scholar athlete who last season averaged 10.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game for Peachtree Ridge High School. Last season Peachtree Ridge finished the season as regional runners-up with a season record of 21-9. He is currently teammates at Peachtree Ridge with fellow signee Shaq Morris.
“Corey is a strong and tough guard who brings a high basketball IQ to our basketball program,” said Tyndall. “He comes from an athletic family with a great pedigree and has the physicality that will allow him to play right away.”
Morris is a 6-0, 190-pound guard from Suwanee, Ga. Like Heyward, he hails from Peachtree Ridge High School. Morris transferred from Meadow Creek High School in Georgia where he was named Third Team All-County and averaged 15.0 points, 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game as a junior.
“Shaq is a strong, explosive guard who can shoot it and score off the dribble. He competes with a high level of toughness and passion that will make him a very good player in our program,” said Tyndall.
A 6-7, 250-pound center from Northwest Florida State College, Owens was a Second Team All-Conference selection who averaged 8.0 points, 11 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks. He was also second in the Panhandle Conference and in the top 15 in the nation in rebounding. He will have two years of eligibility starting with the 2011-12 season. Last season Northwest Florida State College went 30-5 and finished sixth in the nation. This season the Raiders are ranked third in the nation and first in the state of Florida.
“Khalil is very strong and a good, tough rebounder who can score around the basket. He plays at a very good junior college that plays in one of the toughest conferences in the country,” Tyndall expressed. “He will provide us with a post presence. We are excited about his addition and the leadership he will bring to our team.”
Drew is a 6-8, 220-pound forward from Little Rock, Ark. who is currently attending Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro, Va. Last season at Hall High School in North Little Rock, he helped the team win the 6A Arkansas state title. He was named All-Conference, All-Metro and All-State. He led his team to a 26-3 record averaging 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.5 assists. His squad was also 2009 state runners-up and 2008 state champions.
“Jeff is a hard worker and proven winner. He adds strength and toughness as well as his ability to be a shot blocker along our frontline,” said Tyndall. “We are excited to add a quality kid who can score around the basket and contribute right away.”
Warner is a 6-3, 195-pound guard/wing from Orlando, Fla. While at James High School, Warner was a Third Team 3A All-State selection. He averaged 18.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 5.8 rebounds as a junior. Coming into this season Warner is rated as a three-star recruit by
Rivals.com.
“Angelo is an athletic combo guard who has great toughness and physicality,” explained Tyndall. “He has a great feel for the game and can score off the dribble and create for others. He is also a proven winner.”
A 6-3, 170-pound wing/forward from Greenville, Ga., Bailey averaged 18.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 3.0 steals for Greenville High School. Bailey has been a McDonald’s All-American nominee for the 2010-2011 senior class, and also made first team All-Region.
“Will is an explosive wing and tough competitor who plays hard and competes,” Tyndall said. “He can score in a variety of ways and in bunches. That will help him contribute right away.”
