In what head coach Donnie Bostwick calls the first wave of his 2008-09 signings, the Oklahoma Wesleyan University men’s basketball program announced the following recruits for next season.
At the top of the list is Northern Oklahoma Junior College transfer Michael McNeil. A 6’4” guard / forward who averaged 8 points, 7 rebounds and 3.2 assist per game last season. McNeil is a former Edmond North High Standout where he was an Oklahoma High School Large School All-State selection his senior season. “Michael was exactly what I was looking for. He brings our team more toughness on both ends of the floor. He is one of the more complete players you will ever find. He can play nearly every position on the floor and can score, rebound, pass and defend. Averaging nearly a double-double in junior college basketball especially in Region II is an accomplishment. Especially when you add over 3 assists a game on top of that,” commented Bostwick.
OKWU has signed a number of potentially talented northeastern Oklahoma Freshman as well.
The trio of Justin Johnson, Jeff Jewitt, and Chad Guthrie are headed to the Eagles via Tulsa NOAH High School. Johnson and Guthie were key players this past season. After averaging 18.8 points and 7 rebounds per game, Johnson was selected Tulsa World All-Metro honorable mention as well being selected a National Home School All-American. Jewitt was a standout for NOAH a year ago was also a Tulsa World All-Metro and All-State Honorable mention honoree. He transfers to OKWU from John Brown University.
The list of locals also includes guards Brice Lively of Coweta High School, and Coy Crane of Afton High School.
Lively, a 6-0 guard who averaged 10 points and 4 rebounds per game this season, was a second team All-Metro Lakes Conference selection and was named to the Jim Thorpe All-Star Game.
Coy Crane, a 6-1 guard who averaged 17.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists this season. Coy was named Lucky Seven Conference most valuable player both his junior and senior seasons. He was also a Joplin Globe First Team All-Area selection and a Tulsa World honorable mention selection.
OKWU also has signed two out of state freshman as well, Dante Newsome and Marcus Hunter, from Olathe Christian High School in the Kansas City Metro area .
“We have signed a number of local players who we feel have the potential to develop into good college basketball players. They will need to put the time and effort it takes to keep developing. It is difficult to measure which kids have the talent and desire to continue improving. Most young men, including myself, just asked for a chance to develop, some of my most favorite players have taken that route,” commented Bostwick about the incoming freshman class.