The Raiders have signed a quartet of junior college transfers to go along with Georgia transfer, Steve Thomas, who sat out this past season.
The haul begins with Tim Blue, a 6-foot-9, 208-pound sophomore at Indian River (Fla.) Junior College, who averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots for Indian River in 2003-04. Not bad for a guy who began playing basketball as a sophomore at Palm Beach Gardens High School in Palm Beach, Fla. One recruiting guru rated Blue as the top junior college player in the state of Florida. Here is a link to the article on his signing:
<a href='http://goblueraiders.com/?go=story&doc=2946' target='_blank'>Let's Go 'Blue'!!! Middle Tennessee Signs Talented Forward </a>
Fats Cuyler, a 6'-0" guard originally out of Leesburg, Florida, averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game to help lead Cowley County (Kansas) Community College to a 23-9 record in 2003-04. A preseason junior college All-American in 2003-04, Cuyler led the Jayhawk Conference in steals with 80 and his 583 points were the 12th most in a single season at Cowley County.
Cuyler said he also considered Evansville, Illinois State, Houston and Southwest Missouri.
Here is a link to the story on his signing:
<a href='http://goblueraiders.com/?go=story&doc=2974' target='_blank'>Cuyler inks with Blue Raiders </a>
Marcus Morrison, a 6-6 guard out of St. Petersburg, originally signed out of High School with South Carolina where he played for a year, led Garden City Community College to a 23-9 record averaging 16.2 points and 5.9 rebounds. Morrison drew interest from several Big 12 and Big East schools, but the talented guard narrowed his three choices to Middle Tennessee, South Alabama and Georgia State. In High School, he was also recognized by Hoop Scoop as the 83rd best prospect in the nation and by Student Sports as one of the best 80 seniors in the country.
Link to article on his signing:
<a href='http://goblueraiders.com/?go=story&doc=2985' target='_blank'>Middle Tennessee lands standout guard Morrison </a>
Last, but not least by any measure, is Jonathan Loe, a left-handed guard out of the Memphis area that many have compared in style to Pete Maravich. In HS, Loe was recruited by Memphis coach Calipari and Missouri's Snyder before signing with Ole Miss. After reshirting a year, Loe played an increasing role with the Rebels, impressing a then LSU assistant coach, Kermit Davis, when Ole Miss upset the Tigers in Baton Rouge. Loe was unhappy with the Ole miss style of play and transfered to Northwest Mississippi CC, where Loe helped lead Northwest Mississippi to a No. 4 ranking in the final Top 25 junior college poll, as well as a No. 7 finish in the Junior College National Tournament, before signing with the Blue Raiders. Loe averaged 14.6 points, four assists and three steals - all team highs - for Northwest Mississippi in 2003-04, helping to lead the team to a 30-4 record. Loe was rated the preseason No. 2 junior college shooting guard in the country by Lindy's 2003-04 College Basketball Magazine. Loe, who drew interest from numerous schools, including Clemson, Minnesota and Penn State, said he narrowed choices to Washington State, Valparaiso and MiddleTennessee before signing.
Link to article on Loe signing with Middle Tennessee:
<a href='http://goblueraiders.com/?go=story&doc=2990' target='_blank'>Multi-talented guard Loe signs with Blue Raiders </a>
Middle Tennessee may yet sign another player, a 6-6 wing from west Tennessee who was a finalist for Mr. Basketball this past season. I'll keep you all posted.
|