SHEPHERD MEN'S BASKETBALL ANNOUNCES RECRUITING CLASS

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd University men's basketball coach Ken Tyler announced the signing of a six recruits for the 2006-07 season.

Pierrot Bendegue, is a 6-7, 215-pound, forward/center from Cameroon, Africa. Bendegue spent this past season as a post-graduate at Worcester Academy in Massachusetts. He played behind post players who have signed with Connecticut and Wake Forest. An incredibly athletic player with a great deal of potential, Bendegue joins Yves Moliva as the Rams' second player from Cameroon.

"Pierrot will be our most athletic post player" said Tyler. "He is a relative newcomer to the game, but we expect him to improve in much the same way as Yves Moliva."

Barry Cornish, is a 6-6, 230-pound center from Baltimore, MD. Cornish transfers to Shepherd from Garrett Community College, where he averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds per game and was named First-Team All-MD Juco. At Landsdowne High School in Baltimore, he averaged 21 points and 14 rebounds per game and was named Baltimore City Player of the Year and MVP of the prestigious Charm City Classic.

"Barry was our number one recruit all season long, " said Tyler. "He is a Division I-caliber player, and gives us what we've needed for quite some time -- a legitimate presence in the post. He will make an immediate impact."

Jonathan Motichka is a 6-0, 175-pound combination guard from Chambersburg, PA. He was a four-year starter at AAAA Chambersburg High School, the alma mater of current Ram Danley Shank. A two-time selection to the Harrisburg Patriot News Big 15 All-Star team, Motichka scored over 1,300 career points. He is outstanding three-point threat who boasts a 4.03 grade point average.

"Jonathan is a tough, do-it-all kind of player," said Tyler. "He will be one of our best three-point shooters, but he also possesses the ability to finish at the rim and guard the other team's best perimeter player. Most impressively, he is a great example of a true student-athlete."

Levi Osby, is a 6-5, 225-pound forward from Richmond, VA. Osby transfers to Shepherd from Division I Siena College, where he played in 25 games for an average of 12 minutes per game. He recorded a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds in only start against St. Peters. He finished third on the team in blocked shots. Prior to playing at Siena, Osby played for Frederick Community College, where he averaged 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.

"Levi was our top recruit last year, but we lost him to Division I Siena," said Tyler. "We're very happy that he will be joining our program after all. He is a strong, versatile performer who will team with Danley Shank and Yves Moliva to form one of the best wing trios in the WVIAC. Even though we only have him for one year, we expect him to make a significant impact."

Eric Rolander is a 6-7, 220-pound forward/center from Alexandria, VA and Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C. Rolander signed in the November signing period.

Duncan Williams is a 5-11, 176-pound guard from Hedgesville. Williams transfers from Division I Winthrop University, where he has played two years of soccer. Williams led Hedgesville HS to AAA state championship game in 2004.

"We're very pleased to add another player from the outstanding Hedgesville program," said Tyler. "Duncan's soccer experience will be an asset to our program, as he has competed against top-quality athletes for two years. He is tough, talented, and a winner. I'm sure Duncan will be a positive influence on our team."