Six for Six: Men's Basketball Adds Six Newcomers in the Fall
5/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Losing seniors to graduation is never easy, but for the
“The goal with the incoming class was to continue to build our program for the championship level,” said Head Men's basketball Coach Joe Jones. “We were aware that we were replacing one of the most successful
Six student-athletes comprise the Columbia Men's Basketball Class of 2012 and each of the six brings a different strength to program.
Noruwa Agho, pronounced Nor-OO-ah Ag-OH, is a 6-3, 205 pound guard from
“Noruwa continues our tradition of having great players from the New York-New Jersey area,” Jones said. “He had a great career at St. Joe's ? Montvale and followed that up with an outstanding season at the Peddie School, capping the year with first team All-State (prep division). He's a physical perimeter player who scores in many different ways and he has the chance to be high-level, scoring guard at the collegiate level.”
Issa Mase (EE-sa ma-SAY), 6-5/200, from
Matt Johnson (6-7/210) played four years of basketball at
“We are excited about adding and Issa and Matt to our program. Both are versatile and athletic perimeter players who led their respective teams in many categories,” said Jones. “Issa had an outstanding year at Archmere. His athleticism and inside-outside scoring ability distinguishes him, while Matt spent the season playing guard for Oaks Christian School and set the school record for
assists in a season. Both of these players add versatility and depth to our program.”
Steven Egee was a two-sport athlete at
“Steven Egee capped a winning career at Ridley as a starting guard for a state playoff-bound basketball team and starting quarterback for a state title-contending football team,” Jones said. “Steven's toughness and athleticism will be a great addition to our back court.”
Staying with the dual-sport theme, Chris Crockett from
“Chris is explosive off the dribble and is also an excellent deep shooter,” Jones added. “He has tremendous speed and quickness on and off the ball, and that is going to be another offensive and defensive weapon for us.”
Blaise Staab rounds out the class of 2012. Staab averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and two assists per game en route to being named first team All-State and conference player of the year.
“Blaise was a late addition to class of 2012. A combo forward with good all around skill, he was named MVP of the Oklahoma State Basketball tournament as his team captured the 6A title,” Jones concluded.
