Falcons Announce Men's Basketball Signees

The Falcons announced their men's basketball signees today, the first day in which national letters of intent could be signed.  It is the two players we had heard about and expected, but this is the first time Coach is allowed to comment about them.

They both are inside guys, one 6'7" and one 6'8".  I think we are clearly trying to build our ability to play inside, which is fine, so long as we also maintain the ability to guard the perimeter too.

To wit, Spencer Parker.  He is from Detroit Metro, and is in Prep school this year.  He seems to be long and versatile, which is a combination which can be very dangerous in the MAC.  A long guy who is athletic enough to play 3 can be a real match up problem in the MAC.

From the BG release....

Parker, a 6-foot-7 forward from West Bloomfield, Mich., will play at Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Va. this year. A year ago, he played at West Bloomfield High School and averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds per game, while blocking 1.7 shots. He will have all four years of eligibility remaining when he arrives at Bowling Green.

“Spencer is a basketball player, first and foremost,” Orr said. “His skill level, especially for his size, is very good. He is playing for an outstanding coach in Ed Huckaby at Fishburne Military School and his post graduate time there will be invaluable in his development as a player and in his preparation for his career here at BGSU.

“Spencer’s size, length, athleticism and skill give him the ability to play multiple positions. He is a very good shooter who can stretch the defense. He has very good ball skills and is very good in the open court. Spencer knows how to score and create for himself and his teammates. Defensively, he gets his hands on a lot of balls and is a very good rebounder. He is a versatile player who can positively influence the game in many different ways. We are excited about Spencer’s versatility and his basketball ability.”

The other player is Richaun Holmes.  He is in JUCO, but because he was a full qualifier out of HS, so he will enter BG as a sophomore.  He appears to be a similar player to Parker, except more of a defensively minded player, though coach is high on his offensive skills as well.  Still, a shot blocker and rebounder on the inside would be very important to our program.  See below.

Holmes, a 6-8 forward from Lockport, Ill., will play this year at Moraine Community College in Palos Hills, Ill. As a full academic qualifier out of high school, he will be able to transfer to BGSU and play right away with three years of eligibility remaining. Playing at Lockport High School a year ago, Holmes blocked a school-record 150 shots a year after setting the record with 127 as a junior. This year, he is averaging 16.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7.5 blocked shots through the first two games of the season and he posted a triple-double in his first game with Moraine, totaling 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 blocks.

“Richaun has great length with a 70-inch wingspan and athleticism, along with skill,” Orr said. “He is a terrific shot blocker and has the ability to be a traffic rebounder. Richaun has the ability to play inside and out. He can post up and make the three. He runs the floor well and is an active rebounder.

“Playing for an outstanding coach in Dedrick Shannon Sr., Richaun’s development for one year at Moraine will be accelerated. He is young for a freshman, just recently turning 18, and he will have three years to play for us. He gives us a rare combination of athleticism, shot blocking and skill. As he matures, Richaun has the ability to be a huge presence on both ends of the court. We are excited about his talent and potential.”

We are only losing two three seniors this year.  I don't know if scholarships remain available, but I would say that both of these appear to be high upside guys with size and athleticism.  Look forward to watching them develop.