Railsplitter Recruiting Class Could Be The Best In Years

HARROGATE, TN – With the 2007-08 school year already underway, Lincoln Memorial University men’s basketball coach Hugh Watson released this week the signees for this year’s team.  Although the season is still a couple of months away, practice will begin in mid October in preparation for the Railsplitters season-opening exhibition November 5.

Alfred Anderson, a 6’10” center, comes to LMU from Contra Costa CC in California.  Anderson led his team in rebounding last season with 8.8 boards per contest while averaging 12.6 point per game. After a medical red-shirt his first season, he has three year of college eligibility remaining.  “Alfred comes from a great Contra Costa program.  He has the ability to become a great post for the Railsplitters the next three seasons.”

Brett Warner, a 6’10” forward, comes to LMU from UNC-Asheville.   Warner started in seven of 31 games for the Bulldogs a year ago and averaged 14 minutes a game.  He had a career high of 14 points against South Atlantic Conference opponent Lenoir-Rhyne last season.  “Brett has all of the skills to become a major player in the SAC in 2007-08,” says Watson.  “We are expecting big things from Brett this season, he is the kind of student-athlete that we are very excited about.”

Emmanuel Njomo, a 6’6” forward, comes to LMU from Division I Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA.  Njomo played in 16 games before sustaining an injury and led his junior college team to a National Championship in 2005-05 at Cecil Community College in Maryland.  “Emmanuel is a great person and will play an important role in this years team,” stats Watson.  “He is a proven leader and winner, and we are expecting big things for Emmanuel in his final year of college eligibility.”

Wadner Joseph, a 6’4” forward, comes to LMU from Rend Lake College in Illinois.  Wadner led his team in rebounding last year with 9.7 boards a game while scoring 8.2 points each night. He will have two seasons remaining at LMU.  “Wadner is the type of kid that you just love to be around,” says Watson.  He is a kid that gets everything out of hard work and discipline. He is very athletic and will go to battle everyday on the court.”

Ryan Whitaker, a 6’3” guard from Bell County High School, comes to LMU after a great prep career. He participated in the Kentucky-West Virginia All-Star game and averaged 22.5 points per game while pulling 7.2 rebounds per night.  He was named Appalachian Mountain player of the year and was selected to the Kentucky All-State team.  “Ryan had a great high school career at Bell County High School.  We are expecting him to carry that over to the Railsplitters for the next four years.  He has an incredible work ethic and we are excited to have him at LMU.”

Charles Pinkett, a 5’10” guard from Cecil CC in Maryland, comes to LMU with two years remaining.  He played an important role on the national championship team and took a medical red-shirt last season.  “Charles is a proven winner,” says Watson.  He has the ability to run a team from the point guard position.  He played an important role for Coach Lewitt at Cecil Community College in leading them to a national championship.”

Terry Delaney, a 6’4” forward, comes to LMU from Volunteer State Community College.  Delaney had a great career at Volunteer State and could be an impact player for LMU this season.  “Terry has worked extremely hard to be a part of the LMU Basketball program.  He is loaded with skills and will quickly become a fan favorite.  We are expecting big things from Terry over the next two seasons.”

Other newcomers to the Railsplitter program this year will be Trey Goins (Bell Co. High School), Josef Throp (Dobyns-Bennett High School) who will be beginning their collegiate careers.  “We feel like this is the best recruiting class we have put together in the past few years,” says Watson.  “We believe this is a good group of guys on and off the court and are very excited to start working with this group of young men.  Our schedule will be very difficult, but it is one that will hopefully get us ready for our South Atlantic Conference opponents.  The Railsplitters tip-off the 2007-08 season November 5 against the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.