2010-11 Men's Basketball Recruits Announced
By: Keith Muchow, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Posted: Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 8:18 AM
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (UWECBlugolds.com) - Head men's basketball coach Terry Gibbons has announced the names of nine student-athletes who will continue their academic and athletic careers at UW-Eau Claire.
2010-11 Blugold Recruits
Matt Coenen
Profile:
Height: 5-8 Weight: 160 Year: Junior Position: Outside
Previous School: St. Norbert College
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior Season Honors: First Team All-Fox Valley Association, First Team All-Fox Valley Association Defensive Team, First Team All-Area, Associated Press Honorable Mention All-State, Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association All-Star
- Led conference in assists
- Appleton East all-time assists leader
- Junior Season Honors: First Team All-Fox Valley Association, First Team All-Area
- Sophomore Season Honors: Honorable Mention All-Fox Valley Association
- Freshman Season Honors: Varsity Letter Winner
Coach Gibbons' Comments: "Matt is good with the basketball. He is smart, heady, works hard and is always looking to improve his game both on and off the court. Matt is a great addition to our team. He is a winner and has won in every program he has been and this is a new beginning for him."
Nick Craggs
Profile:
Height: 6-6 Weight: 205 Year: Sophomore Position: Outside
Previous School: UW-Whitewater
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior Season Honors: Gil Frank Award (Outstanding Athlete of Class), Papermaker Athlete Award (3 sports for 4 years), Honorable Mention All-Fox Valley Association
- Averaged 12.2 points (7th in conference), 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals per game shooting 45% from the field and 42% from the three-point line (10th in conference). Led team in scoring and rebounding
- Junior Season Honors: Letterwinner
- Averaged 6.4 points, 3 rebounds and 1 blocked shot per game shooting 52% from the field and 77% (8th in conference) from the free throw line
- Sophomore Season Honors: Varsity Letter Winner
Coach Gibbons' Comments: "I like Nick's size, length and ability to get to the glass. He has worked hard to improve his game. Nick has the ability to do many different things. He comes from an excellent high school program."
Ivan Franklin
Profile:
Height: 6-7 Weight: 220 Year: Senior Position: Inside
Previous School: UM-Duluth
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior Season Honors: Team Captain, All-Suburban East Conference, Associated Press Honorable Mention All-State, Minnesota Mr. Basketball Nominee
- Ranks 11th on school's all-time scoring list
- Junior Season Honors: All-Suburban East Conference
- Sophomore Season Honors: Varsity Letter Winner
Coach Gibbons' Comments: "Ivan is a strong, athletic player who can run and jump. He is an excellent defender for his size and weight. Ivan is a sound player who is excited to be in our program. He is a kid that is very versatile player who also brings great energy to our team."
Paul Franklin
Profile:
Height: 6-1 Weight: 165 Year: Freshman Position: Outside
Previous School: Stillwater HS
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior Season Honors: Team Captain, All-Suburban East Conference, Pioneer Press Honorable Mention All-State
- Ranks 3rd on school's all time assists and steals list
- Ranks 10th on school's all-time leading scorers list
- Junior Season Honors: Team MVP, All-Suburban East Conference
- Sophomore Season Honors: Varsity Letter Winner
- Freshman Season Honors: Varsity Letter Winner
Coach Gibbons' Comments: "Paul is a hard worker who looks to set people up. He is a hard-nosed defender who has the ability to become a great team leader through hard work and dedication to the game. Paul is a winner and comes from a winning program."
Matt Ober
Profile:
Height: 6-8 Weight: 270 Year: Freshman Position: Inside
Previous School: Glencoe-Silver Lake HS
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior Season Honors: Letter Winner, Team Gentleman's Award, Salutatorian of the Team, Led team in rebounds, Two-time Player of the Game for KGLB and KDUZ radio
- Junior Season Honors: Letter Winner
Coach Gibbons' Comments: "Matt will sit out this year with an injury. Matt is enthusiastic and loves to play the game."
James Pfitzinger
Profile:
Height: 6-9 Weight: 255 Year: Junior Position: Inside
Previous School: St. Norbert College
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior Season Honors: Team Captain, Honorable Mention All-Missota Conference, McDonald's All-America Nominee
- Junior Season Honors: Honorable Mention All-Missota Conference
Coach Gibbons' Comments: "James is strong and quick for a big kid. He works hard and has a great nose for the ball. James works hard to get the tough rebound. He has good hands and a strong body. James has great feel for the game and is a smart player."
Kevin Rabbers
Profile:
Height: 6-8 Weight: 225 Year: Freshman Position: Inside
Previous School: Grand Rapids HS
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior Season Honors: Class 3A State Tournament Runner-Up, Class 3A All-Tournament Team
- Averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1 block per game
- Field Goal Percentage 56%, Free Throw Percentage 69.7%
- Junior Season Honors: Class 3A State Tournament Participant
- Sophomore Season Honors: Class 3A State Tournament Participant
Coach Gibbons' Comments: "Kevin has the chance to become an excellent post player. I like his work ethic and his ability to listen and lead. Kevin is a winner and played for a very good high school team."
Eric Schmechel
Profile:
Height: 6-8 Weight: 190 Year: Freshman Position: Inside
Previous School: Hudson HS
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior Season Honors: Letterwinner, Team Most Improved Award
Coach Gibbons' Comments: "Eric wants to work hard and make our team better. He can run, jump, rebound and block shots. Eric is a great pick up for our program."
Kyle Winkelman
Profile:
Height: 6-1 Weight: 155 Year: Freshman Position: Outside
Previous School: Farmington HS
High School Accomplishments:
- Senior Season Honors: Team Captain, Team MVP, All-Missota Conference
- Averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists per game
- Scored 650 career points
- Junior Season Honors: Starter on conference championship team
- Averaged 8 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds per game
Coach Gibbons' Comments: "Kyle is a quick guard who was an excellent scorer in high school. He has the ability to listen, learn and lead."
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