SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University men's basketball Head Coach Kip Ioane has announced the incoming recruiting class for the Bearcats in 2012-13. The list of recruits features one transfer and five incoming freshman.
Two of the recruits attended high school in Oregon. Two are from Washington, one is from Arizona and one is from Idaho.
The 2012-13 Willamette men's basketball recruiting class:
Elliot Babcock-Krenk(6'4", Wing, Lake Oswego, OR/Humboldt State/Lake Oswego HS)
Elliot Babcock-Krenk started 25 games forHumboldt State University(Calif.) ofNCAA Division II during the 2010-11 season. He contributed 6.5 points and three rebounds per game. Babcock-Krenk also demonstrated hisability to make outside shots as he connected on 42 of 100 three-pointers on the season.
Coach Ioane on Elliot:
"We expectElliot to make an immediate impact on our performance. He is a complete player who started 25 games at the Division IIlevel his last year there. He has a great feel for the game, and will help us in a number of areas."
Kieran Colahan(6'3", Wing, Burns, OR/Burns HS)
Colahan was an impact player at Burns High School, averaging 17.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game throughout his senior season. While helping Burns qualify for the 3A State Playoffs with a 16-8 overall record, Colahan also was recognized withFirst Team All-Eastern Oregon League honors. Aside from his All-League award, Colahanwas named his team's Most Outstanding Player for the 2011-12 season.
Coach Ioane on Kieran:
"Kieran's work ethic and drive to improve will serve him well in our program. He had a great senior year and brings an intriguing skill set that we hope to continue to develop."
Zach Comfort (6'6", Forward, Langley, WA/South WhidbeyHS)
Comfort'spresence in the paint was feltduring his senior season at South Whidbey High School.Comfort blocked 4.3 shots percontest while scoring 15.6 points and hauling in 8.9 rebounds per game. Comfort's performance throughout the season was good enough for him to be named First Team in the Cascade Conference.
Coach Ioane on Zach:
"Zach is a quality person who led a young team through a rebuilding year and emerged as a force. He can score and rebound, andthose blocks per game will be a great anchor at the basket in our defensive scheme."
Tyler Conger(6'4", Guard, Fountain Hills, AZ/Desert MountainHS)
Conger was a team captain for Desert MountainHigh School in his seniorseason. Heaveraged 10 points and recorded six rebounds per gamewhile earning All-League honors. Conger's leadership and veteran experience helped the team advance all thewayto the Sweet Sixteen in the State Playoffsbefore finishing the season with a 20-10 overall record.
Coach Ioane on Tyler:
"Tyler's length andbasketball IQ make him a perfect fit for our backcourt. We look forward to taking advantage of his versatility in our attack."
Bridger Harlington(6'3", Wing, Lake Tapps, WA/Auburn Riverside HS)
Harlington was a team captain for Auburn Riverside High School last season. During his senioryear Bridger averaged 14.3 points per game while earning All-League honors in theSouth Puget Sound League.
Coach Ioane on Bridger:
"Bridger is a versatile scorer who can make shots with range, but also has the ability to battle contact in the lane. We are excited to add another quality young man to our team."
Brandon Luedtke(6'5", Forward, Meridian, ID/Mountain View HS)
After helping lead Mountain View High School to a state title during his junior year,Luedtke continued his excellent play during his senior season. Luedtke shot 60% from the floor, averaging 13 points and nine rebounds per game, as his team reached the State Semifinals. His play this past season earned him First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference honors.
Coach Ioane on Brandon:
"Brandon's aggressive, physical play was key to his team winning the state title as a junior and advancing to the semifinals as a senior. He was Idaho's leading rebounder, and his ability to battle in the paint has us very excited about him."
Ioane's thoughts on the 2012-13 recruiting class:
Ioane is thrilled about putting together a successful recruiting class."We're very excited to welcome six quality young men into our Bearcat Hoop family," he said.
Ioane is alsoconfident that the emergence of the newplayers will help the team in the near future. "These incoming Bearcats fit the mold of high character, high academic basketball players who want to help our program any way we ask them to. I am eager to get them into the cardinal and gold and onto the court with us."
Kip Ioane enters his fourth season as the Bearcats' Head Coach.
