By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Head Coach Kip Ioane of the Willamette University men's basketball team has announced the incoming recruiting class for Bearcat Hoop in 2010-11. The list of recruits includes six freshmen and one transfer.

"Overall, I thought we added seven young men who met what we were looking for as competitors both on the floor and in the classroom," Ioane said. "We are every excited about what this group can add to our program, and look forward to them pushing Bearcat Hoop further along our journey back to the top of the Northwest Conference."

Willamette started slowly in 2009-10 in Ioane's first season as head coach, but the Bearcats finished strong, earning a 6-3 record in the last nine games. WU completed the year with a 9-16 overall record, including 6-10 in the NWC.

Here are the student-athletes in the Willamette men's basketball recruiting class for 2010-11:

Sean Dart (6'6", Post, Bend, OR/Mountain View HS/Eastern Oregon Univ.)
Coach Ioane on Sean: "Sean is an extremely hard working, fundamentally sound post presence, who will step in right away for us. He was an All-State performer at Mountain View High School in Bend, Ore. He immediately gives us a quality player in the trenches."

Noah Ripley (66", Post, Eugene, OR/Springfield HS)
Coach Ioane on Noah: Noah is coming off an excellent senior season at Springfield High School, where he earned First Team All-Midwestern League honors. Despite a late hand injury, we are excited to get him on campus and into the groove with our system and our guys.

Sam Walters (63", Wing, Tacoma, WA/Stadium HS)
Coach Ioane on Sam: He is a very strong student-athlete who fits us perfectly, not only on the floor, but in the classroom as well. Sam was an Honorable Mention All-Narrows League performer, and will provide quality depth in the backcourt.

Avery Manu (63", Guard, Pocatello, ID/Highland HS)
Coach Ioane on Avery: Avery averaged roughly 14 points and 5 rebounds per game as a senior at Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho. He is a versatile guard who earned All-Region honors. He can play a number of different positions for us and will be asked to help in a variety of ways when he arrives.

Jarrett Dunagan (63", Guard, Keizer, OR/McNary HS)
Coach Ioane on Jarrett: A standout multi-sport athlete, Jarrett earned All-Central Valley Conference honors in football and basketball at McNary High School. He averaged more than 20 points per game this past season. Jarrett brings us a scoring threat off the bench.

Alex Hansen (61", Guard, Reno, NV/Galena HS)
Coach Ioane on Alex: He is a versatile performer, who averaged approximately 11 points and 5 rebounds per game for Galena High School in Reno, Nev. Alex was a two-time Second Team All-Conference selection. He has a great natural feel for the game that excites us about his potential as he matures.

Chris Zumtobel (62", Wing, Reno, NV/Reno HS)
Coach Ioane on Chris: Chris averaged 10 points per game for Reno High School this past season. He is a solid, fundamentally sound player who can compete for playing time at three different positions.