Friday, November 14, 2008

BRYANT UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL SIGNS FOUR TO NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT

SMITHFIELD, R.I.  - Bryant University head men's basketball coach Tim O'Shea is pleased to announce the signing of student-athletes Erick Smith (Bel Air, Md.), Ralphael Jordan (Bel Air, Md.), Alex Herzing (Lynchburg, Va.) and Vladyslav Kondratyev (Gainesville, Fla.) to National Letters of Intent to enroll at Bryant University in 2009.   The announcement was made today by O'Shea and Director of Athletics Bill Smith.    

"We are very excited about our first recruiting class here at Bryant," said O'Shea.  "We made it a priority to upgrade our overall size and athleticism with this class, our first at the Division I level.  We feel that these four young men allow us to become a more versatile team right away and that they will be a huge part of our building process."

Erick Smith, 6-3, Guard, Bel Air, Md. / John Carroll School

Long and athletic wing player with tremendous athleticism ... Good range and ability to get to the rim and finish ... Co-Captain last season as junior ... Plays for coach Tony Martin at John Carroll School ... Played for Maryland Elite AAU this past summer.

"We are excited that Erick has chosen to further his education and his basketball career here at Bryant," said O'Shea.  "We feel that Erick is a tremendously gifted young man who has unlimited potential on the basketball court.  His superior athleticism and ability to finish plays will give him the opportunity to be a special player at Bryant and in the Northeast Conference."

Raphael Jordan, 6-1, Guard, Bel Air, Md. / John Carroll School

Tough, hard-nosed guard who is an excellent defender ... Plays for Tony Martin at John Carroll and played for Team Melo in AAU this past summer ... Currently ranks ninth in John Carroll history in points, fourth in assists, third in free throws made and third all-time in steals ... Likely to surpass the 1,000-point mark this year and set a new school record for games played. 

 "Raphael brings an incredible work ethic with him to Bryant," said O'Shea. "Having played four years of varsity ball at John Carroll has allowed him to mature beyond his years.  His toughness and ability to lock-down our opponent's top players will be an incredible asset for us with the schedule that we are putting together."

Alex Herzing, 7-0, Center, Lynchburg, Va./ The Hill School

Big, strong low-post presence ... Graduated from Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Va. ... Currently enrolled as a post-graduate at The Hill School where he plays for coach Seth Eilberg ... Played AAU this past summer for the East Coast Fusion AAU program.

"Alex will immediately change the look of our front court," said O'Shea.  "His size and strength will be instrumental in making us a more balanced team inside and out.  I was very impressed with the progress that Alex has made over the past year, and especially in the last few months.  Alex is a special kid who will be a great fit here in the Bryant University community."

Vladyslav Kondratyev, 6-8, Forward, Gainesville, Fla./ The Rock School

Strong, hard-nosed forward who has the ability to finish around the basket as well as hit the jumper ... Native of Russia who spent his first two years of high school in the Ukraine before coming to the United States ... Plays for coach Svend Wilbekin at The Rock School ... Played AAU for Coach Tom Topping this past summer with Nike Team Florida ... Rated No. 19 in Florida by FloridaHoops.com.

 "Vlad will be a tremendous addition to our program," said O'Shea.  "Playing at The Rock School has definitely prepared him for the Division I level. His toughness and overall strength along with his ability to step outside will allow him the opportunity to contribute immediately to our program."