University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff basketball signs four‎

Golden Lions slams Winthrop University for first NCAA Tournament victory in school history.

The 2010 Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament Champions, UAPB Golden Lions and second year Coach George Ivory, HSRN's Division I National Coach of the Year, have signed four solid players to the Golden Lions Den. The Golden Lions ended last season at 18-16, dropping a second round NCAA Tournament game to eventual National Champion Duke Blue Devils. However, the Golden Lions brought pride to the SWAC with a 61-44 thrashing of Winthrop University for their first victory in their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The win broke a 17 game conference losing streak for the SWAC in the tournament.

The Golden Lions lost five seniors, including four starters from their championship team. UAPB last won the SWAC basketball championship 42 years ago. But, Ivory is capitalizing on the Golden Lions rags to riches story after losing the first 11 games of a brutal schedule that took the program from Oregon to Michigan, and Georgia to Ohio in "Money Games" that UAPB had little chance of winning.

Coach Ivory is quickly proving he is more than a strong defensive coach, but also a top judge of basketball talent and an excellent recruiter. On Wednesday, the first day of the Spring open signing period, Ivory and his staff received official commitments from Daniel Broughton (Watson Chapel), Keith Ross (Watson Chapel), Lavoris Weathers (Paris Junior College) and Shamus Ferguson (Mineral Area College). "We're elated to be able to bring in players of the caliber of these four young men that we signed today," said UAPB's Ivory. "Our coaching staff is really excited about next season and the level of talent we'll have the ability to put on the floor at all five positions."

UAPB signees Keith Ross (L) and Daniel Broughton (R) have been playing on the same teams since sixth grade.

Keith Ross, 6'4 205, Guard, Watson Chapel, Arkansas, High School: Watson Chapel High School...Ross brings depth to the Golden Lions basketball program with his pure athletic talent and versatility. While in high school he was a key contributor for a high school team which made three consecutive semi-final appearances in the state playoffs. Ross averaged 12 points per game and led his team in 3 pointers made...High School Honors/Awards: He had an impressive high school career where he provided the Wildcats with a scoring threat and strong defender. A 2009 and 2010 All-State Class 6A Selection, Ross should be able to contribute immediately for the Golden Lions next season. Both Ross and UAPB signee, Daniel Broughton compiled a 65-23 record over the last three seasons, including a 47-8 mark over the last two and won a pair of conference titles.

Daniel Broughton, 6'8 255, Forward, Watson Chapel, Arkansas, High School: Watson Chapel High School...Broughton brings a physical, tough inside presence to the Golden Lions front court rotation and should be able to make an immediate impact next season. He has good fundamental skills and great size for low post position at the collegiate level. Broughton averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds per game at Watson Chapel...High School Honors/Awards: As a prepster he was dominating force leading his high school team to three consecutive semi-final appearances in the state playoffs. Broughton is a 2009 and 2010 Class 6A All-State selection, and currently ranks as one the top high school basketball players in the State of Arkansas and in the South Region. He selected the UAPB program over Central Arkansas (Coached by former NBA and University of Arkansas star Corliss Williamson, who was named head coach at UCA last month), Arkansas State, Murry State, Southeast Missouri State and others...Keith Ross and Broughton have been playing together since sixth grade on local AAU teams, and their familiarity with each other helped to bring success to Watson Chapel Junior and Senior high schools.

Lavoris Weathers, 6' 7 240, Forward, Paris Junior College, Texas (Greenwood, MS, High School)l...Weathers is a strong, athletic talent who can overpower opponents with his size and agility. He was a participant in the 2006 Mississippi High School all-star game. He signed with Division I, Ohio Valley Conference member Jacksonville State University for the 2007-08 season. He left JSU to attended Paris Junior College, Texas where an injury made him unavailable to compete for the 2008 season...High School Honors/Awards: Weathers had a standout career in high school. A 2 star rated performer according to Rivals.com, he had a dominating senior campaign averaging 17 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks per contest for the Bulldogs with numbers that led him to being named an All-State performer. He first started as a freshman while in prep school. As a sophomore, he averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocked shots per game. During his junior season, he averaged 21 ppg, 12 rpg and 4 bpg. Chosen Honorable Mention All-State by The Clarion-Ledger newspaper as a junior.

Shamus Ferguson, 6'10 255, Center, Toronto, Canada, High School: Francis Libermann Catholic High School...Ferguson is an athletic big man that can run the floor and finish well in transition, block shots, and has a strong ability to score in the paint. He also attended Mineral Area College...High School Honors/Awards: MVP Senior Year, MIP Junior Year, Ferguson was an impact player for Francis Liebermann during his senior season averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks a game. He helped lead his team to the Metro Semi-Finals in Toronto in 2008 with his dazzling interior play. Shamus earned team "MVP" honors and was tabbed as the "Most Improved Player" by his coaching staff.