DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central University head men's basketball coach LeVelle Moton has announced the recruiting class for 2013-14, as six student-athletes have signed the dotted line to become a part of the program.
Three of the six (Ramon Eaton, Reggie Groves, and Jordan Parks) will be eligible to play immediately while the remaining three (Jamal Ferguson, Enoch Hood, and Nate Maxey) will have to sit out the 2013-14 campaign per NCAA Transfer rules.
"We are proud to welcome these young men to our program," said Moton. "They are each high character young men that come from incredible families. We look forward to their success as we relentlessly pursue championships on the floor, degrees in the classroom, and the intangibles that build quality young men."
Eaton (6-8, 225 pounds) comes to the Bull City after spending his freshman year (2011-12) at Pepperdine and his sophomore season at New Mexico Junior College where he was a member of a Thunderbird squad that went 26-7 and advanced to the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Region 5 Tournament in Lubbock, Texas. The native of Sacramento, Calif. averaged 5.0 points a game, while grabbing 3.6 boards a contest with NMJC. In his lone season at Pepperdine, Eaton played in 28 games and averaged 2.6 points per contest along with 2.5 rebounds.
"Ramon is a former three star recruit that possesses the unique ability of shooting, athleticism, and scoring the ball in a variety of ways," said Moton. "His skill level is really advanced and we look forward to him contributing right away."
Groves (6-2, 190 pounds) recently graduated from Canisius College as the Golden Griffins are coming off a 20-14 campaign and a berth in the 2013 CIT (College Insider Tournament). The native of Raleigh, N.C. played in 31 games averaging 13.8 minutes per game and dropped in 3.5 points a contest. Groves shot just under 34 percent from the outside going 20-of-59 (33.9 percent) and was fifth on the team with 23 steals. Groves will be a redshirt-senior for the Eagles this year and played for Moton at Sanderson High School before transferring to Word Of God to finish his high school career.
"I've known and coached Reggie since he was a kid," said Moton. "He's a combo guard that is physically strong and tough. He was a huge part of the championship teams we had at Sanderson and can hopefully bring those intangibles to the program. His leadership, defense, and scoring ability will be much needed."
Parks (6-7, 190 pounds) joins the maroon and gray from the College of Central Florida where the Patriots finished the year 34-3 and claimed the school's first-ever NJCAA National Championship. The native of Queens, N.Y. started in 33 games and averaged 10.8 points per contest (fifth on the team) while logging 15.5 minutes per game.
"Jordan Parks is a winner," said Moton. "He's a national champion who understands what it takes to buy into the greater good of the team. He will give us the hybrid dynamic which is essential to success in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference). His athleticism is off the charts and his defensive ability to guard all five positions will serve us well."
Hood (6-9, 215 pounds) comes to NCCU after spending two seasons at James Madison University, who competed in the NCAA Tournament this year after going 21-15 and winning the 2013 CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) Tournament. The Norfolk, Va. product played in 25 games, made one start and averaged 3.0 points a game while logging 11.2 minutes on the floor.
"Enoch Hood addresses our need for length and athleticism on the baseline," said Moton. "His ability to play above the rim, block shots, and rebounds should have a profound impact on our program. He's a super young man who competed in the highly successful Boo Williams program growing up with a ton of character."
Ferguson (6-5, 180 pounds) is the second Norfolk, Va. product in this class as he comes to NCCU from Marquette who finished the 2012-13 campaign with a run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Ferguson played in 14 games under Buzz Williams averaging 1.1 points a game, and played two minutes and grabbed a rebound in the maroon and gray's near upset of the Golden Eagles on Dec. 29 in Milwaukee, Wis.
"Jamal Ferguson was a Top-100 player coming out of high school and part of the Elite Eight squad at Marquette," said Moton. "So obviously, he's no stranger to success. His speed, quickness, athleticism, and strength present problems for opposing teams on a consistent basis. He's a young man with high character, and we are elated that he has chosen to be an Eagle."
Maxey (6-11, 225 pounds) is the tallest signee under Moton and just finished his sophomore season at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The San Diego, Calif. native played in 28 games this year, making five starts on the way to setting the school record with 57 blocked shots, while averaging 4.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per contest.
"In all my years of coaching, I have never coached a player like Nate Maxey," said Moton. "Nate's length, athleticism, and shot-blocking ability are the first things that come to mind when you see him. After having broken the school's record for blocked shots this past season, you can see he is a defensive force. With continued hard work, the sky is definitely the limit for this young man."
The recruiting class has six transfers, five of which come from NCAA Division I schools with the average height being 6-7. Two of the recruits came from schools that competed in the 2013 NCAA Tournament.
DETAILS
Ramon Eaton Jr F 6-8 225 Sacramento, Calif. / New Mexico Junior College
New Mexico Junior College
As a Sophomore (2012-13)
Played in 27 games, earning three starts. Averaged 11.6 minutes per affair and scored 5.0 points a game. Shot 31.1 percent from three-point range (14-for-45) for the Thunderbirds. Scored 11 points grabbed three rebounds, and dished out two assists in an 88-87 loss to Northwest Florida State College. Contributed five points, four rebounds, and two assists in a 92-55 win over Southwest Texas College. Finished sixth on the team with 21 steals, recorded seven blocks, and dished out 29 helpers.
Pepperdine
As a Freshman (2011-12)
In his only season at Pepperdine, averaged 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds as a freshman ... Played in 28 games, all off the bench, and averaged 12.7 minutes ... Reached double-figures for the only time at Santa Clara (2/23), scoring 10 points in 15 minutes ... Had three eight-point performances, all in league play ... Pulled down a season-high eight rebounds in the season opener vs. Pomona-Pitzer (11/12) ... Other season highs were two assists at San Francisco (1/14), two steals vs. Hawaii (12/3) and BYU (2/11) and 26 minutes played vs. Pomona-Pitzer (11/12).
Reggie Groves R-Sr G 6-2 190 Raleigh, N.C. / Canisius College
As a Redshirt Junior (2012-13)
Played in 31 games earning a start on senior night. Averaged 3.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Fourth on the team with 23 steals and compiled 50 assists. Scored a season-high 12 points on the road at Temple (Dec. 19, 2012). Scored in all but five games in his final season at Canisius. Had a career-high four steals against Elon (March 20, 2013). Tied a career-high with six assists in his final game of the year against Evansville. Amassed a career-best eight rebounds on Feb. 26 on the road at Siena. Tallied at least one assist in 25 games. From Nov. 24 to Jan. 17 scored in 15 consecutive games. Dished out at least two assists or more on 15 occasions.
As a Redshirt Sophomore (2011-12)
Played in 24 games and made 11 starts. Averaged 5.8 points, 2.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. Scored a career-high 14 points at UNLV (Nov. 14). Posted double figures in the scoring column five times. Pulled down a career-high eight rebounds at Siena (Feb. 26). Also had a season-high five assists against Siena on the final day of the regular season (Feb. 26). Dished out his 100th career assist at Niagara (Feb. 15). Ranked 11th in the MAAC with his 1.3 steals per game.
Matched a career-high with four steals against Marist (Jan. 13). Averaged 25.5 minutes per game.
As a Redshirt Freshman (2010-11)
Played in 29 games after returning from knee surgery that ended his 2009-10 season. Averaged 1.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Scored a season-high 11 points in the Griffs' win over Eastern Michigan (Nov. 20). Posted double figures in back-to-back games after he chipped in 10 points against Buffalo (Nov. 23). Pulled down a career best six rebounds against Rider in the 2011 MAAC Tournament (March 5). Was credited with a career-high six assists in a win over Loyola (Feb. 27). Averaged 2.4 assists per game through the team's final five games of the season. Shot 75.9 percent from the free-throw line, which ranked fourth on the team. Averaged 13.3 minutes per game in his reserve role.
As a Freshman (2009-10)
Played in seven games, making two starts, before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in mid-December. Earned a medical redshirt after playing in just seven games as a true freshman. Had surgery on his right ACL after being injured in early December. Averaged 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in his first seven. Scored a season-high six points at St. Francis (NY) (Nov. 21) and against Howard (Nov. 28). Pulled down a season-high four rebounds in two different games. Was credited with a season-high two assists against Manhattan (Dec. 6). Started his first college game against Loyola (Dec. 4) at home. Played a season-high 25 minutes off the bench at St. Francis (NY) (Nov. 21). Averaged 18.6 minutes per game before his injury.
Prior to Canisius
Averaged 16 points, three assists and two rebounds per game at Mount Zion Christian Academy in Durham, N.C. Also played at Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh where he averaged 12 points, three rebounds and two assists per game. Played under Moton at Sanderson High School (Raleigh, N.C.) until his senior year where the Spartans captured a Cap-8 Conference title.
Jordan Parks Jr F 6-7 190 Queens, N.Y. / College of Central Florida
Prior to NCCU (College of Central Florida)
Played two seasons for the Patriots that included the school's first-ever NJCAA National Title during the 2012-13 campaign. Averaged 10.8 points and grabbed 6.6 boards a game while logging 15.5 minutes per contest. Shot 53.3 percent from the field, blocked 49 shots and amassed 49 steals in his sophomore season, earning All-Tournament honors and helped the Pats to its first state title since 1996. During his freshman year he averaged 5.7 points per game.
Enoch Hood Jr F 6-9 215 Norfolk, Va. / James Madison University
As a Sophomore (2012-13)
Played in 25 games made 1 start in his second year at James Madison where he averaged 3.0 points a game and grabbed 1.9 boards as well. Shot 50.0 percent from the field. Season-high nine points on 4-of-5 shooting in JMU's win over East Tennessee State. Matched season-high with nine points, four rebounds, and two blocks against UNCW. Eight points and a season-high six rebounds at George Mason. Went 4-for-4 on field goals for eight points and six rebounds in a road win at UNCW. First start at JMU came against William and Mary where he finished with seven points.
As a Freshman (2011-12)
Played in 32 contests including 14 starts in his rookie season at JMU, dropping-in 3.0 points a game along with 3.4 rebounds per contest. Had three games with 10 or more points, one game with three or more blocks, and three games with eight or more rebounds. His first career bucket at JMU was a put-back dunk against Canisius. Had his first career double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds against Northeastern on Jan. 7, 2012. Scored a career-high 14 points against UNCW in 33 minutes on Jan 18, 2012.
Jamal Ferguson Jr G 6-5 180 Norfolk, Va. / Marquette University
As a Sophomore (2012-13)
Played in 25 games made 1 start in his second year at James Madison where he averaged 3.0 points a game and grabbed 1.9 boards as well. Shot 50.0 percent from the field. Season-high nine points on 4-of-5 shooting in JMU's win over East Tennessee State. Matched season-high with nine points, four rebounds, and two blocks against UNCW. Eight points and a season-high six rebounds at George Mason. Went 4-for-4 on field goals for eight points and six rebounds in a road win at UNCW. First start at JMU came against William and Mary where he finished with seven points.
As a Freshman (2011-12)
Played in 32 contests including 14 starts in his rookie season at JMU, dropping-in 3.0 points a game along with 3.4 rebounds per contest. Had three games with 10 or more points, one game with three or more blocks, and three games with eight or more rebounds. His first career bucket at JMU was a put-back dunk against Canisius. Had his first career double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds against Northeastern on Jan. 7, 2012. Scored a career-high 14 points against UNCW in 33 minutes on Jan 18, 2012.
Nate Maxey Jr C 6-11 225 San Diego, Calif. / Texas A&M Corpus Christi
As a Sophomore (2012-13)
Played in 28 games and made five starts. Set a school record with 57 blocked shots. Averaged 4.5 points in 15.3 minutes per game. Shot .702 (59-for-84) from the field on the year. Had six points, eight rebounds and four blocks in the season opener against Texas Lutheran (11/10). Added six boards and two blocks at Denver (11/14). Had three blocks at Utah State (11/17). Set a school record with nine blocks against Houston (11/25) and added 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Blocked three shots at South Alabama (12/16). Scored six points along with two blocks against UTSA (12/21). Nabbed five rebounds at Oklahoma (12/31). Scored six points and had a key steal at McNeese State (1/10). Scored 13 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Central Arkansas (1/19), snaring five rebounds in the process. Blocked six shots in the game at Oral Roberts (2/16). Added 15 points and nabbed six rebounds against Northwestern State (2/19). Had five points and four blocks in the season finale at SFA (3/9).
As a Freshman (2011-12)
Appeared in 29 games and made 10 starts. Averaged 3.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 15.8 minutes of action. Blocked 48 shots, the third-highest total in school history and twice the previous high for a freshman. Shot 59.7 percent from the field. Played 19 minutes in the exhibition against Incarnate Word (11/5). Redirected four shots and grabbed eight rebounds at Oklahoma State (11/11). Had four more blocks and went 2-for-3 from the field against Denver (11/14). Delivered eight points and four blocks against South Alabama (12/15). Went 4-for-4 with eight points, three blocks and three rebounds against Lamar (1/4). Matched the school record with seven blocks and had a career-high 11 points against McNeese State (1/7). Grabbed five boards at Sam Houston State (1/21). Swatted five shots against Sam Houston State (2/11). Posted his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds against UTSA (2/22). Had six points and six rebounds against Central Arkansas (3/3).
For more information about NCCU athletics, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Sports Network app available in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon.
By Chris Hooks, Assistant Sports Information Director/Broadcast Media Coordinator
COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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