The Bulldogs signed two players during the NCAA's early signing period.
The newest members of the program are a pair of Tennessee Valley standouts in forward Mason Ellison (Huntsville, Ala./Lee High School) and combo guard Garrett Hicks (Madison, Ala./James Clemens High School).
"These are two outstanding editions that we're extremely excited about," Howard said. "Both of these young men are highly-talented players who not only fill needs on our program, but also have the potential to establish a strong foundation for our program's future.
"Both Garrett and Mason are players who we have recruited heavily from the very beginning. They're local players who are from our campus' immediate footprint, and anytime you have players of their caliber right here in your backyard, it is important to keep that talent here in Huntsville."
Garrett Hicks | Guard | 6-0 | 170 | Madison, Ala. (James Clemens High School)
Hicks is a 6-0 and 170-pound combo guard who has starred for the past three seasons at James Clemens High School in Madison, Ala. … As a junior last season, Hicks averaged 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game and 2.1 steals per game while helping James Clemens reach the Class 7A Northwest Regional semifinals in the Alabama High School Athletic Association postseason. … Hicks also is a career 90-percent free-throw shooter. … Following the 2017-18 season, Hicks was a second-team selection on the Alabama Sports Writers Association's Class 7A all-state team, and he was an All-Huntsville Region selection by Al.com.
"Garrett is a really nice pickup," Howard said. "With Garrett, you're talking about one of the state's best players who can play either the 1 or 2 positions. To gain a player with that type of versatility and talent gives you a lot of options for the future. Not only is he a player who is comfortable with the ball in his hands, but he also is an outstanding shooter and has an extremely high basketball IQ. And let's not forget that he's a 90-percent free-throw shooter, which is a huge bonus."
Mason Ellison | Forward | 6-6 | 170 | Huntsville, Ala. (Lee High School)\
Ellison is a 6-6 and 170-pound small forward who has starred the past three seasons for Alabama state power Lee High School in Huntsville, Ala. … As a junior last season, Ellison averaged 15.8 points, 8. Rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.9 assists while helping Lee reach the Class 5A Northwest Regional in the Alabama High School Athletic Association's postseason. … Following the 2017-18 season, Ellison was a third-team selection on the Alabama Sports Writers Association's Class 5A all-state team, and he was an All-Huntsville Region selection by Al.com.
"Mason is an extremely versatile player," Howard said. "He's got a lot of talent, but what I love is his toughness. From rebounding to defense, he's the type of player who does a lot of things that help you win basketball games. With Mason, we're getting a player who has a very high ceiling and should definitely make a positive impact on our program."
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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