LU-Belleville announces impressive recruiting class in men’s basketball
Head men’s basketball coach Scott Spinner has announced part of his 2016-17 recruiting class, which plan on turning plenty of heads in the NAIA and the American Midwest Conference (AMC) this season.
One of the biggest incomers the Lynx are bringing in is Martavian Payne as he joins Lindenwood-Belleville after spending a season at the University of Missouri.
Prior to joining the Tigers, Payne was a part of John A. Logan College where he averaged over 16 points in his career and drained more than 150 3-pointers. During the 2014-15 season, Payne appeared in 34 games, averaged 15.7 points, shot 43.2 percent from the floor, 36.9 percent from the arc and snatched down 4.4 rebounds per game.
“He’s a guy that can find a way to get a basket when the offense breaks down,” Spinner stated. “He can shoot, drive, pass, and defend. We are expecting a lot from him this season.”
Another player looking to make an impact out of the gate is Chicago State transfer Devon Friend. The 6 foot 7 inch senior was a former three star recruit by ESPN last season. He started 13 games, averaging 3.5 points and three rebounds per game. His biggest outing was a 12 point and eight rebound performance against Northwestern University.
JT Jones (SEMO) and Conlan Callahan (Lincoln College) are another pair of players that will be making their debuts with the Lynx this season. Jones, a junior, played two seasons at Southeast Missouri State.
He made three starts this past season, including having a 10 point and six rebound outing against the University of Evansville.
Prior to joining the RedHawks, Jones was an All-State performer at Sikeston High School where he averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds per game. Callahan, meanwhile, provides the Lynx with another threat from downtown as at Lincoln College he sank 90 3-pointers, averaging 42.0 percent and 13 points per game.
“All three of these transfers all meet our immediate needs,” said Spinner. “Friend, Jones and Callahan, have proven track records and we expect them to improve areas of need this season.”
Coach Spinner and his staff have also brought in an impressive freshman class that will provide the Lynx with even more depth and firepower this season.
One player to look out for is Braden Fitzjerrells out of Mount Vernon High School. Fitjerrells is a shooter to say the least as he eclipsed 2,000 points in his career, averaged 25 points during the 2015-16 season, was named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-State First Team, AP Second Team and earned All-State honors in Illinois. He also earned Southern Illinoisan Player of the Year honors.
“Time will tell, but I believe this is the most talented group of freshman that we have brought in at Lindenwood,” said Spinner. “We expect many of them to have an immediate impact.”
These players will join an already stellar group of returners that includes Chris Deans, Jacobby Anderson, Sean McGee, Nate Sims, Najee Bailey, Joshua Doughty and Joey De La Rosa.
“We believe this year’s team has great potential, but our coaches will also be quick to remind them that potential means you haven’t done anything yet. If they work hard and play together, we think they have the ability to compete with the best teams in the NAIA,” added Spinner.
This story was originally published August 1, 2016 at 6:25 PM with the headline "LU-Belleville announces impressive recruiting class in men’s basketball."