University of Richmond Athletics
Men's Basketball Announces Addition Of Three Student-Athletes For 2008-09
11/15/2007 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 15, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Richmond head coach Chris Mooney announced the addition of three prospective student-athletes to the men's basketball program.
Australian native Josh Duinker has signed an athletic grant-in-aid with the Spiders and is planning on attending the University of Richmond as a full-time student in January, 2008. Powder Springs, Ga. resident Darrius Garrett and Quebec native Francis Cedric Martel have signed letters of intent and will attend the University of Richmond beginning with the Fall, 2008 semester.
The incoming class was ranked 60th in the nation by Hoop Scoop Online.
Darrius Garrett will be one of three players from Georgia on the 2008-09 roster.  |
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"We're thrilled with this recruiting class," Mooney said. "We think we've added three very athletic, skilled players. These three players will help us continue to add talented depth to our roster."
Duinker (pronounced Dunk-er) is a 6-foot-9, 210 pound forward from New South Wales Institute of Sport in Hornsby, Australia. He is on track to graduate high school in early December and is planning to attend the University of Richmond in January, 2008. Duinker will be immediately eligible to practice with the team. He played on the Australian National Junior Team in 2007 and was a participant in the 2007 All-Australian Camp.
Francis Cedric Martel is from Quebec, Canada. |
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"We are elated that Josh is planning on enrolling in January," Mooney said. "It will give him an opportunity to adjust to college life in a new country. Josh is an athletic and skilled big man. He is comfortable on the perimeter as well as the interior, and should excel in our offense. At this point in time, we are planning to redshirt Josh for the 2007-2008 season."
Garrett is a 6-8, 185-pound forward from Powder Springs, Ga. who plays at McEachern High, where he averaged 8.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.2 blocks per game as a junior. An explosive athlete around the basket, Garrett flourishes in transition and is a strong rebounder and shot blocker. The Raleigh, N.C. native played on the same AAU team - the Worldwide Renegades - with current Richmond freshman Kevin Anderson. He will be one of three players on the 2008-09 roster from Georgia, joining Anderson and David Gonzalvez.
"Darrius is an extremely athletic forward who runs the floor, blocks shots, rebounds and brings great energy to the game," Mooney said. "He is a confident player who has a great base of skills that will improve in college."
Martel is a 6-foot-5, 180-pound guard from the Montmorency College in Laval, Quebec, where he averaged 15.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Martel is a very athletic, guard who handles the ball well and shoots a high percentage from 3-point land.
"Francis is a very strong, athletic and versatile player who can shoot 3's, penetrate and pass," Mooney said. "He is a very hard worker and should flourish in college."
The three freshmen will begin play for the Spiders in the 2008-09 season, joining a youthful team which currently has 10 sophomores and freshmen on the 15-man roster.
