Chris Raimondi (Sports Editor)
KSU men’s basketball team has been busy this offseason negotiating several transfer players’ eligibility. Before the team tips off the 2014-15 season Nov. 14 on the road against NCAA basketball powerhouse Syracuse, here is the current status (9/18) of the newcomers. Several players who are currently ineligible could be added any time before the start of the season.
Per head coach Jimmy Lallathin:
- Alijah Bennett (Sophomore, Guard, 6’2, 160, Chattahoochee Tech): Eligible—on roster. Bennett played at Chattahoochee Tech last season and started in 21 games. As a starter, Bennett recorded 447 points and 96 assists while shooting above 45 percent from the field, 41 percent from the 3-point line and 78 percent from the free throw line. Lallathin’s take on Bennett: “Alijah Bennett was a late surprise. He turned down a couple Div. I offers. He wanted to stay close to home. I don’t think you can find a better walk-on in the country than a guy like that. He’s bouncy, long, ranging, he makes shots. He shoots the ball very, very well. Great kid, always has a smile on his face. I’m excited. It’s like a new toy.
- Damien Wilson (Junior, Forward, 6’7, 190, Memphis): Not eligible—Wilson has not yet been deemed eligible, but Lallathin stated “I’m very confident that his eligibility is going to be ready to go immediately.” Wilson, born in Atlanta, played two seasons at Memphis where he saw limited action, only playing in 15 games last season. Wilson played two seasons at Oak Hill High School and was part of the 44-0 team.
- Kendrick Ray (Junior, Guard, 6’1, 180, Quinnipiac University): Not eligible—Ray’s status has not yet been determined. Lallathin stated they are “doing everything we can” and he is optimistic Ray’s eligibility will come through. Ray spent the last two seasons at Quinnipiac University. In his freshman season Ray played in 30 games and averaged 3 points and 1.4 assists per game.
- Cameron Neysmith (Sophomore, Guard, 6’4, 220, Massunutten Military Academy): Eligible—delayed- Neysmith will join the Owls’ roster around Christmas time, as he must sit out one full year as part of his transfer requirements. Neysmith helped take the Massunutten Colonels to the National Prep Elite Eight in the 2012-13 season. At Parkview High School, Neysmith was a McDonald’s All-American Nominee.
- Bill Edwards: No longer with program—academic requirements.
- Jordan Neff: No longer with program— injury. Lallathin’s take: “Jordan is still going to school here. Battling through a knee injury. He has gone through some serious injuries. It’s almost like a self-reflection time now. He knows where we are at and whatever holds for his future, he can make that decision.”
Other new arrivals include a pair of true freshmen and one redshirt freshman.
- Nick Masterson (Freshman, Guard, 6’5, 180, River Ridge High School): Masterson had a reputation as a sharpshooter from the 3-point line at River Ridge High School, sinking 201 three pointers in his high school career and shooting over 40 percent from behind the arc. Masterson averaged nearly 20 points and nine boards a game in his senior season.
- Justin Diecker (Freshman, Forward, 6’8, 225, Freeburg Community High School): Diecker joins the Owls after spending four years as a varsity player at Freeburg Community High School in Freeburg, Illinois.
- Jordan Jones (Redshirt Freshman, Forward, 6’8, 205, St. Francis High School): Jones is somewhat of a local product, hailing from St. Francis High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. He spent his junior year at Furtah Prep in Acworth before transferring to St. Francis.
More men’s basketball updates will be posted as they become available.
