Thursday, April 29, 2010

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 28, 2010) - ETSU head men's basketball coach Murry Bartow announced Thursday that the Buccaneers have received a signed national letter of intent from junior college transfer Anthony Johnson (Los Angeles, Calif.).

Johnson, a 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward from Cosumnes River College, is expected to bring more physical toughness to the Bucs' inside defense and a well-rounded game on the offensive end.

"We're excited to have A.J. join our program," said Bartow, whose team is coming off a 20-win season and second straight trip to the NCAAs . "He is a great fit for our program. We like his character and on the floor we love his versatility. He can play inside and outside, can make the three and still score in the paint. On the defensive end he gives us another thick body that can guard multiple positions and help us on the glass."

Johnson powered his junior college team to a combined 46-17 overall record the last two seasons, and was selected first team All Big 8 Conference. He was also an honorable mention all-state player one year ago, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds while serving as a team captain.

When it came time to choose a school, Johnson said the choice was simple for him.

"ETSU has an excellent program with great coaches and players," Johnson said. "And academically, I felt like ETSU offers me a chance to continue my education and prepare for life after basketball. In junior college we've won a lot of games and had a lot of success, and the history at ETSU is the same. I appreciate that winning mentality.

"What I hope for the fans to see the next two years is a player who can bring a lot of toughness to the floor and a winning attitude, and hopefully that will also mean another conference championship and a run in the NCAAs."

Johnson joins point guard Ryan Woumn (Lynn, Mass.) as part of the 2010-11 signing class. Bartow and his staff have one more scholarship to award this offseason.

For more on ETSU men's basketball throughout the spring and summer, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the men's hoops link.