McCollum, a former assistant at Emporia (Kan.) State, added seven new recruits to the eight returning Bearcats lettermen and freshman Bryston Williams who signed a national letter of intent in April. Five of the seven new recruits are transfers.
Girod Adams, G, 5-10, Topeka, Kan. (West H.S.) - Played in all 32 games and made 15 starts for Stephen F. Austin last season … averaged 5.3 points and 20 minutes per game … ranked third on the team in assists and was fourth in steals … helped lead the Lumberjacks to a 24-8 record and the 2009 Southland Conference Tournament Championship … played two years at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kan. … was born in Grafenwohr, Germany
McCollum says: “Girod has had nothing but success at every level he has played. He was versatile enough to play both guard positions at Stephen F. Austin and will have an immediate impact here at Northwest. He is tough, is a leader and as competitive as they come. These qualities will help teach our younger players what it takes to be a winner.”
Clint Hamilton, F, 6-6, Houston, Texas (Pflugerville H.S.) - Played last two seasons at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Ariz. … led the Thunderbirds to a 19-8 record while averaging 14.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in 2008-09 … earned all-conference and all-region honors … was twice named ACCAC Division 1 Player of the Week following performances of 27 points and 17 rebounds and 18 points and 21 rebounds
McCollum says: “Clint personifies what we look for in a Bearcat basketball player. He has a tremendous work ethic on and off the floor and we are very excited about adding him to our team. He’ll add size and athleticism to our front line and we expect him to contribute immediately at our level.”
Arunas Simanavicius, F, 6-7, Kaunas, Lithuania - Played the past two seasons at Eastern Wyoming Community College in Torrington, Wyo. … averaged 11.5 points and 6.8 rebounds during the 2008-09 season … led the Lancers to a regional title and an NJCAA national tournament bid in 2007-08 … played for former Northwest basketball player and coach Joel Taylor in 2007-08 (Taylor was an assistant at Eastern Wyoming)
McCollum says: “We are excited about what Arunas will add to the Bearcat basketball program.He is a quality person with a winning attitude. Arunas is skilled for his size and his versatility will allow him to play multiple positions in our system.”
DeShaun Cooper, G, 5-8, St. Louis (Jennings H.S.) - Earned Missouri Class 4A first-team all-state honors at Jennings High School after averaging 21 points, 3.7 assists and 3.4 steals during his senior season under head coach Randy Carter … was also named the 2009 Suburban East Conference Player of the Year … was a three-time all-conference pick … selected to play in the Riverwar All-Star game and earned MVP honors after posting 31 points
McCollum says: “We are very excited about DeShaun joining the Bearcat basketball family. He is one of the elite high school point guards in the state of Missouri and will be a perfect fit for our style of play. DeShaun will be a great four year player in our program and is capable of coming in and earning minutes immediately.”
Maciej Ustarbowski, F, 6-7, Poland - Played the past two seasons at Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs, Wyo. … averaged nine points and four rebounds in 2008-09 … led the Mustangs to a 25-8 record and a second-place finish in Region Nine of the NJCAA in 2007-08
McCollum says: “Maciej’s size will be a great addition for our team. He is a strong player with a big body that allows him to play tough on the interior. His toughness and work ethic are what we look for from players in our program and we are excited about having him on board.”
Matt Allbritton, G, 6-4, Dallas, Texas (Garland Christian Academy) - Played 32 minutes in nine games for George Washington University as a freshman in 2008-09 … averaged 21.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.8 steals in earning all-state honors as a senior at Garland Christian Academy … scored 2,183 in his high school career under head coach Jeremy Bjornstad … is ambidextrous
McCollum says: "We are excited about the addition of Matt to our program. He has the potential to be an excellent scorer in our conference. He is a high character young man and we expect big things from him both on and off the court."
Jonathon Nutt, G, 6-0, Palmyra, Mo. (Palmyra H.S.) - Averaged 19.8 points and 3.2 assists in earning Missouri Class 3A first-team all-state honors as a senior … was also named the 2009 Quincy Herald-Whig Player of the Year and Clarence County Conference Player of the Year … was a three-time first-team all-conference pick … named MVP after scoring 33 points and totaling eight steals in the Missouri vs. Illinois McDonald’s All-State game back on June 13
McCollum says: “We are pleased to add Jonathon to our squad for next year. He had a successful high school career and will be a valuable addition to our program. He brings a lot of intangibles to the table and knows what it takes to win.”
