Lutz; Charlotte 49ers Land 6-8 Forward Dedric Spooner
April 16, 2003
Halton Arena - Charlotte 49ers men's basketball coach Bobby Lutz, today, announced the signing of 6-8; 235 lb. forward Dedric Spooner (Milwaukee, Wisc./Colby C.C.) to a national letter of intent to play basketball for the 49ers.
Spooner averaged 11 points and eight rebounds at Colby (Kansas) Community College. A two-time all-Jayhawk Conference selection, Spooner added 2.4 blocks and shot 51% from the floor.
"We have followed Dedric Spooner for over two years and are thrilled to have him join our program," said Lutz. "He brings athleticism to our front line, but is also very skilled. Dedric is an unselfish player who does a lot of little things to help win games, especially at the defensive end."
"I really am looking forward to going to Charlotte next season," said Spooner. "I was recruited by several top programs, but the coaching staff at Charlotte recruited me the longest and I really got to know them well. I look forward to helping Charlotte get back to the NCAA Tournament and to the top of Conference USA."
Spooner, who had interest from schools in the ACC, Big 12, SEC and PAC-10, according to Colby head coach Brian Ostermann, is considered a strong defensive presence who can block shots, but has strong offensive skills, as well.
"Charlotte signed the best junior college post player available in the spring," noted junior college recruiting expert Mike Mitchell, of Midwest Scouting Service. "He received offers from every major conference in America. He is an athletic post who can score, rebound and block shots. He's certainly a high major player who can have an impact on Conference USA. Charlotte continues to have great success in junior college recruiting."
Added Jerry Mullen, of Mullen's Roundball Review, which specializes in junior college recruiting, "Spooner is a very fluid athlete with good skills. He's athletic, strong and can score facing or with his back to the basket. He's very talented."
"(Charlotte) clearly showed the most concern for "Spoon" as a person and as a player. Coach Lutz and (Assistant) coach (Rob) Moxley are first class people," said Ostermann. "I think he made a great college choice. Dedric will be able to provide an instant defensive presence on the interior. His ability to block shots will be something the fans of Charlotte will enjoy."
The spring signing of Spooner and 6-7 junior college all-America C.J. Pigford, coupled with the fall signings of ESPN.com's top post prospect, Martin Iti, and combo guard Marcus Bennett, gives Charlotte yet another top recruiting class. Three of Lutz' previous four recruiting classes have been ranked in the nation's top 20. Add junior guard Brendan Plavich, a transfer from Vanderbilt who led the SEC in three-point shooting and sat out this past season, and the 49ers welcome perhaps their most complete and prepared set of newcomers for 2003-04.
"With these two additions to our team," Lutz said, "we are ready, physically, to compete for the top of Conference USA, again. We have a good core of returning players along with a recruiting class that meets our needs."
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