Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Owls Sign Four in Spring Signing Period
5/18/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
May 18, 2011
BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic men's basketball Head Coach Mike Jarvis has announced the signing of four players who will join the Owls in the fall of 2011.
The Owls focused primarily on adding size in this year's class, having to overcome the loss of Justin Davis and Sun Belt all-time blocked shots leader Brett Royster. Julian Sargent is a 6-foot-10 center originally from Clearwater, who has played at Miami-Dade College for the last years. Sargent, known primarily for his defense, averaged 5.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for the Sharks and was named Second-Team All-Southern Conference as a sophomore.
"Julian is an older, more mature person and player with size. He's a solid all-around player whose best days are ahead of him," said Jarvis of Sargent. "He has a great opportunity with the departure of Justin and Brett. He will play early and often and should provide some much needed inside scoring, defense and rebounding." Kelvin Penn will come to FAU from Massanutten Military Academy where he averaged a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) per game. Prior to that, he was a two-time Nisqually League MVP at Steilacoom High School, located just outside of Tacoma, Washington. The 6-foot-7 power forward also has a reputation as a shot blocker, which will help the Owls defensively.
"Kelvin is a bit of a late bloomer, who is just starting to become the player he is capable of becoming, but he is improving on a daily basis. He's athletic, strong and has a seven foot wingspan. He could probably play tight end, if he had to. Kelvin enjoys rebounding and playing defense, two areas that will help win a lot of games. Coming out of a military school, we know he has the kind of discipline we are looking for. Not only will he get better, but he will help those he competes against in practice get better.
Omari Grier averaged 13.9 points a game at Maine Central Institute last season, helping MCI to the New England Prep League title. Grier averaged three made three-pointers a game last season, which should add to a perimeter attack that already features, Greg Gantt, Raymond Taylor and Shavar Richardson.
"The word on Omari is `all he can do is shoot', which even if it were true, would be enough. He's a terrific backcourt player that shot better than 50 percent from the three point line and we expect him to continue that here at FAU. He's a shooter and every team can use another shooter," said Jarvis.
Rounding out the class is seven foot center Dragan Sekelja, who is transferring from Baylor. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Sekelja will be able to practice with the Owls next season, but cannot see game action until 2012-13. He scored 32 points and had 19 rebounds in 23 games over two seasons for the Bears and Coach Jarvis expects Sekelic to take full advantage of his time on the practice court.
"We hope to finish the job that Baylor started, which is first to develop Dragan as a good college player, then hopefully a good professional player, either here or overseas." Jarvis said. "He will really benefit from having a year to practice and when he takes the court (in 2012-13), he will not only be one of the biggest players in the Sun Belt, but also one of the most skilled. He will have a huge impact on the court. I can't wait for him to get here and I don't think he can either."
The Owls are expected to return four starters and eight of their top nine players from this year's Sun Belt regular season championship team that went 21-11 and made the postseason NIT.
