Head Coach Eric Bridgeland announced his 2024 recruiting class as the first step in developing the University of Redlands men's basketball team into his vision. As just the fourth to lead the program since 1955, he offers insight into his philosophy that promotes strong students who are community-oriented and capable of running an exciting offense.
Bridgeland's Thoughts on Recruiting: 'Coach to Teach - Recruit to Win.'
The lifeline to any business or team is recruiting. The addition of character-driven young men who lay an integrity-driven foundation, or elevate it, is the name of the game. What makes this game even harder is that basketball may be third on our wish list; that is, we need scholastic stars and servant-based community leaders before we talk the 'hardwood.'
A snapshot of this year's recruiting class:
- This is as high a 'character' group, from top to bottom, that what we have ever put together. Each and every young man comes from a solid, leadership-based family, and is as 'good as they get' from an integrity standpoint.
- These student-athletes average a 3.63 GPA and are all heavily involved in their communities.
- Every single member of this class has the potential talent-wise, to be an all-conference caliber player, if not play beyond Redlands.
- Today's game is a GUARDS game. As many players as one can put out there who can shoot it and make plays off the bounce, the better. Each and every player in this class can do just that…and do it well.
- Historically, it's been this coaching staff's practice to attempt to get 1-2 'difference-makers' every year. In this class, each and every young man is just that.
Let's Meet the Recruits, in alphabetical order:
Sam Abere (Lake Oswego, OR) is a three-time league champion, two-time league defensive player of the year, and a two-time all-league honoree. In the classroom, Abere owns a 3.9 GPA, a bi-literacy certificate in Spanish, the Gold Key Award in Ceramics, and is a member of the Honor Society. He also volunteers at the Oregon Food Bank, the Salem Hoops Project, and has worked as a youth basketball camp counselor.
"Sam H-U-S-T-L-E-S. He is an excellent defender with a very high team IQ. Sam adds value every second he is on the floor. Because he plays so hard, all the time, Sam is game-ready for our style of play."
Darne Duckett (Oakland, CA) is a junior-transfer from Whitman College. In the 2019-20 season, Duckett scored in double-figures in 19 of 27 games, including four 25-plus point games. He had a career outing in Whitman's NWC Tournament Final win last season by scoring 31 points on 12-for-23 shooting.
"Darne is special. On the floor he's a complete guard – creates, scores, defends, and makes winning plays. What separates Darne from the average is his LOVE for his teammates. There is no greater teammate than Darne."
Josh Himel (Jacksonville, FL) led Providence High School to a 22-6 Record. He was recognized on the all-league squad and was an Honor Society member. In addition, Himel volunteered 200 Community Service Hours over his high school career.
"Another unreal teammate and person, Josh is also an elite shooter. Blessed (meaning he worked his tail off developing it) with a quick release and unlimited range, Josh will be feared in our style of play."
Khair Jackson (Canoga Park, CA) competed for the Whitman Blues in his first season of collegiate basketball. He averaged 1.9 points per game and registered a career-high 10 rebounds against Willamette University last year.
"Everybody loves Khair. He is an extraordinary person. Authentic and open, Khair leads by modeling the way. On the floor, Khair potentially is a double-double guy [in points and rebounds]. He is a lock-down defender and is rapidly developing into a national-level scorer."
Tyson Legner (Phoenix, AZ) etched his name into his high school record books as the all-time leader in wins, steals, assists, and made three-pointers. Additionally, Legner was a four-time team captain, three-time regional defensive player of the year, two-time state champion, and the male athlete of the year. He also impressed in the classroom with a 3.80 GPA.
"What do you say? Tyson is a WINNER. He leads with his heart and understands what and how excelling in a group looks like and happens. As a player, Tyson is a lock-down defender armed with a deadly stroke."
Justice Marmara (Dallas, TX) earned a 3.5 GPA in high school and was a four-time member of the Honor Roll/Honor Society. He competed on the varsity squad all four years and was named second-team all-district and first-team all-region. Off the court, Marmara volunteered for Church True Love Sanctuary for the last 10 years, handing out Thanksgiving dinner. He also helped at Everyday Through Her Treatments, helping patients going through breast cancer treatments.
"Justice is GOING PLACES. As driven and mature a young man with his goals and passions as we have recruited. On the floor, DOMINATING - our level can't guard him with one defender. Keep watch."
In high school, Colin McCarthy (Redwood City, CA) was a four-year starter who averaged a double-double and made the all-league first team. McCarthy impressed with a 4.4 GPA and as a four-time Honor Roll recipient. He was on student government and served as a student advisor and camp counselor for middle school children.
"He can do everything on the floor. Colin has a remarkable history of leadership and selflessness. He will be an elite mentor and model for our first-years, on and off the court."
Jaxon Miller (Mukilteo, WA) was a two-time team captain and a two-time all-conference honoree in high school. Academically, Miller impressively made the Honor Roll all four years. He was a member of the Leaders of Change Club and volunteered with the Sunrise Retirement Center, Special Olympics, and at the Lynwood Food Bank.
"A sleeper – a strong, well-rounded player who guards, creates, scores, boards, makes plays while making it seem easy. His skill and competitiveness will show up in our style immediately."
Neil Owens (Pasadena, CA) made the All-Mission League and All-NEPSAC recognition in high school. He also volunteered more than 100 community service hours in the four years.
"Owens is as good a guard as one can expect at our level. He has an extremely high basketball IQ and great footwork. He can shoot, pass, create opportunities, and can absolutely dominate a game intangibly. Don't let his humble demeanor fool you; he's an absolute warrior on the floor."
Ben Peterson (El Segundo, CA) was a member of the 4.0 GPA Club and delivered his high school Valedictorian speech. On the court, he was a two-time team captain, all-league selection, and member of the first back-to-back winning season at El Segundo High School in the last 10 years. Peterson was also a volunteer basketball coach of a fifth-grade recreation team and directed the Leadership Club at Link Crew School.
"Ben has a ridiculously high basketball IQ. You only have to show Ben something one time and he's got it – a tack board. An elite leader – he brings people together. A high school injury stunted his development – is on the rise, big time."
Robert Power (Pacific Palisades, CA) owns an extremely impressive 4.5 GPA and is a four-time National Honor Society, President's Honor Roll, and Outstanding Scholar honoree. On the court, Power was a team captain and four-time all-tournament all-star. He has also completed a plethora of volunteer work including time served at the Los Angeles Mission, Los Angeles Food Bank, Skid Row, and St. Joseph's, where he helped kids in foster homes find mentors, and created a website for athletic shoe donations for children in Africa and Guatemala.
"Is there a more involved, motivated student-athlete out there? No one works like Robert Power. Because of this, his ability to shoot it, and his frame, which is long and lanky, he has the potential to be one of the best we've ever coached."
Elijah Randall (Carlsbad, CA) earned a 4.04 GPA in high school and made the Honor Roll all four years. Randall was a three-time all-leaguer and a league champion. He volunteered for youth spring and summer basketball leagues and was heavily involved in campus ministry.
"Elijah is a light – doesn't know a bad day – is as authentic a person as we have on our planet. On the floor, he has a big-time motor and does everything. There is no ceiling to what he could accomplish as a person or player."