SoCalHoops Recruiting News

Pac-10:  Wash. State Signs JUCO
Transfer, Justin Kordsmeier--(Nov. 15, 2001)

Washington State, which has a number of players from SoCal currently on the roster (e.g., Mike Bush from Riverside, E.J. Harris from Crenshaw, Jerry McNair from Torrance (Fullerton JC), Marcus Moore from Inglewood (Redondo Union & Dominguez HS) and Milton Riley from Gardena (Inglewood HS)), didn't sign any high school players thus far, but they did get a player from Arkansas. Here's the press release: 

WSU Men's Hoops Adds Big Man
Junior college transfer from Arkansas joins Cougs.

Nov. 14, 2001

PULLMAN, Wash. -- Justin Kordsmeier from North Arkansas Community Tech College will transfer to Washington State and play basketball next fall, WSU Head Coach Paul Graham announced Wednesday. 

Kordsmeier, a 6-foot-11, 260-pound center, is a native of Springdale, Ark., and is averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds through North Arkansas' first six games this season. He is shooting 53-percent from the floor. 

Last season, Kordsmeier averaged 17 points and eight rebounds while earning honorable mention all-conference honors. 

"Being that we are going to lose (current WSU senior) J Locklier after this season, we needed to recruit a center," Graham said. "(WSU Assistant Coach) Randall Dickey did a great job finding a center who will be a great contributor to our program next year. 

"He has been well coached by Jerry Thomason, has great hands, a big body and is a very skilled player," Graham added. "Across the country he has been likened to (former Oklahoma State star) Bryant Reeves. Justin can really score." 

Thomason, who coached Dickey in high school, added, "Justin has good range and has worked hard for the opportunity to play at the Division I level. He will be coached by tremendous people and become part of a great community at Washington State." 

Recruiting expert Jerry Mullen of Roundball Review added, "Justin can be a force. I know the WSU staff has compared him to Bryant Reeves, but I think he is more skilled than Reeves. He has a soft shooting touch and is a great passer."

©Copyright 1997-2001 All rights reserved
Questions? Comments? Need Information?
E-mail: jegesq@socalhoops.com