walker and funn sign with Portland State

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SoCalHoops Recruiting News

Around The Big Sky: Portland State
Signs Walker & Funn--(Nov. 19, 2002)

Thanks to our friend Etop Udo-Ema who runs the Compton Magic travel clubs (which features both high school and JUCO-level travel teams) who sent us an e-mail letting us know about a few more SoCal signings, including last Thursday's signings by Portland State of two more SoCal players (well, actually, Etop only told us about one of them). We're talking about Portland State's signing of two San Bernardino Valley teammates, Will Funn (6'-2" So. G) who played high school ball at Bloomington, and Blake Walker (6'-5" So. SG/SF) who played at Cajon and who also played with IEBP on the travel circuit. Here's the press release (the relevant portions of it anyway) announcing the signings:

Men's Basketball Signs Two Player To Letters Of Intent
Heath Schroyer will add Will Funn and Blake Walker to his program
in 2003-04.

Nov. 14, 2002

Portland, Ore. - Portland State Men's Basketball Coach Heath Schroyer has signed two student-athletes to letters of intent for the 2003-04 academic year. Schroyer signed Will Funn and Blake Walker, teammates at San Bernardino Valley Junior College.

Funn is a 6-2 sophomore who has started at San Bernardino Valley JC for two years. As a freshman he earned All-Foothills Conference honors. Last weekend, Funn was named MVP of the season-opening San Jose City Tournament which SBVJC won.

"I have thought for the past year that Will is the best point guard in the state of California," Schroyer said. "He is a perfect fit for us and the way we play. He is long and athletic and has the ability to affect play on both ends of the floor. He will make an immediate impact with us."

Walker is a 6-5 wing and also a sophomore at San Bernardino Valley JC. He was also an All-Foothills Conference player as a freshman, and earned All-Tournament honors at last weekend's San Jose City Tournament.

"Blake is an exceptional athlete - one of the best in the state," Schroyer said. "He's very explosive and can score in a variety of ways. He too will make an immediate impact in the program."

"Both players have been very well-coached at San Bernardino by John Smith. John has done an outstanding job with them on and off the floor. I am excited that we will have them both in the program next year," said. Schroyer.

Portland State has a 14-player roster this year with just two seniors on the squad. Both seniors, Jeb Ivey and Kevin Briggs, are guards. Schroyer anticipates signing one more player later in the year.

PORTLAND STATE BASKETBALL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNEES

Will Funn PG 6-2 185 Rialto, CA (Bloomington HS/San Bernardino Valley JC)
Blake Walker G/F 6-5 200 San Bernardino, CA (Cajon HS/San Bernardino Valley JC) .