HAMMOND - Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball coach Billy Kennedy announced Monday the signing of a pair of junior college transfers to a National Letter of Intent for the 2004-05 season.
Signing with the Lions are former Carver High of New Orleans standout Ricky Woods and Chris Lee of Shawnee Mission, Kan. The JUCO duo becomes the fifth and sixth newcomers to the 2004-05 roster joining fall signees Cavin Payton and Thomas Woods (no relation), plus Division I transfers Scott Roninger and Leonard Harden.
Woods, a 6-foot-5 forward, averaged 18 points and eight rebounds per game last season at Paris (Tex.) Junior College where he led PJC to a 26-7 record and a third-place finish in the Texas East Conference.
"I am excited about my decision to attend Southeastern," Woods said. "I am looking forward to playing in front of my family and friends and I look forward to stepping in and helping out any way possible."
Voted the fifth-best player in the Texas East Conference in Region XIV and a first-team All-Texas East Conference selection, Woods posted season-highs last year of 30 points and 15 rebounds for the Dragons.
"Ricky made a great decision in choosing Southeastern," PJC head coach Bill Foy said. "He will have an immediate impact on their program. He was a major reason we had so much success this year."
Woods, who helped PJC to the championship game of the Texas East Conference tournament, becomes the fourth player from the Crescent City on the Lions' 2004-05 roster which includes returning players Nate Lofton, Micheal Cyprien and fall signee Thomas Woods (no relation).
"We are excited to welcome Ricky into our program," Kennedy said. "He comes from one of the top high school programs in New Orleans and will bring a high level of athleticism and versatility to our team."
Lee, a 6-3 guard, averaged 14 points, three rebounds and three assists last season at Butler (Kan.) Community College where he was a second-team All-Jayhawk Conference selection.
"I'm very pleased with my decision to attend Southeastern Louisiana University," Lee said. "I can't wait for my arrival on campus to be with my teammates and coaches
With the loss of seniors Amir Abdur-Rahim and Michael Gardener, from last season's 20-9 squad, Lee will have the opportunity to secure a starting job once fall practice opens in October.
"Chris' ability to score and his flexibility to play either the point or shooting guard will help replace the loss of Amir Abdur-Rahim and Mike Gardener," Kennedy said. "Chris should add the perimeter skills necessary for us to compete for a (Southland Conference) championship."
As a freshman, Lee averaged 8.6 points and three rebounds per game for the Grizzlies after a stellar career at Shawnee Mission West High School.
"I believe Chris will be a good player in the Southland Conference," Butler head coach Dennis Helms said. "His versatility in the back court and his scoring ability will help the Lions in 2004-05."
2004-05 Southeastern Louisiana Signees
** Leonard Harden C 6-9 260 Detroit, Mich. (Univ. of Miami)
Chris Lee G 6-3 185 Shawnee Mission, Kan. (Butler CC)
* Cavin Payton F 6-5 190 Moss Point, Miss. (Moss Point HS)
** Scott Roninger G 6-2 180 Metairie, La. (North Texas)
Ricky Woods F 6-5 190 New Orleans, La. (Paris JC)
* Thomas Woods G 6-1 175 New Orleans, La. (Fortier HS)
* - Fall signee
** - Division I transfer; will sit out 2004 Fall Semester to complete NCAA Transfer Rule
