PARKLAND – As the Pacific Lutheran men's basketball team prepares for the 2014-15 season, the Lutes welcome five new faces to the program.
The PLU class of recruits features four student-athletes who are natives to western Washington and one player from California. Three of the newcomers are guards, while one is a wing and one is a forward.
"The members of our 2014-15 recruiting class have three things in common: each member of this class is from a successful program, is a good student and knows how to play the game," PLU head coach Steve Dickerson said. "They all bring an intensity to our program and a desire to get things done in crunch time. We are extremely happy to welcome them all to our program."
Zacharias Wallin comes to PLU as a 6-4 forward from Bellevue. He was a physical rebounder at Eastside Catholic and helped lead the squad to a runner-up finish at the state championships during his senior season.
"Zach brings a physical presence that we need," Dickerson said. "He has a no-nonsense attitude about how the game should be played, and he is a grinder. On offense he can operate inside and be effective from the perimeter. He really knows how to play the game."
Jourdan Johnson is a 5-9 guard from Modesto, Calif. He helped lead his Central Catholic High School team to the state semifinals, earning first-team all-league honors. Dickerson expects his quickness, scoring ability and leaderships skills to make a difference for the Lutes.
"Jourdan is a tremendously well-rounded player," Dickerson said. "He gets things done efficiently at both ends of the court, and he wants the ball in pressure situations.
Markus Mitchell Glenn joins the PLU squad from Spanaway, where he helped lead Bethel High School to the West Central District Finals. Dickerson praises the 5-11 Glenn's ball-hawking skills and offensive quickness from the guard position.
"Markus is very quick and is always around the ball," Dickerson said. "He was an All-SPSL player, and he will play with the intensity, enthusiasm and toughness that we need."
Dylan Foreman is a 6-2 guard from Bellevue. He helped Bellevue High School reach the 3A state finals as a defensive stopper, and Dickerson expects those skills to continue to grow as his offense improves.
"Dylan is a winner who knows how to play the game at both ends of the floor," Dickerson said. "He has a high basketball IQ and is a very underrated offensive player. His defense is his calling card right now, but he will be a very good offensive player as he continues to mature."
Josh Baird joins the Lutes from Snohomish. A 6-2 wing, Baird played for legendary coach Len Bone at Snohomish High School.
"Josh has worked very hard, and at this point is one of our most consistent rebounders," Dickerson said. "He has great toughness and is willing to do anything to help make his team better."
The five incoming freshmen join a group of 13 returners for PLU. The Lutes head to Seattle on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. exhibition game against NCAA Div. II Seattle Pacific, while the first official contest of the season is set for Nov. 21 at the Doug McArthur Classic in Tacoma.
