Murray State University Athletics
Cronin Adds Junior College Teammates To Recruiting Class
11/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Murray State head men's basketball coach Mick Cronin added size and experience to his first recruiting class this week when two junior college forwards signed national letters of intent to play for the Racers next season.
Cronin on Wednesday announced the signing of South Plains College teammates Issian Redding and Charles Johnson. They join high school seniors Shane Dansby, a 6-foot-5 guard from Harpeth High School in Kingston Springs, Tenn., and Mike McCoy, a 6-7 forward from Pike High School in Indianapolis, Ind., who signed last week on the first day of the early signing period.
"We're extremely fortunate to be getting two of the best players from one of the top junior college programs in the nation," Cronin said of the two recruits. "And, the fact that they're playing for (head coach) Steve Green means that they will be coming to us as guys who are fundamentally sound and have an understanding of how hard you have to work to be successful."
South Plains is considered one of the top junior college programs in the country. Last season, Green led South Plains to a No. 3 national ranking.
"Both of these guys will be talked about before the season is over. A lot of people believe that," noted the South Plains coach. "Murray State is a great program that consistently makes the NCAA Tournament. We're really proud that these guys have made good decisions about their futures."
Issian Redding is a 6-foot-6, 195-pound forward from Sandusky, Ohio. As a sophomore this season at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, Redding is averaging 13.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. In the first game of the season, Redding scored 21 points and pulled down five boards, then came back the next game and put up 18 points and 17 rebounds. Last season, Redding averaged 6.0 ppg and 2.0 rpg as South Plains advanced to the sweet 16 of the National Junior College Tournament.
"Issian is a very versatile forward who can play numerous positions," said Cronin. "He's a perfect fit for our style because of his versatility and the fact that he's an explosive athlete. He's a guy that can get double-figure rebounds, points or assists on a given night."
As a senior at Sandusky High School, Redding earned second-team All-State honors after averaging 20.6 ppg and 9.0 rpg. He was ranked as a top-10 prospect in Ohio by Prep Spotlite Recruiting Service.
"I was really impressed during my visit to Murray State," Redding said. "The coaches were great and the program was something that I wanted to be part of. And it was closer to home for me."
Johnson, a 6-7, 225-pound forward from Atlanta, Ga., transferred to South Plains this season after averaging 7.7 ppg and 5.0 rpg for Dixie State College in Utah last season. Dixie State finished 30-6 and finished the season ranked No. 3 in the country among junior colleges.
"Charles gives us much-needed size and toughness," Cronin said of the Atlanta, Ga., native who attended North Clayton High School. "He's a tenacious rebounder and defender with a workmanlike mentality. He also runs the floor well and his athleticism is perfect for the way we want to play."
Said Johnson: "I thought Murray State was a great fit for me. It's closer to home, and I'm looking forward to being part of the program."
Cronin said the Racers are through signing players in the early period, but could add to the roster in April during the spring signing period. He considers the early signing period a success with the blend of young talent in the form of the two high school signees, as well as getting immediate help with the signings of Johnson and Redding.
"With the loss of six seniors after this season it was imperative that we fill some needs with this recruiting class," Cronin explained. "We feel like we've filled those needs in a major way."
