2008 Woodie Awards
Cougar basketball nets three newbies
Issue date: 6/27/07 Section: Sports
SIUE men's basketball coach has not stepped on the court but has already made large impacts with the team. Earlier this week, Lennox Forrester signed three athletes to join the Cougars for the 2007-08 season.
The three incoming students, Nikola Bundalo from Serbia, Leonard Parker from Kansas, and Saihou Jasse from Gambia, will all bring a different unique style of play to the Cougar hardwood.
Bundalo, a skilled post player who has been looked at as a very hard worker has seen interest from several NCAA Division I teams. Forrester has already discussed the importance of the signing.
"We are looking for Nikola to be a huge post presence for us immediately," Forrester said.
Parker, who played in the Jayhawk League with Independence Community College in Kansas, averaged 10 points and 8.5 assists last season. Independence Community College is recognized as one of the top junior colleges in the country.
Finally, Jasse is familiar with the coaching technique of Forrester. Jasse, coming into SIUE with three years of eligibility left, played under Forrester at Bradley University last season.
"We are looking for Saihou to bring his experience and his knowledge to style of play," Forrester said. "He is a very athletic player and a relentless rebounder."
With these additions the Cougars hope to have another successful season. Last year, the Cougars finished their season with a record of 15-12 overall and 10-9 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
This year will be the debut season for Forrester and his intentions were made clear from the very beginning of his hiring.
"I get the opportunity to coach Edwardsville," said Forrester at a press conference announcing his hiring. "This is going to be a start, of something new."
Forrester and the Cougars will take the court and prepare for their final year in GLVC and NCAA Division-II competition. The 2008-09 season with be the first season in which SIUE will compete in Division-I play.
The three incoming students, Nikola Bundalo from Serbia, Leonard Parker from Kansas, and Saihou Jasse from Gambia, will all bring a different unique style of play to the Cougar hardwood.
Bundalo, a skilled post player who has been looked at as a very hard worker has seen interest from several NCAA Division I teams. Forrester has already discussed the importance of the signing.
"We are looking for Nikola to be a huge post presence for us immediately," Forrester said.
Parker, who played in the Jayhawk League with Independence Community College in Kansas, averaged 10 points and 8.5 assists last season. Independence Community College is recognized as one of the top junior colleges in the country.
Finally, Jasse is familiar with the coaching technique of Forrester. Jasse, coming into SIUE with three years of eligibility left, played under Forrester at Bradley University last season.
"We are looking for Saihou to bring his experience and his knowledge to style of play," Forrester said. "He is a very athletic player and a relentless rebounder."
With these additions the Cougars hope to have another successful season. Last year, the Cougars finished their season with a record of 15-12 overall and 10-9 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
This year will be the debut season for Forrester and his intentions were made clear from the very beginning of his hiring.
"I get the opportunity to coach Edwardsville," said Forrester at a press conference announcing his hiring. "This is going to be a start, of something new."
Forrester and the Cougars will take the court and prepare for their final year in GLVC and NCAA Division-II competition. The 2008-09 season with be the first season in which SIUE will compete in Division-I play.
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