4/15/2010 - MEN'S BASKETBALL Beavers begin late signing period by adding Whicker

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BEMIDJI, Minn.  -- The Bemidji State men’s basketball program began its NCAA late signing period today with the announcement of signing Jeff Whicker (G, Craig, Alaska) to a National Letter of Intent. Whicker will don the green and white starting the 2010-11 season. He becomes the 13th player to be inked during the late signing period by head coach Matt Bowen during his four years at Bemidji State.

All signees are contingent upon admission to BSU and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

“Jeff is an intelligent basketball player that will fit in perfect with our style of play,” Bowen said. “He is a versatile player that will play multiple positions for us. He is a hard worker and a great addition to our 2010-11 roster.”

Jeff Whicker • Guard • 5-11 • 165 • Craig, Alaska • Ketchikan High School

Whicker was a all-state second-team member his senior year, guiding Ketchikan High School to a 19-7 record and a trip to the Southeast Regional championship game...Named to the all-conference team his senior campaign after posting 25.5 points and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 53 percent from the field...He established the new school record for points in a season, averaging 27 points per game during four games at the Southeast Regional...He transferred to Ketchikan after his sophomore season, playing at Craig High School for his first two years of prep play...At CHS, Whicker made the all-tournament team his sophomore year...He owns 12 letters in four different sports, basketball (four years), baseball (four years), swimming (two years) and cross country (two years)...Whicker had success off the playing field, earning a spot on the honor roll all four years and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: He is the son of Bill and Jen Whicker...Born May 27, 1992....Lists breaking the school record for points in a season and converting a go-ahead dunk on senior night late in the fourth quarter against a big rival as his greatest athletic accomplishments.

Whicker is the first student-athlete signed by Bowen from Alaska. He is the second student-athlete under Bowen outside the Contiguous United States, joining Sergej Baskow (Ludwigsburg, Germany).

Whicker joins Jake Schalow (G, Sherwood, Wis.) as signees for 2010-11. Schalow signed durig the early period in November.

The 2009-10 Beavers closed the season winning five of their last six games, which included a season-long five game winning streak. BSU finished with a 12-15 overall and 8-12 NSIC record. The win totals are the best under Bowen and since 2005-06. BSU finished in 11th place in the final NSIC standings, but just a game out of a tie for ninth.

Bemidji State University, located in Bemidji, Minn., is an NCAA Division II institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

--bsu--