Men's Basketball Signs 3
The University of Findlay men's basketball team inked three players during the early signing period. Nathan Bruns, Joey Edmonds and Andrew Owens will be wearing the orange and black for the 2019-20 campaign.
"Today is a great day for our men's basketball program," said head coach, Charlie Ernst. "I have very little doubt that these guys will enhance our program both on the court, on campus and in the city of Findlay. They are talented, intelligent, winners, and excited to represent the University of Findlay.
Bruns is a 6'7 forward from Marion Local High School who led his team to the state title last season.
"Nathan is a versatile player with an ability to play and guard all five spots on the floor, said Marion Local head coach, Kurt Goettemoeller. "He has proven to come up big in the biggest moments and will be a great fit for the Oilers."
As a junior, Bruns averaged 15.0 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. He was named first team all-District 8 and was a first team all-Midwest Athletic Conference pick. Bruns is also a standout quarterback and led his team to the state title in 2017.
"Nathan is one of the best forwards in the state of Ohio," said Ernst. "He is a well-rounded player that should make an immediate impact in our program. We outdueled several NCAA Division I programs for his commitment and we love that he has had such a high success rate in all his endeavors.
Edmonds is a 6'0 guard from Cincinnati Wyoming High School who was voted the Cincinnati Hills League Player of the Year as a junior.
"Being able to serve as both a coach and father to Joey, I have had the opportunity to observe him both on and off the court," said Wyoming head coach, Tim Edmonds. "I continue to be impressed with his judgment, tireless energy, and professionalism in which he carries and commits himself to.
Edmonds averaged 21 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds per game as a junior. He was named first team all-District, first team all-city, first team all-Southwest Ohio and second team all-Ohio. He is also a four-year starter on the football team and has earned all-conference accolades all four years in football.
"Joey is very competitive and highly skilled," said Ernst. "He can run a team, be a scorer, but more than anything he does what it takes to win."
Owens is a 6'6 forward from Carmel (Ind.) High School who was named honorable mention all-Indiana last season.
"Andrew is hard-working, coachable, and has all the tools to be an impact player at the next level," said Carmel head coach, Ryan Osborne. His knack for finishing around the rim, ability to put the ball on the floor and stretch the defense with his jumper makes him a tough matchup for opposing teams."
Owens averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds per game as a junior while shooting 50 percent from three point range. He was named first team all-conference and helped lead Carmel to a runner-up finish in the Indiana state championship.
"Andrew is a very skilled forward with good size," said Ernst. "He has great shooting ability and is efficient. He plays at one of the best high school programs in Indiana and should be ready for the rigors of college basketball."