All 3 recruits figure prominently into the plans of the coaching staff. “We are young at some spots and this group brings experience,” said Odell. “They fit our needs and will complement the guys coming back.”
The incoming recruiting class will be added to a group of 7 returning players that includes 3 starters. The new infusion of players will help the Cougars put more pressure on their opponents next year, particularly on offense.
“We do a lot of things off the pass but we also want to push the ball and create opportunities to score easy baskets,” added Odell.
Junior 6’ 4” swingman Demario Butler had a tremendous 2005 season in leading a talented group of players at No. 1-ranked Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona to a 33-3 record. Butler transfers after averaging a team-high 16.4 points en route to a collection of post-season awards that included an All-American honorable mention nod. He was also named to the All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference first team.
“He’s going to be a hard cover,” Odell said of the Cougars’ top recruit. “He adds the ability to break people down off the dribble and we’ve lacked that the last few years.”
Butler’s offensive abilities are perhaps most recognizable by his .642 shooting percentage, which was the best mark in the ACCAC. He is a versatile player who could see action at every position on the court except center.
Senior 6’ 2” guard Josh Reisman will see plenty of action for the Cougars’ after transferring from BYU where he spent 2005. “He’s an experienced player who makes good decisions and he’s also a strong kid,” said Odell. “He has range and also has the ability to break people down.”
Reisman, who can play either guard spot, spent 2004 playing for San Jose City College where he averaged 14 points. His spent his freshman season at Gonzaga, where he appeared in 30 games, averaging 3.2 points. He had a spectacular high school career at Mount Vernon (Wash.) High. He was named Washington State 3A Player of the Year after leading his team to a 27-0 record capped off with a 3A State championship his senior season.
While the first 2 recruits fill spots in the backcourt, Scott Zea will add another strong presence to the frontcourt. Zea, a 6’ 8” junior, transfers from Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon. There he averaged 15.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game despite playing in only 17 games which earned him a spot on the All-NWAACC Southern Division first team. Zea’s size is complemented by his deft shooting touch. “He is an exceptional spot up shooter who can run the court and allow us to go a little more up-tempo,” said Odell.
Azusa Pacific (29-10) will open the season on Nov. 10 in the GSAC Tip-Off Tournament at the Felix Event Center.
