ASHEVILLE, N.C. ? UNC Asheville men's basketball coach Eddie Biedenbach has announced the signing of three players to national letters-of-intent this afternoon. The three are 6-5 guard/forward Austin Alecxih, 6-10 forward/center D.J. Cunningham and 6-4 guard Jaron Lane.
“This may be the best recruiting class we have ever signed,” commented Biedenbach. “I believe that this class could make a big impact on our program over their four-year careers. They'll need to stay away from injuries but the potential is there for all three of these players to really help our program next year and beyond.”
Lane enjoyed a great prep career at D.H. Conley HS in Greenville, N.C. He led the school to a 25-3 record this past season, while averaging 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists per game. Lane was named Conference, County and District Player of the Year plus earning All-State honors. He will play for the East squad in the East-West All-Star game in Greensboro next month.
“Jaron is a player who just helps you win,” stated Biedenbach. “He is very clever around the basketball and has a knack for both offense and defense. We're pleased to have him in our program.”
Alecxih (pronounced Ah-lex-ee) played at national prep power Oak Hill Academy last season. He averaged 11 points and five rebounds for Oak Hill as the Warriors finished with a 40-1 overall record and #2 national ranking. Prior to attending Oak Hill, Alecxih went to Penn Manor HS in Millersville. He averaged 24 points and nine rebound per game during his junior season at Penn Manor.
“Austin helps fill the role of our one starter who graduated in Reid Augst as he plays a similar style to Reid,” declared Biedenbach. “He's an excellent shooter who got some great experience playing for Oak Hill Academy last season.”
Cunningham played at Waterford HS in Waterford, Ohio. As a senior, he averaged 23 points, 17 rebounds, seven blocked shots and five assists per game. Cunningham was the District and Conference Player of the Year last season. He was selected to play in the North-South All-Star game. Cunningham finished his high school career with more than 1,000 career points.
“D.J. is a versatile big man who can play either the power forward spot or at center,” stated Biedenbach. “He gives us a much-needed inside presence for next season. D.J. has good mobility and a knack for scoring.”
The Bulldogs finished with a 15-16 overall record and finished in fourth place in the Big South Conference standings a year ago. Asheville was a preseason pick to finish in ninth place but advanced to the semifinals of the Big South Tournament for the third year in a row.
