Men's Basketball Announces Eleven New Additions
ADA, Okla. – East Central University men's basketball head coach Daniel Wheeler and assistant coach Zack Price have officially announced the addition of eleven student-athletes to the 2023-24 Tiger program. Transfers –
Najee Williams,
Malik Nash,
Ryan Kelly,
Robel Desta, and
Mohamed Elgohary – and newcomers –
Mark Rucha,
Jaden Miller,
Nikk Williams,
Bishop Jones,
Cooper Pillion, and
Cade Roady – will join the four returners from last year's squad for a completely reshaped and retooled roster.
"We are really excited about the group of young men we brought in," Wheeler said. "Our staff did a great job! I believe we have the right mixture of skill, size and experience to continue in the tradition of East Central University basketball. This was a key class for us and I believe we will be able to build upon it for the future."
Najee Williams – Jr. – G – Kansas City, MO / Metropolitan CC
Najee Williams joins the Tigers after playing a season at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. The 6'4" junior guard helped MCC win the NJCAA Region 16 Tournament while also earning All-Region 16 Second Team honors. During the 2022-23 season, Williams played in 25 games, starting in 23, and averaged 18.5 points per game while helping the Wolves to 19 wins.
Mark Rucha – Fr. – G – Fort Worth, TX / Richland HS
After an impressive high school basketball career at Richland High School,
Mark Rucha is set to make his college debut on the ECU men's basketball team for the 2023-34 season. At Richland, the 6'1" guard helped the team achieve a stellar 27-7 record as well as winning the District 7-5A Championship. Rucha averaged 20 points a game and four assists per contest as a senior.
Malik Nash – Jr. – G – Houston, TX / Coastal Bend College
Malik Nash, a junior guard hailing from Houston, Texas, comes to the ECU men's basketball team after a successful year of play at Coastal Bend College. During his time with the Cougars, Nash earned Second Team All-Conference honors and ranked among the top five leaders in all-time assists with 147 in a single season. He started in 30 out of 31 games while averaging 13.4 points per game and totaling 45 steals.
Jaden Miller – Fr. – G – Pearland, TX / Glenda Dawson High School
A rising 6'1" freshman guard from Pearland, Texas,
Jaden Miller looks to embark on his collegiate career with the Tigers after an impressive high school campaign at Glenda Dawson High School. At Dawson, Miller was awarded Offensive Player of the Year and named First Team All-District 23-6A during his junior season before becoming the new all-time assist leader and earning Academic All-District honors his senior year.
Mohamed Elgohary – Sr. – F – Giza, Egypt / Life University
Mohamed Elgohary, a towering 6'7" senior forward, joins ECU after a one-year stint at Life University. The Giza, Egypt native showcased his talent with the Eagles, starting in 24 out of 29 games, averaging 13.4 points and totaling 241 rebounds, 69 assists, and 44 blocks. He is set to bring his skills and versatility to the team as a seasoned senior.
Ryan Kelly – Jr. – G – Snyder, OK / Northern Oklahoma College Enid
The Tigers welcome
Ryan Kelly, a dynamic 6'0" junior guard who comes from Snyder, Oklahoma. Kelly is ready to continue his basketball journey with the Tigers after undergoing one year at Northern Oklahoma College Enid. There, Kelly saw action in 30 games, accumulating 58 rebounds, 35 steals, 51 assists, and 231 total points. He also finished the 2022-23 season with a 46.1 three-point percentage, which ranked him top 15 in all of NJCAA D1.
Cade Roady – Fr. – G – Frederick, OK / Frederick High School
Cade Roady, a promising 6'3" sophomore guard from Frederick, Oklahoma, is no stranger to the Tigers as Roady originally began his journey with the team as part of the student support staff for the ECU men's team. While Roady's path to the court is unique, his dedication and skills highlighted by his achievements of being named to the 3A All-State team, receiving MVP honors, and helping his team to a commendable 20-10 record, earned him a spot on the team where he looks to continue to make a mark on the program.
Robel Desta – Jr. – F – Houston, TX / Western Colorado
A formidable 6'8" junior forward hailing from Houston, Texas,
Robel Desta joins the ECU men's team with collegiate experience under his belt. At Western Colorado, Desta played in 24 games, starting in 22, averaged 11.8 points, and grabbed 149 rebounds. Prior to his time at Western Colorado, he was a member of the Trinidad State College men's basketball program where he helped the team to two Regional Championships.
Nikk Williams – Fr. – G/F – Dallas, TX / Plano Senior High School
Nikk Williams looks to embark on his collegiate basketball journey with the Tigers after a standout high school career at Plano High School. The towering 6'7" freshman earned First Team All-District 6-6A recognition for his performance during his senior year where he averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists per game. Williams and his team were crowned back to back District Champs and became Region 1 Area Champions.
Bishop Jones – Fr. – F – Frisco, TX / TACA Storm
A talented 6'6" freshman forward from Frisco, Texas,
Bishop Jones joins ECU for the 2023-24 season. As In his senior season, Jones played a pivotal role on the Texas Alliance of Christian Athletes varsity team where he contributed to their impressive SAWIC Conference Championship victory his senior year. Jones averaged 12 points per game while also grabbing eight rebounds per game.
Cooper Pillion – Fr. – G/F – Amarillo, TX / Amarillo High School
The Tigers round out their roster with
Cooper Pillion, a versatile 6'6" freshman forward / guard hailing from Amarillo, Texas. Pillion graduated from Amarillo High School where his career was nothing short of exceptional. During his senior season, Pillion earned Academic All-District honors, the title of District MVP, and a spot on the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Class 5A Super Elite Team. Pillion also had the special experience of playing for his dad, Coach Jason Pillion, who led the Golden Sandstorm program.
