Duquesne Picks Up JUCO Swingman
Today's Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Danny Nee, Duquesne's first year head coach, has picked up his third recruit for the 2002-03 season. He is Elijiah Palmer, a 6-7 guard/forward from Marshall, MO. Palmer is attending Kennedy King Junior College in Chicago.
Palmer prepped at Marshall High School where he was a two-time All-Conference and All-District selection and received All-State honors following his senior season, 1998-99.
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He moved on to a NAIA college, Missiouri Valley College in his hometown but only lasted a year at that school when he ran into academic difficulties. Palmer was a reserve as a freshman at MVC.
He enrolled at Kennedy King last year but did not compete with the basketball team.
Missouri Valley Head Coach Eric Glenn told reporter Dave Mackall, "He's very athletic at 6-7," Glenn said. "He's definitely a face-to-the basket player. He's not going to give you a lot on the perimeter, but he's definitely a slasher."
Glenn also told Mackall that Palmer has taken care of his academic standing, one of Nee's requirements for players he is recruiting.
The Dukes previously received verbal commitments from local point guard Bryant McAllister and Palm Beach Junior College center Derek Ahern.
Nee can fill five scholarships this season now that the NCAA has modified the "5/8" scholarship limit rule. It is expected the remaining two slots will go to players who will play at either the power forward and/or center position.
Duquesne is in a battle with conference-foe UMass for Allasne Kouyate, a power forward from Walsh Jesuit High School in the Cleveland area. Kouyate will reportedly announce his choice on Monday. He is an acquaintance of current DU freshman guard, Aly Samably.
The Dukes are also involved with two big men from the junior college ranks, Ronald Dokes from Lincoln Trail Community Collge in Illinois and Mory Correa from Pratt Community College in Kansas. Both players are now expected to wait until the spring to choose a four-year school.