Longwood University first-year men’s basketball head coach Jayson Gee has announced the addition of Isaac Belton/Salem, Curtis Rowser III/Stafford, Eric Shaw/Stafford and Lotanna Nwogbo/Lithonia, Georgia to join the Lancers for 2013-14. Belton (6-4, 205), Rowser (6-1, 165) and Shaw (6-7, 192) are recent high school graduates with four years of eligibility, while Nwogbo (6-8, 255) is a Tulane University transfer and will have two years of eligibility after sitting out this upcoming season.
Belton, a guard, averaged 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals this past season for the postgraduate team at Fork Union Military Academy (FUMA). He was a Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) All-State First Team choice as a junior and senior at Virginia Episcopal School (VES) in Lynchburg, helping VES to a VISAA Division III State Championship in 2011 and a runner-up finish in 2012. Belton was a Sizzlin’ Sophomore by the Roanoke Times at Salem High School in 2010.
“Isaac is a very gifted person, student and player,” said Gee. “He will make an instant impact into the very fabric of our five pillars, (Faith, Discipline, Submission, Love and Hard Work). Isaac has had an outstanding high school career, and led the FUMA postgrad team in scoring. I believe Isaac can become a lock down defender, and will bring size and versatility to our guard position. I am looking forward to coaching him and to teaching him our system.”
Rowser, a preferred walk-on guard, averaged 4.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.0 steals this past season at Middleburg Academy. He helped Middleburg to a record of 23-12 and its second-straight VISAA Division II State Semifinal appearance. Rowser was an All-Area and All-Conference honoree.
“Trey epitomizes a Longwood student-athlete,” said Gee. “He has a 4.02 GPA, has impeccable communication skills and is a born leader. He will be joining his best friend and high school teammate (Eric Shaw) from Middleburg Academy. Trey led his team to the semifinals of the private school state tournament. We look forward to having him add depth to the point guard position.”
Shaw, a preferred walk-on forward, averaged 11.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.2 blocks this past season at Middleburg Academy. He was a VISAA All-State First Team selection, Team MVP and the 2013 Sleepy Thompson Tournament MVP.
“Eric will be a joy to watch and will quickly become a fan favorite because of his athleticism and high flying abilities on both ends of the floor,” said Gee. “He is an outstanding student and person, who loves to compete. I have been impressed with his desire to join the Lancer family as part of our program.”
Nwogbo, a forward/center, played two seasons at Tulane and started one of 46 games for the Green Wave. He averaged 1.1 points and 1.5 rebounds with five steals and four blocks as a sophomore, after averaging 2.4 points and 0.9 rebounds with two steals and three blocks as a freshman. Nwogbo helped Mount Vernon Presbyterian High School to a record of 34-2 and the 2011 Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Class AAA State Championship as a senior, earning GISA All-State First Team honors, while averaging 16.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks.
“Lotanna is a great find for us for so many reasons,” said Gee. “I believe he can become a dominant post player in the Big South. He has a 7-5 wing span and an uncanny ability to score in the low post. He has untapped potential that we will be determined to bring out of him through our strength and conditioning program.”
Longwood finished 2012-13 with a final record of 8-25, including 4-12 in its first season as members of the Big South Conference. The Lancers return seven lettermen, including four starters, and have now added seven newcomers to the team for 2013-14.
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