Courtesy: Eastern New Mexico University http://www.enmusports.com

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

PORTALES, N.M.— Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball coach has added three more players to the Greyhound roster in preparations for the upcoming 2009-10 season, signing Reggie Nelson (G, 6-1, Tyler, Texas/John Tyler HS/Tyler JC), Alan Branch (G/F, 6-4, Houston, Texas/Houston Hightower HS/Tyler JC) and Tyler Jefferson (F, 6-6, Ft. Worth, Texas/North Crowley HS/Tyler JC) to National Letters of Intent.

The trio helped guide the Apaches to the Region XIV semifinals last season and an overall record of 24-6. Over their two seasons at Tyler, the team compiled a overall record of 49-10 and a conference mark of 33-8 in one of the top junior college conferences in the country.

Nelson earned first team All-Region XIV tournament along with players who have signed at Creighton, Wake Forest, Auburn and Louisiana Tech. He averaged 20.5 pointer per game in the Region XIV tournament and was in the top ten in the conference in free throw percentage and steals per game. “Reggie gives us a great leader who is competitive and plays with energy,” said Helton. “He is fast with the basketball and can make plays off the dribble and the catch. He will be an exciting player to watch, we are thrilled to have him.”

Branch’s versatility helped the Apaches, as he was able to play both the two and three positions, providing strong play on both sides of the court in the most successful two-year period in TJC history. “Alan is a solid perimeter player who can really shoot the ball and has a good feel for the game,” Helton said. “He is a winner who played a huge role in Tyler’s tremendous success over the last two years. We are extremely happy to have him.”

Jefferson was a Second Team All-Region XIV selection, finishing in the top ten in the conference in field goal percentage. He averaged 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. “Tyler gives us a tremendous scorer at the forward spot,” said Helton. “He can score off the dribble and with his back to the basket. He is a player that can make an immediate impact for us offensively and defensively. Tyler is an intense player who plays extremely hard.