**For Immediate Release**
‘06-07 OPSU Men’s Basketball - Coach Connor Says . . .
-by Aggie Sports 07/27/06

Goodwell, Okla. — Curt Connor, entering his third season as head basketball coach at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, has established the Aggies as a force to be reckoned with. With a third place finish in the Heartland Conference in each of the last two seasons plus a nine game home winning streak, the Aggies are ready to take things to the next level.

Connor joined the OPSU program after an extremely successful tenure at Triton Junior College in Illinois, and for this season’s Aggies, he’s planning on RELOADING instead of rebuilding. Connor recently discussed his new assistant coach as well as his latest recruits.

TIM ANDERSON, Assistant Coach
Anderson finished his playing career last season by leading the Aggies to a strong conference finish and he was first in the league in assists/turnover ratio while earning honorable mention all-conference honors.

During his two years as an Aggie, Anderson was one of the most well-liked people on the OPSU campus as well as an excellent student, earning his degree last May. While in school, the Chicago native developed a sincere fondness for the Panhandle region and chose to stay. He has put his degree in Social Studies and his people skills to good use and is currently working as an officer with the Goodwell Police Department. The likable young man will continue his law enforcement duties while acting as Connor’s assistant in the coming season.

CONNOR SAYS . . . “Tim has earned his stripes with me. He’s been through every battle over a two year period that led to our success in conference play. Now, I’m putting pressure on him to get us over the top with our non-conference schedule.”

WILLIAM STEPHENSON 6’5, 190-pound Forward (Joliet C.C.-Illinois)
Stephenson finished his junior college career with an invitation to the prestigious NJCAA Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Classic, an honor that made him a “Top 40 Player” in the nation. He was named to Region IV first and second teams and posted over 30 double-doubles (points-rebounds) over the last two seasons.

CONNOR SAYS: “I made the mistake of not signing Will when I was at Triton, now our fans will see the most athletically gifted player ever to step on the OPSU campus.”

LaCHAWN ANDERSON 6’4, 170-pound Forward College of Lake County, Illinois)
In his final season in junior college, Anderson averaged 20 points per game. He was instrumental in leading his team to a third place finish in this year’s National Junior College Division II Championships and was also selected first team in Region IV.

CONNOR SAYS: “LaChawn simply is a highly talented combination of three players from last year’s team (Nick Malinowski, Eddie Moss, and William “Mooky” Preston). He can do it all and will be a great ambassador of the college both on and off the floor.”

FRED DURR 6’7, 215-pound forward (Kankakee, C.C.-Illinois)
Durr was considered by “Lindy’s College Basketball” (written by well-known national scout Van Coleman) to be the sixth rated wing-forward in the nation. Fred chose OPSU to have the opportunity to reach his potential as well as to earn his degree.

CONNOR SAYS: “He’s probably the most decorated player of our 2006-2007 recruiting class. I know he’s excited about our organization and the results from last year’s seniors. Fans can expect big things.”

ANTOINE CALLUM 6’9, 235-pound Center (College of Lake County, Illinois)
Callum was a teammate with LaChawn Anderson as they helped College of Lake County earn their best national tournament finish in school history. Callum will be groomed to help anchor the center position vacated by big Aaron Harrison. He is a tremendous shot-blocker who consistently outruns guards down the floor.

CONNOR SAYS: “Antoine is highly motivated to prove people wrong on the offensive end. He has a great attitude and will thrive within our offensive system.”

REGINALD MALONE 6’8, 240-pound Center (Kennedy King College, Illinois)
Malone was a huge part of Kennedy King’s 20-win season under Coach Garland Dildy. He was second in Region IV field goals with 63% (72 of 117) and finished his season averaging 12 points and ten rebounds per game. He was the most feared big man on the boards in the Arrowhead Conference.

CONNOR SAYS: “Once Coach Dildy told me that Reggie is one of the toughest players he has ever coached, I immediately called Reggie and got him aboard. Winning championships starts with grit and toughness…Reggie will lead that charge!”

E.J. OLLISON 6’2, 180-pound Point Guard (Riverside C.C.-California)
Last season, Ollison led his team to a 20-win season and was recruited by many Division I schools. He graduated from the same high school (Crane in Chicago) as did Tim Anderson. Ollison defines his position by putting his teammates first.

CONNOR SAYS: “He’s one of those kids that, once you meet him, you just gravitate toward his energy and enthusiasm for his teammates.”

AARON (“A.J.”) JACKSON 6’1, 190-pound Pont Guard (Triton C.C.)
A.J. led the Connor-coached Triton team to the nationals in 2004. His tremendous performances during that run garnered him Region IV “Most Valuable Player.” He was also selected to the prestigious Illinois High School Basketball North All-State team prior to joining JUCO ranks.

CONNOR SAYS: “A.J. carried our 2004 Triton team with big offensive and defensive plays. Our fans can expect the same results here at OPSU. He gives us huge flexibility at the guard position.”

In addition to what he says about the progress and potential of his overall team, Connor also has plenty to say about his players’ work ethic in the classroom and pushes for excellence there as well. Last May, six of his student-athletes earned their degrees.

The Aggie basketball players have been staying in shape over the summer and it won’t be long before they are back on campus working toward more athletic and academic excellence.

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