BELLEVUE, Neb. -- The Bellevue University men's basketball team, under 10th-year head coach Shane Paben, announced today the addition of six student-athletes to the program for the 2017-18 school year.
Senior Brandon Fagins, juniors Tywon Bressler, Anthony "AJ" Nolen, Richard Reed, and Romario "Andrew" Saunders, and freshman Drew Apsher have all committed to Bellevue University have signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at Bellevue beginning with the Fall 2017 term.
Overall Coach Paben is excited to welcome the 2017 class to campus, saying, "This class can really score the ball and should make a real impact for us on the floor this season.
Sr. Brandon Fagins (Foothill Ranch, Calif./Washburn (Kan.)/Saddleback (Calif.) College/Trabuco Hills HS)
Fagins, a 6-9 forward, comes to Bellevue after a season at Washburn University where he appeared in 23 games off the bend. He scored in double figures on two occasions, putting up 10 points against both Manhattan Christian (Dec. 1) and Southwest Baptist (Jan. 26). Prior to attending Washburn, Fagins spent two years at Saddleback College where he played in 67 career games, averaging 2.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game and totaled 70 blocked shots. During his freshman season at Saddleback he helped the Gauchos win the California Community College Athletic Association State Championship.
"Brandon really helps our front court and gives us a solid presence on defense." – Shane Paben on Brandon Fagins
Jr. Tywon Bressler (Milwaukee, Wis./Iowa Lakes CC/Dominican HS)
Bressler, a 6-2 guard, joins the Bruins after spending the last two seasons at Iowa Lakes Community College. During his stint with the Lakers he averaged 10.6 points per game and shot better than 44.0 percent from the field in each of his two seasons. He also sported career averages of 2.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
"Ty is a true point guard that gets everyone on the same page." – Shane Paben on Tywon Bressler
Jr. Anthony "AJ" Nolen (Victorville, Calif./Merced (Calif.) College/Silverado HS)
Nolen, a 6-1 guard, comes to Bellevue from Merced College where he was among the team's top scorers in both of his seasons on campus. He led all players as a freshman with an average of 17.6 points per game and ranked second as a sophomore with a scoring average of 18.0 per night. A good rebounder for his size – 3.9 rebounds per game – and a consistent shooter, he held shooting percentages of 40.5 (FG), 36.2 (3FG), and 72.6 (FT) percent for his career. He was twice named an honorable mention to the All-Central Valley Conference Team.
"AJ is a combo guard that can score the ball shooting it or driving it to the hole." – Shane Paben on AJ Nolen
Jr. Richard Reed (Sacramento, Calif./American River (Calif.) College/Laguna Creek HS)
Reed, a 5-10 guard, joins the BU team after previously attending American River College. Last season he had a breakout campaign, averaging 20.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while sinking 59 three-pointers (38.1 percent) and hitting on 75.6 percent of his free throw attempts. The team captain, he earned First Team All-Big 8 Conference honors for his performance throughout the season.
"Richard plays like Isaiah Thomas and can really score the ball." – Shane Paben on Richard Reed
Jr. Romario "Andrew" Saunders (West Palm Beach, Fla./West Hills (Calif.) College/John I. Leonard HS)
Saunders, a 6-4 forward, comes to BU from West Hills Coalinga College where he consistently put up strong numbers over his two-year career. He averaged 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 49 career games while shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and hitting on 73.6 percent of his tries from the charity stripe. He earned First Team All-Central Valley Conference as a freshman before picking up honorable mention accolades and serving as team captain as a senior.
"Andrew gives another scoring punch in the lineup." – Shane Paben on Andrew Saunders
Fr. Drew Apsher (Sedalia, Mo./Smithton HS)
Apsher, a 6-1 guard, comes to Bellevue from Smithton High School where he was a standout high school player earning all-conference, all-district honors three times in addition to an all-state selection. He left Smithton as the school's all-time leading scorer with over 2,000 career points. He put up outstanding numbers as a senior when he put up averages of 24.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 3.1 steals, and 4.8 three-pointers on 40 percent shooting from deep.
"Drew is an outstanding shooter and passer; he has a great feel for the game." – Shane Paben on Drew Apsher
Bellevue is coming off their fourth NAIA Fab Four Appearance following a successful 2016-17 campaign. The Bruins concluded the season with a 25-11 overall record to go along with an 11-5 mark in league play as they shared the NSAA Regular-Season title and laid claim to their first NSAA Tournament title.
BU opens the 2017/18 season on Friday, Oct. 27 against York College at the York Classic. Fans will get their first chance to see the team on Tuesday, Nov. 7 when the Bruins host Morningside College at 7 p.m. at the Gordon Lozier Athletic Center.
