Hounds add juco transfers

PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University has added a pair of men’s basketball signees, both junior college transfers, for the 2008-09 season.

They are Gerald Brown, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound guard from Kilgore (Texas) College, and Brandon Lewis, a 6-7, 210-pound forward from Faulkner State (Ala.) Community College. Both will be juniors next season.

ENMU coach Shawn Scanlan said neither player is a particularly big scorer, but both should help on the defensive end of the floor.

Lewis led Faulkner State in shooting percentage last year (60.8), and also had 78 rebounds and 35 steals. He transferred to Faulkner State after spending his freshman season at Middle Georgia CC.

“Brandon is a raw but extremely talented post player,” Scanlan said. “He comes in with a lot of upside.

“He’s a good athlete who has the potential to be a really good basketball player.”

Brown shoot 55 percent at Kilgore last season, although he didn’t shoot that much.

“He plays hard,” Scanlan said. “He’s extremely competitive and leads with his defense.”

They join Brandon Wilson of Jacksonville College in Texas as new signees.

Scanlan, who said only two players will return next season from this year’s 6-21 squad (0-12 Lone Star Conference South), said he is trying to increase the toughness and energy of his squad with this year’s recruiting class.