Marshall University Athletics
Herrion Announces 2014 Signing Class
11/16/2013 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 16, 2013
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall men's basketball coach Tom Herrion has announced three signees during the 2014 Early Signing Period that started Wednesday.
* Shane Hall, 6-9, Johnson Central High School, Paintsville, Ky.
* Henry Uwadiae, 6-11, Kirkwood Community College (Iowa), Charlotte, N.C.
* Jay Johnson, 6-7, John Logan (Ill.) College, Versailles, Ky.
"We are very excited to add three quality young men like Shane, Jay and Henry to our Marshall University Basketball Family," said coach Tom Herrion. "My staff once again has done a terrific job in helping us continue to add talented young men as we build our program for a very bright and exciting future."
A 6'9" forward from Johnson Central High School in Paintsville, Ky., Shane Hall's biggest strength is his size, but he is also very athletic and versatile on the court. Despite his height, he can handle the ball well and has the ability to lead the fast break on offense. Hall's basketball IQ is another impressive quality he possesses, along with his unselfishness and passing ability.
Over the last two seasons at Johnson Central, Hall has led his team to two 15th Region titles along with having made the Sweet 16 round each year. Hall was named to the Kentucky All-State first team last season in addition to him having been named the 15th Region Most Valuable Player two years in a row.
"Shane is a very talented and versatile frontcourt player who is only getting better and has a very bright future," said Herrion. "We have followed Shane's progress throughout a very successful high school career playing for coach McKenzie at Johnson Central, he comes a winning environment."
Henry Uwadiae is set to be the tallest of the 2014 class for Marshall as the Kirkwood Community College (Iowa) addition measures in at 6'11". Having committed to Wichita State out of high school, Uwadiae will have three years of eligibility at Marshall after having redshirted before playing his freshman year at Kirkwood. His height allows for him to be a controlling force in the post on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. The future Herd center is ranked No. 32 by NextUpRecruits.com in its rankings of the Top 50 Junior College Players for 2013-14.
"Henry is a very important addition to our program; he has a ton of potential as continues to develop," said Herrion of the center. "He will benefit from playing for a terrific young coach in Bryan Petersen at Kirkwood and we are excited that he will have three years remaining when he enrolls at Marshall."
Rounding out the class is Jay Johnson, a 6'7" forward from John Logan College in Illinois. Johnson is praised for his ability to rebound the basketball extremely well. His versatility is also impressive as he can play inside and out because of his physicality and athleticism. Can be described as a combination forward that can score from long range, as well as inside the paint. His experience will allow him to make an immediate impact for the Herd and his size and strength will make it difficult for Conference USA foes to defend him.
During his time at John Logan, Johnson averaged 10.7 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game. Last season, Johnson was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-Region team.
"Jay brings great versatility to our frontcourt, he can play multiple positions along the baseline," explained Herrion. "We have followed Jay's progress closely through high school and now playing for coach Kyle Smithpeters at John Logan. Jay will be very prepared once he arrives on campus in his transition to college basketball."
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