Badgers new bench boss announces four recruits for 2010-11

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Brock University men's basketball first year head coach Brad Rootes is pleased to announce the addition of transfers Andrew Kraus (Markham, Ont.) and Tshing Kasamba (St. Catharines, Ont.) as well as incoming freshmen Cedric Kasongo (Welland, Ont.) and Jay Fast (St. Catharines, Ont).

"We are extremely excited about this recruiting class," said Rootes. "In addition to the great amount of skill we are also adding more leadership, depth and athleticism. Most importantly we were able to bring in great character players both on and off the court."

Kraus, a 6-foot-1 guard played two seasons at Acadia and last season at Brandon prior to coming to Brock. In his career he has played in 56 regular season contests averaging 26.9 minutes per game. He has recorded 390 points averaging 7.0 points per game and 182 assists for an average of 3.4 assists per contest. He has also averaged 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game. From the field he has shot 44.8 percent (141-for-315) while knocking down 38.7 percent from beyond the arc (36-for-93).

His best season to date came in 2007-08 when he averaged 8.5 points and 5.1 assists per game while helping lead the Axemen to the National Championship game where they lost to current Brock head coach Brad Rootes and the Badgers 64-61.

Kraus is eligible to play this season as a Master's of Education student with two years of eligibility remaining.

"Andrew is a proven winner," said Rootes. "He is a great competitor and more importantly an even better leader. He is one of the premier guards in the country and will make an immediate positive impact for our team this season. "

Kasamba, a 6-foot-5 guard played the past two seasons for the Chicago State Cougars, an NCAA Division I program. In two seasons, he appeared in 59 games, which included 32 in a starting role. As a rookie in 2008-09, averaged 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. In his first collegiate start versus Utah Valley (1/29/09) recorded his first career double double recording 14 points and 10 rebounds in 45 minutes. Last season as a sophomore, finished fourth in team scoring averaging 6.8 points per game. He also pulled down 3.2 rebounds per contest while adding 26 assists and 36 steals.

In high school, Kasamba was coached by former Badgers player and 1992 National Champion Pat Sullivan at St. Francis. In his senior year, averaged 25.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and two steals per game. He was named Mr. Basketball Niagara twice while earning First Team All-Niagara accolades three straight seasons. He played AAU ball for Grassroots Canada and was a member of the Under-17 Team Ontario Team that captured gold in 2004.

Kasamba will sit out the 2010-11 season due to CIS transfer rules.

"Tshing is a phenomenal athlete with a great work ethic," explained Rootes. "He is a gifted scorer and a lock down defender. This year he will focus on both athletic and skill development as he waits for the 2011-2012 season. When eligible, Tshing will have an immediate and very large impact."

Kasongo comes to the Badgers from Notre Dame in Welland. At 6-foot-3 he brings both size and a strong scoring touch to the lineup. In his senior year with the Fighting Irish, he led he team in scoring averaging 22.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. He joins Kasamba as the only two players to be named Mr. Basketball Niagara twice. He was selected as a First Team All-Niagara three times while leading his team deep into AAAA OFSAA the past two years, earning Tournament MVP at the Tribune Tournament twice and MVP honours at the Festival of Lights Tournament this past season. He was also a three-time Team MVP. In 2008 he was a member of Team Ontario.

"Cedric brings a great skill set to the team this year," said Rootes. "He is a multi-skilled player that can have an impact on a game in many different ways with his ability to score, pass and rebound all at a high level. He immediately will make our back court deeper and more dangerous."

Fast comes to the Badgers from Governor Simcoe in St. Catharines, joining fellow Simcoe alumni Andrew Ferguson and Jay Fleming. The 6-foot-1 shooting guard led Simcoe in scoring the past two seasons and was named to the All Niagara team both years for his efforts. Jay becomes the third member of the Fast family to suit up for the Badgers. His father Doug played for the men's basketball team in the 1970's and 80's and was inducted into the Brock Athletics Hall of Fame. His older sister Ally is entering her senior year with the women's volleyball team.

"Jay has a great head for the game and a knack for being able to score in a variety of ways. He has learned well from one of the best Brock has ever seen, in his father Doug. Jay is a very crafty player that also fits the mold of a multi-skilled guard that can create for himself and others."

Brock opens the 2010-11 season with two non-conference home games versus Canada West opponents Manitoba on October 7th at 7:30 pm and University of Fraser Valley October 9th at 3:00 pm.