In the world of junior college basketball where things can change quickly, the Northeast Hawks are excited, said Head Coach Dan Anderson.    “We are relatively unknown because we only have three returning players,” he said. “But our recruiting class is good.”        
            Coach Anderson describes his returners like this: Robert Pogue, 6’3” Hammond, Ind., returning guard, brings strength and leadership to this young team;  Oneil Mangal, a 6’5” guard from Toronto, Canada, brings his good, three-point shooting ability and defense to the ball club; and returner Denykco Bowles, a 6’6” forward from Nassau, Bahamas, came on strong at the end of our last season. 
            “All three returners have what college coaches look for,” Anderson said.  “Toughness, good shooting ability, commitment to defense, and a great attitude.  They are just fun to be around.  The young players will see what they do and it rubs off.”
            The Hawks men’s team will have many new faces on its 2007-2008 roster.  “We are very pleased with the potential,” said Coach Anderson.  “Three things stand out about this new class:  shooting ability, passing, and our unselfishness.”
            Anderson evaluates his new players like this:  Brett Shively, 6’5” swingman from Norfolk Public High School in Norfolk, Neb., has a great feel for the game.  He knows what to do and where to be;   Justin Heng, 6’2” guard from Norfolk Catholic High School in Norfolk, has great range in shooting and is constantly in motion; Colton Delong, 6’5” athletic forward from Laurel, Neb., is always around the ball making something happen;
            Jason Snow, 6’2” guard from Canton, Ohio, is a transfer from Highland Community College and can be a nice player for the Hawks.  Jason is a good defender, rebounder, and a very good leader.  Anderson continues, “We added two nice recruits from a very good high school program, Crane Tech, in Chicago.”  They are:  Archie Boyd, a 6’9” center, and Robert Duren, a 6’5” guard.  Dionta Gaskew is a 6’7”, 240 lb., post player from Leo High in Chicago.  “Dionta has great footwork inside and is just big,” Anderson said.
            Others on the roster include:  Jamel Johnson, a 5’10” point guard from Englewood High School in Chicago that Anderson describes as an extremely quick guard that really pushes the ball;  DeAndre Jones, 6’ from East Chicago Central in East Chicago, Ind., who played on a very good high school team that won the Indiana State Championship, according to Anderson.  “DeAndre brings experience and leadership,” he said.
            Anderson said that Dean Culic, a 6’7” forward from Pula, Croatia, is a very skilled player with a great work ethic while Darronte' White, a 6’, guard from Blue Island, Ill., has quickness and ability to penetrate.  Coach Anderson said Luke Wakerley, a 6’1” guard from Brisbane, Australia, and Derek Nettleton, a 6’ guard from Wayne, Neb., round out the team.  “I expect these freshmen to be major contributors,” he said.
            “We are excited and have high expectations,” Coach Anderson said.  “We want to keep it going.  The team’s hard work during the pre-season should make us a fun group to watch.”

More Information

Dan Anderson
(402) 844-7315
dana@northeastcollege.com