University of North Texas Athletics
NJCAA All-American To Bolster Men's Basketball Roster
4/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
DENTON, Texas (4/16/08) The North Texas men’s basketball team added explosive veteran talent with the signing of NJCAA All-American Eric Tramiel to a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday.
A first-team NJCAA All-American, Tramiel (6-7, 225, Jr., PF, Shreveport, La., Paris JC) was selected the Region XIV regular season and tournament MVP after leading Paris Junior College to the National Tournament. He was also was named to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament First Team as well.
"We are extremely excited to have Eric join our basketball team," said North Texas head coach Johnny Jones. "He brings a physical presence to the court, along with great size and athleticism. Eric has a shooter’s touch from 15 feet, is an excellent passer and a dominant paint defender. He will definitely help ease the loss of our two great post players, Quincy Williams and Keith Wooden, to graduation."
Tramiel racked up a team-best 15.9 points per game on 58.6 percent shooting in 2007-08. He also led the Dragons with 6.8 rebounds per game. On top of knocking down 70.8 percent of his free throw attempts, Tramiel also showed his passing prowess with 1.1 assists per game.
The Shreveport, La., native had Paris ranked as high as No. 4 in the national poll following a 19-game win streak to open the season. Tramiel is set to participate in the NJCAA Division I All-Star Game on April 20 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Tramiel joins Arlington Grace Prep center Ben Knox as newcomers to the Mean Green roster. Knox, a TAPPS Second-Team All-State selection this year, guided Grace Prep to the state title game in each of the last two seasons. He is ranked as the No. 62 recruit in the state by TexasHoops.com after averaging 10 points, nine rebounds and three blocks per game in 2007-08.
The Mean Green recorded its second straight 20-win season and notched a school-record 15 home wins in 2007-08. North Texas returns the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in Josh White, and Collin Dennis, the conference’s Newcomer of the Year.
