Long Beach State Basketball signs three recruits

Long Beach State Men’s Basketball has announced that three players have signed National Letters of Intent during the fall signing period. Guard Noah Blackwell and forwards Mason Riggins and LaRond Williams have all announced their intent to join the Beach for the 2015-16 season. All are three star recruits as rated by ESPN and Yahoo! Sports.

The three new recruits come on the heels of another promising group of recruits preparing to open the 2014-2015 season as freshman for the 49ers: Justin Bibbins, Deontae North, Jack Williams and Temidayo Yussuf.
         
“We’ve brought in two very quality classes back-to-back at a very pivotal time because we lose a number of starting seniors after this season,” said Monson. “I think Noah Blackwell will give us another quality point guard alongside Justin Bibbins with Mike Caffey graduating. I believe Mason Riggins and LaRond Williams give us great depth in the frontcourt with the loss of David Samuels and Eric McKnight.”

Blackwell is a 6-1 point guard from Woodcreek High School in California.  Blackwell was rated by ESPN as the No. 28 recruit in the state of California, and was selected for the two major all-star showcases in his area, the NorCal Clash and the Sacramento 50 Elite.

“Just like Mike and Justin are unique talents, Noah also brings a different skill set to the position,” said Monson. “Noah can really score the ball, keep defenses honest with his jumpshot, and he will be a good defender.”

6-7 forward LaRond Williams, who prepped last season at St. Anthony High School, was rated by ESPN as the No. 29 recruit in California.

 “LaRond gives us tremendous athleticism,” noted Monson. “One of the weaknesses with this year’s team is that we’re not as athletic as we’ve been in the past. LaRond, as well as the other two incoming recruits, will help address those needs, particularly in regards to defending and rebounding.”

Finally, 6-8 forward Mason Riggins will be coming to the 49ers from Whitewright High School in Whitewright, Texas. Rated as a three-star recruit by Yahoo! Sports, Riggins finished his junior season averaging 17.3 points and 12.1 rebounds per game while being named all-region in Texas.

“Mason is one of the best athletes for his size we’ve recruited since I’ve been here at Long Beach State,” said Monson, “We’ve had good athletes here, but not at 6-8, 250 pounds. It is hard to find the combination of athleticism and physicality, but he will really give us both of those things.”



by Staff of the TheDailySportsHerald.com