RENO, Nev. Steven Bjornstad of Columbia River, Wash., and Devonte Elliott of Paramount, Calif., have signed national letters of intent to study and play basketball at the University of Nevada beginning in 2009-2010, fifth-year head coach Mark Fox announced Wednesday.
In addition, Mark McLaughlin of Kenmore, Wash., has been cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center. McLaughlin will honor the letter of intent he signed with the Wolf Pack last November and will attend Nevada in 2009-2010, Fox said.
Bjornstad is a 6-10, 215-pound center out of Columbia River High School in Vancouver, Wash. An all-league selection, he turned in 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game last season. He also shot 80 percent from the field and helped the Chieftains to a 21-7 overall record and the 3A Greater St. Helens League championship last year.
“Steven has a big body and is a tough, physical presence. He shot an unbelievable percentage from the field last year, and we enjoyed watching him play this summer,” Fox said.
A 6-9, 210-pound forward, Elliott comes to Nevada from Paramount (Calif.) High School. He averaged 10 points, nine rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game last season in helping Paramount to a 16-12 overall mark.
“Devonte is a long, versatile player. He can play inside and outside. The combination of Steven and Devonte will give us legitimate frontline size,” Fox said.
A 6-5, 175-pound guard from Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, McLaughlin was listed at No. 14 on the Long Beach Press-Telegram’s prestigious “Best in the West” team and averaged 21.3 points in 12 games at Inglemoor last year. He is currently attending New Hampton (N.H.) Prep School.
“We’re very pleased that what we anticipated to be the outcome for Mark has become official. Although it took longer than we all hoped, we are pleased that Mark will be joining our team in the fall. He is a very talented young player.”
