RENO, Nev. Joey Shaw, Dario Hunt and Ahyaro Phillips have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Nevada and play basketball for the Wolf Pack, head coach Mark Fox announced Monday. The trio joins the group of Luke Babbitt, Mark McLaughlin and London Giles to give Nevada six additions to the program for the 2008-09 season.
“We have signed a player in every position with the intent of finding young men who will succeed at Nevada both in the classroom and in the uniform,” Fox said. “These kids are talented and have joined us with the idea of enriching the tradition of Wolf Pack basketball. The group should make us a better shooting team and a bit more athletic. Although I am excited about who we have signed, a recruiting class really cannot be evaluated until the student-athletes have finished their careers, on the court and in the classroom.”
Shaw, from Phoenix, Ariz., played last season at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho. The 6-foot-6 Shaw averaged 16.8 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game with 43 steals. He shot 85 percent from the free-throw line for the Golden Eagles, which went 30-2 last season. Shaw’s sister, Atoya, ran track at Nevada.
“Joey is a terrific shooter. His ability to score combined with his experience should really help our team. We are very excited to have him joining the program,” Fox said.
Hunt, from Colorado Springs, Colo., played this past season at Charis Prep School in Wilson, N.C. The 6-foot-8 Hunt averaged a double-double last season and registered more than three blocks per game for the Crimson Tide.
“Dario had a terrific year a Charis Prep. Physically, he is ready to battle down low and his knack to rebound the ball will be a great addition to our program,” Fox said.
Phillips, 6-foot-8, is a native of New Orleans who survived Hurricane Katrina and played last season at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy.
“Ahyaro is a long and explosive player who comes from one of the most respected programs in the country,” Fox said. “His athletic ability and versatility will help our front line. We are really pleased he has signed with us.”
Nevada’s recruiting class has been ranked among the top 25 in the nation by several national recruiting services. The Wolf Pack went 21-12 last season and recorded its fifth straight WAC title by finishing as the 2007-08 regular-season co-champions. Nevada had its sixth straight postseason appearance with its invitation to the College Basketball Invitational.
