May 18, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, PA - La Salle University head men's basketball coach Dr. John Giannini has announced that 6'9 junior Vernon Goodridge has transferred to La Salle from Mississippi State and will be eligible to compete for the Explorers beginning with the 2008-09 season.

"Vernon was one of the most highly ranked and sought after prospects in the country out of prep school," explained Giannini.  "We recruited him then and we are very happy that he decided to come to La Salle now."

 

Goodridge averaged just over eight minutes in 52 games but blocked 35 shots in that time and pulled an average of 2.5 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs.

 

Coming out of Philadelphia's Lutheran Christian Academy, he averaged 11.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.0 blocked shots and three steals per game to earn fifth-team all-American status by Hoop Scoop.  In 2004 he was ranked as the top center and No. 5-rated player overall at the Adidas Superstar All-American Camp.

 

Giannini added, "he is extremely athletic and can run the court. I expect him to be an elite shot blocker, rebounder and defender.  I expect him to have an immediate impact in our program and on the Atlantic 10."

 

Jameson Keefe is regarded as the largest player to commit to La Salle in the history of the program.  At 7'3 and close to 300 pounds the high school senior from Troy, NY will likely redshirt his first season at 20^th and Olney.

 

"Jameson has tremendous size, a soft shooting touch, reliable hands and good passing instincts," commented Coach Giannini.  "He needs to improve his athleticism which is not unexpected for a very young player with his size.  We intend to give him the best individual coaching possible and when we feel he can play the game at the speed that is found at Division I basketball, he can be a major factor."

 

Goodridge and Keefe will join twin forwards Jerrell and Terrell Williams (Paterson, NJ/Northfield Mount Hermon) and guard Kyle Griffin (Allentown, PA/Germantown Academy) who have signed letters of intent during the early signing period.

 

The Explorers will open the 2007-08 season with its six leading scorers returning.