Fairfield: Incoming Guards Fill Need

Fairfield

The Stags are without two key guards from last season, point guard Jonathan Han (left the team at midseason) and off-guard Herbie Allen (graduation).

The clear need during recruiting season was to bring in guards, and coach Ed Cooley accomplished that.

The team also needs the return to health of several players, most noteably forwards Anthony Johnson (blood clots) and Greg Nero (back). But another incoming player, at least, provides a measure of insurance for that concern, too.

Eligible redshirt

- Shimreek Johnson, a 6-foot-7, 195-pound forward from Bishop Maginn H.S. in Albany, N.Y. Johnson was at Fairfield last season and redshirted, so he has four years of eligibility remaining. This blogger has seen Johnson play on multiple occassions, and was impressed with his athleticism, intensity and versatility. He's capable of working inside, but has above-average perimeter skills for his size, and shooting range out to 18-, 19-foot range. Probably will serve as an understudy to a deep front line this season, but will be a capable fill-in if the front-court injury bug returns.

Incoming freshmen

- Derek Needham, 5-11, 160-pound point guard from De La Salle Institute of the Chicago area. Statistics not available, but reports indicate that he is a scoring point guard who is athletic, quick and plays with a high-level of energy and effort. Those who have seen him have praise for his ability as a ball-handler with good court vision. Indications are that he will challenge for playing time very quickly.

- Colin Nickerson, a 6-2, 175-pound off-guard from Waukegan (Ill.) H.S. He averaged 19 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game as a senior. Reports are that he has a good outside shot out to the 3-point arc, as well as being a slasher and good finisher in transition. He is also likely to be in the mix for playing time almost immediately.