Charleston, S.C.

Tyrell McDowell, a 6'6 forward from Miami, Fla., attends Christopher Columbus High School.  McDowell will bring versatility to the Bulldog program with his ability to play inside and out. He earned third team All-Dade County as a junior (2005-2006) when he averaged 12 ppg, 11.5 rpg, and 3.8 bpg.  McDowell is originally from Toronto, Canada and due to Florida High School rules he was unable to compete, but was able to practice during his senior year.

“I think Tyrell has the potential to be an outstanding Southern Conference player,” said Conroy, who had the third highest conference winning percentage increase out of 59 first-year Division I coaches.  “He was a little under the radar because of transferring to Columbus High School late in his High School career.  We are really excited to begin working with him in the fall.  Tyrell comes from a great family and has been a part of a great high school program the last two years. The athleticism and versatility he can bring to our program are much needed.”

Andrew Gonzalez, a 6'6 guard from Houston, Texas, attends Sam Rayburn High School where he earned first team all- region III-5A, District MVP honors and was among the top-5 in scoring in all of Houston. Jim Hicks of RCSSports rated him among the best seniors in Houston.  During his senior season Andrew averaged 22.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, and shot 44percent from long range. 

“Andrew Gonzalez is a player we have watched really develop over the last 10 months and this season was one of the most complete players in the Houston area,” said Conroy. “We knew about Andrew early in the recruiting process and it helped having a previous relationship with some of his coaches at Sam Rayburn who are originally from Iowa.  Andrew is a player that is hungry to improve and get better daily.  Andrew possesses a variety of skills; his ability to shoot, pass and handle the ball for his size is special.”

With the Addition of Gonzalez and McDowell, The Citadel will have nine freshmen on the roster for 2007-2008.  The class consists of five players over 6'6.  They hail from five different states and also from overseas.  Three of the signees are from Texas.  The seven players who signed in the fall were rated the best class in the Southern Conference by Clark Francis of the HoopScoop Online.

“This is a class that will be the foundation of Citadel Basketball for the years to come,” said Conroy.  “We obviously feel very good about the basketball talents of our nine signees, but what is most exciting is that they are great kids, who have a hunger to improve as basketball players.  I know they are looking forward to representing The Citadel on the floor, in the community, and in the Corps.”

Neven Zeravica                             

6'9 Osijek, Croatia                                            

Massanutten Military Academy(VA)