Seven recruits join Jake Deer’s program

By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Florida Christian College basketball coach Jake Deer has been busy signing players for the 2011-12 season.

Over the past several months, Deer collected signatures from seven players throughout Florida, adding to a Suns roster that compiled a 21-10 record last season and won the National Christian College Athletic Association D-II South Region.

“With the addition of several highly-talented recruits we look forward to making a championship run in the 2011-12 campaign,” Deer said. “We have added high character, quality shooting, rebounding and the desire to win the correct way. We look forward with anticipation to the start of a new season here at FCC.”

The recent signees include Juwan Braye from Stuart Martin County; Christian Caban, of Ocala Forest; Zafray Kennedy from Hamilton County High in Jasper; Marchel Smith, of Lake Brantley and James Strowbridge from Fort Myers Dunbar High. David Belizaire, a 6-3 small forward, transferred from St. Leo University, in late July and Wesley Smith, a 5-10 shooting guard from Circle Christian High, signed a letter of intent earlier this year.

“We expect David to come in and make an immediate impact this year and help us right away,” Deer said. “Wesley is a great addition to our program. He is an extremely hard worker and has all the intangibles that will strengthen our basketball team defensively.”

Braye is a 5-10 guard.

“Juwan was a part of the Martin County High team that finished 28-2 last season. He brings a winning mentality, dedicated work ethic and is a terrific 3-point shooter,” Deer said.

Caban was a Hustle Award winner as a junior and a captain during his senior year, when an injury prevented him from playing.

“Christian is going to be an excellent addition to our roster for many years to come,” Deer said. “He is an excellent student that has a lot of drive to help us push our program further than where we are currently.”

Kennedy is a 6-1 guard who was impressive during a tryout at the FCC campus, Deer said.

“We were impressed by his coachability, work ethic and competitive fire,” he said.

Smith, a 6-4 small forward, is a strong defender, said the FCC coach.

“We expect Marchel to come in this year and help us right away,” Deer said. “Marchel brings a fun-loving approach to the game, as well as a drive to help us continue our winning ways here at FCC.”

Strowbridge is a 6-6 forward with a high ceiling, Deer said.

“He is an extremely hard worker, great rebounder and he will be a low post threat for us here at FCC,” he said.