Hurricanes tab two more newcomers
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| Myles Taylor with UT Martin in college. (Photo Credit: Beth Hall/USA Today) |
The Halifax Hurricanes added F Myles Taylor and rookie GF Shaquille Johnson earlier today.
It was Johnson's first contract from a professional team. The 22-year old swingman played one season of Division I college basketball at Auburn before transferring to Northwest Florida State College of the NJCAA. He then moved to Longwood for his final two years, returning to the D-I level. As a senior, he averaged 11.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.4 steals.
One facet of Johnson's game that has always remained strong is dunking. A college slam dunk contest participant, his dunking abilities have been noticed since high school, and they would undoubtedly please the crowd at Scotiabank Centre next season. The rookie's athleticism and versatility also allow him to make waves at several positions.
"Anytime you can add an elite athlete who also has a strong skill set like Shaq you certainly jump on the opportunity," said Hurricanes' head coach Kevin Keathley. "...[he] has a dynamic game that will allow us to do a lot of different things as a team. He's going to be an exciting player to coach and watch."
One facet of Johnson's game that has always remained strong is dunking. A college slam dunk contest participant, his dunking abilities have been noticed since high school, and they would undoubtedly please the crowd at Scotiabank Centre next season. The rookie's athleticism and versatility also allow him to make waves at several positions.
"Anytime you can add an elite athlete who also has a strong skill set like Shaq you certainly jump on the opportunity," said Hurricanes' head coach Kevin Keathley. "...[he] has a dynamic game that will allow us to do a lot of different things as a team. He's going to be an exciting player to coach and watch."
Taylor, on the other hand, joins Halifax with more experience, but only by a hair. He spent all five years of college at Tennessee-Martin, redshirting his senior season due to a knee injury. He was a top contributor to UT Martin since being a freshman, and he finished his final season averaging 11.9 points and 5.8 rebounds. He left the team as its all-time leading scorer. As a rookie, Taylor competed in a Regatas Lima uniform, recently winning the Peruvian LNB championship.
The 6-foot-7 245-pound big man could be an intimidating presence in the paint. According to Keathley, he should find a spot on the Hurricanes without much time or trouble.
He commented, "Adding Myles to our front court immediately gives us a scoring threat on the blocks. [He] is a player who can score in a variety of ways. He can face the basket and has a strong back-to-the-basket-game as well."
The two signings mean that the Hurricanes have brought in four free agents so far in the offseason. As the team looks to defend its title under a new coach, its front office is expected to remain active in the coming weeks.
The 6-foot-7 245-pound big man could be an intimidating presence in the paint. According to Keathley, he should find a spot on the Hurricanes without much time or trouble.
He commented, "Adding Myles to our front court immediately gives us a scoring threat on the blocks. [He] is a player who can score in a variety of ways. He can face the basket and has a strong back-to-the-basket-game as well."
The two signings mean that the Hurricanes have brought in four free agents so far in the offseason. As the team looks to defend its title under a new coach, its front office is expected to remain active in the coming weeks.
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