Wallace State’s Jonathan Andre signed with Northern Arizona University this week after averaging 12.9 points and 5.9 rebounds in his one season with the Lions.
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State men’s basketball forward Jonathan Andre signed a letter of intent with Northern Arizona this week, marking the 14th consecutive season a Lions’ player has inked with a Division I program.
Andre, a 6-foot-6 forward from Miami, averaged 12.9 points and 5.8 rebounds for Wallace State during the 2017-2018 season. He was second on the team in both points and rebounds and shot 46 percent from the field. Andre registered double-digit point efforts in 19 of 28 games for the Lions, starting all 28.
Andre, a transfer from Mercy College in New York, will have three years of eligibility remaining for coach Jack Murphy and the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, who compete in the Big Sky Conference.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play at the Division I level and I’m excited for the opportunity. I went through the recruiting process with an open mind, and coach (John) Meeks and the staff helped me throughout,” Andre said. “Northern Arizona was the first offer I got during the season, and they stuck with me through the ups and downs. I feel like I’m joining another great family. They care about me.”
Andre and Wallace State teammate Trevoris Waugh both played at high school powerhouse Miami Norland, where they won a state championship.
Andre becomes the eight-player in as many seasons to sign with a Division I college under Wallace State men’s basketball coach John Meeks.
“I think that’s a big statement for our program. I think Division I coaches see the preparation level our players have both academically and on the basketball court. No player leaves here unprepared, and I think that is a testament to the level of players we continue to draw into the program,” Meeks said.
“Northern Arizona is getting a player in Jonathan (Andre) who can do a lot of things on the floor. He’s a good shooter and is skilled offensively where he can play multiple positions effectively. He’s accomplished many things during his one year with us, and I’m proud of him.”
Andre is grateful for his one season in Hanceville.
“We fought through a lot as a team, and I think that helped me grow as a person and athlete. We started off hot, hit a dry spell and picked it back up again. That’s part of life as well. I hope to take those lessons to the next level,” Andre said.
Along with Andre signing with Northern Arizona, Meeks secured sophomore commitments this week from returners Chris Rollins, Jerry Lwamba, Jalen Hodges, Demarkus Lampley, Geordon Walker, Max Clark, Mike Johnson and Josh Scott.
For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit www.athletics.wallacestate.edu.
