Yuba College basketball and track standout Lawrence Wright has signed a letter of intent to play for Bradley University In Peoria, Ill. next season on a full scholarship.
Wright, a six-foot-four, 200 lb sophomore forward, averaged 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game for the season, helped lead the 49ers to an overall 22-6 record, their best season in school history.
I’m glad it’s over. Now, I can focus on what I have to do to during the summer.” Wright said. “I can concentrate on things, and start working on what I have to do to be ready.”
“I’m excited about him signing with Bradley,” said Yuba College Men’s Basketball coach Doug Cornelius. “He’s headed to Division I basketball and he’s playing for a good program and a good coach. I think Lawrence brings a level of athleticism that will probably be unmatched in the conference. Bradley is getting a great kid and I think the fans will be excited by the way he plays. He is a highlight reel waiting to happen.”
Coach Cornelius has reason to be excited.
Jim Les, in his second year as Bradley men’s basketball coach, is a former NBA player with the Sacramento Kings. In 2001, Les and Cornelius were both assistant coaches with the WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs. Wright admits that their relationship led to him signing with the Braves of the Missouri Valley Conference.
Bradley finished 15-16 in the MVC last season, 7-11 in conference. They have won 7 Missouri Valley Conference titles and four National Invitational Tournament (NIT) championships in its school history.
“It’s not going to be easy for him. The difference between playing at the community college level and Division I is a big adjustment,” stated Cornelius. He (Wright) can’t slack off because the guys will be just as athletic. He has to stay motivated and focused, work on his ball handling, the way he plays defense, and his overall shooting.”
Wright also competes for the Yuba track and field team. He boasts a 46-inch vertical leap and recently broke the school record in the triple jump. Coach Cornelius added that Wright recorded four triple doubles in his two-year junior college career all based on points, rebounds and blocked shots, while setting a single-game school record with 14 rejections.
Having developed a reputation for his high-flying act, Wright boasted 64 dunks this past season, including nine in one game.
Wright is the second junior college player to sign with the Braves this spring, joining combo guard Anthony Bennett of Pratt (Kan.) Community College. The Braves also landed three high school players during November’s Early Signing Period.
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