REDLANDS, Calif. – Eric Bridgeland, Head Men's Basketball Coach at the University of Redlands announced his 2024-25 recruiting class Monday, which includes ten newcomers, broken up by six first years and four transfers.

"First and foremost, we welcome back two starters/game changers from two-years ago in Chozen Amadi and Nathaniel Johnson. These leaders are chomping at the bit to get us 'where we aspire to be." 

"In terms of this class, what do you say?  This class is as special as it gets. The University of Redlands is an easy sell.  We have a plethora of academic programs that deliver unbelievable outcomes, a President that believes in the life-skill mission of athletics, admission and financial aid offices that are ridiculously easy to work with, and lastly two outstanding assistant coaches in Cory Coombe and Colin Caslick who are veteran, relationship-based grinders.  This "village" has made it possible for our program to bring in this exciting group. 

On paper we needed depth, shooting, and athleticism.  From a depth perspective, we brought in 23 total student-athletes (10 varsity players and for the first time,13 development team players). 

Shooting is abundant with this class.  Too many knockdown guys to single out just one or two.  Then as far as athleticism, we've never seen athleticism like this at the Division III level.  Bulldog fans won't want to miss a POSSESSION this season!"

Let's take a look at Bridgeland's incoming class and what he had to say about their addition to the program.

Chris Carter (Indio, CA)
Kansas University & Cal State Northridge | 6'4" | 190 lbs.

Accolades: Desert Empire League MVP (2022) | Helped high school team win the CIF-SS Division III Title (2020) | Desert League High Jump Champion (2021) | Red-Shirted at CSUN | Invited Walk-On to Kansas

"A steal and immediate impact player for the program.  Chris is a legitimate Division I talent.  Extremely raw out of high school and has worked hard to add plenty of skill to his game over the past two years.  Chris will excel at the highest of levels in our press and run style.  There is no ceiling or limit to how good Chris could or can be."   

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Logan Dorsey (Los Angeles, CA)
Crespi High School | 6'5" | 180 lbs.

Accolades: 2024 State Champion | Defensive Player of the Year | 2^nd Team – CIF Division III | 25 Hours Donated to Multiple Homeless Shelters | Volunteers at Local Library | Honor Roll (Junior and Senior)

"Obvious winner on a variety of levels.  Logan is a jack-of-all trades with no ceiling in sight.  Should develop rapidly in our culture and style of play.  Really exciting player!"

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Omari Ferguson (Los Angeles, CA)
L.A. Trade Tech | 6'1" | 185 lbs.

Accolades: Led L.A. Trade Tech in scoring, rebounding, and assists as the team had it's best season in over 20 years | 1^st Team All-Conference (2x) | Player of the Year Runner-Up | Shot 57% from the field, 48% from three-point territory and 75% from the free-throw line. 

"Immediate impact two-way player.  Omaru can dominate a game with both his offense and defense.  A very complete player at this time.  Offensively, his ability to find seams and get to the rim with be a problem for opponents.  His combination of both skill and athleticism are seldom seen anywhere in the basketball landscape, never mind at the Division III level."

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Dayvon Gates (Los Angeles, CA)
St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy | 6'3" | 165 lbs.

Accolades: 1^st Team All-League (2023) | 1^st Team All-Area (2023) | 2^nd Team All-League (2024) | Tarkanian Classic Champion | 6x Honor Roll Recipient | Member of the Black History Makers (Feeding the Homeless)

"An under the radar player.  Not sure we have ever seen a young man who went this unnoticed.  He is as selfless as they come.  Dayvon is all about helping his team win and is able to impact the game on every level.  He can create, guard and compete.  His self-humility and confidence in himself, is second to none.  Don't sleep on him!"

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Thomas Hastings (Phoenix, AZ)
Scottsdale Junior College | 6'2" | 180 lbs.

Accolades: Arizona Junior College All-Star | 2^nd Team All-Conference | Regional Champion (2x) | NJCAA National Tournament Appearances (2x)

"Thomas can play anywhere at anytime with his skill set.  He can shoot, pass, and handle the ball and is an extraordinary defender.  What might stick out the most is just how high his basketball I.Q. is.  He understands everything that is going and is the #UltimateGelGuy."

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Jake Hlywiak (Valencia, CA)
Adelphi University | 6'4" | 190 lbs.

Accolades: Division II Transfer from Adelphi University | 39% Career 3-Point Shooter | Made six three-pointers against Division I and NCAA Tournament participant Iona | Academic Honor Roll each year | Ambassador for Bridge's Program, which serves special needs children (2x)

"Yes, Jake is an elite three-point shooter but can also put it on the deck.  What really stands out about Jake is his maturity.  He is so balanced and in control, both on and off the floor.  He brings an air of confidence and maturity every time he crosses the lines, and his impact will be immediate." 

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Ya Humphrey (Inglewood, CA)
L.A. Valley College | 6'0" | 170 lbs.

Accolades: Averaged 16.0 PPG for L.A. Valley with three of his last four games averaging over 30 points | 1^st Team All-Conference | Volunteered for food shelters through his church

"No. 1, Ya is an amazing young man.  He exudes friendliness and authenticity.  No. 2, as a player his feel is second to one.  He knows when to pass, shoot, etc.  He gives the other four players running beside him exactly what they need.  # FEEL."

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Evan Lucas (Danville, CA)
Athenian High School | 6'3" | 180 lbs.

Accolades: CIF Division V State Champion | CIF Division V Player of the Year | Athenian All-Time Leading Scorer | Co-Founded "Aid the Homeless" Community Service Group | Volunteered for numerous other service projects

"What do you say about Evan? From every angle, he is a winner.  So impressive with his all-around game.  Along with being an elite jump shooter and scorer, Evan's greatest gift may be how he will further add to our relationship-based, community service-driven culture."

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Nathan Mattera (Fontana, CA)
Los Osos High School | 6'4" | 180 lbs.

Accolades: 2^nd Team All-Conference (2x) | Scholar Varsity Athlete (3x) | Adidas Gauntlet All-Tournament Team (17U) | Graduate CSF Highest Honors

"Nathan is an elite three-point shooter.  Furthermore, his basketball IQ is way up there.  Nathan has, in today's game, the rare ability (and enthusiasm) to create opportunities on the weakside of the floor (spacing, setting/using flares) when he doesn't have the ball.  He will add value in a variety of ways when he steps on the floor."

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Donovan Ware (Palmdale, CA)
Paraclete High School | 6'6" | 180 lbs.

Accolades: All-CIF Southern Section 2^nd-Team | 1^st Team All-League | Averaged 21.0 PPG, 7.0 APG, and 4.0 RPG for a 25-5 team | Participated in LAPD Community Holiday Events

"Donovan is a player who can flat out shoot the ball.  Within our style of play, he will provide much needed spacing from the get-go, adding further length and has a ridiculous upside allowing him to find time sooner than later."

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