CMU Hoops Signs Two Forwards

MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University men's basketball coach Ernie Zeigler has announced the signing of two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent.

Joining the Chippewas next season will be 6-7, 220-pound forward Tyler Brown of Eau Claire (Wisc.) North High School and 6-5, 170-pound forward K’allante Miller of Oak Park (Mich.) High School.

“We tried to take care of our needs in a couple areas with this recruiting class,” coach Ernie Zeigler said. “Both Tyler and K’allante are perfect fits for our university. The levels of toughness and winning attitudes that they each possess are going to advance our program.”

Central Michigan loses current seniors Chris Kellermann and Marcus Van following the 2008-09 season which tips off on Friday as the Chippewas travel to Princeton. Zeigler is in his third season at the helm of the CMU program. Central has increased its win total both years during his tenure.

Brown earned honorable mention all-state honors from the Associated Press and received all-state votes from the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. He was twice named All-Big Rivers Conference and was tabbed the 2008 Player of the Year.

A 4.0 student, Brown averaged 12.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game as a junior. A four-year starter, he helped the Huskies to a pair of league championships. Eau Claire North qualified for the Division I state tournament last year where it lost to eventual champion Wauwatosa East.

Zeigler on Brown: “Tyler will give us versatility and a high skill level at the power forward position. He is a tough rebounder and really understands spacing on the floor and how to screen.”

Miller is ranked the No. 1 senior wing in the state of Michigan by bankhoops.com and prepspotlight.com. He is ranked No. 15 overall in the state by Craig Wind of Prime Time High School Sports and earned 2008 honorable mention all-state honors from the Detroit Free Press, along with honorable mention all-north.

Miller is listed among the juniors to watch by the Detroit News. He averaged 20 points, seven rebounds and four steals per game last season.

Zeigler on Miller: “K’allante is a tough competitor. He’s very adept at scoring and slashing to the basket. We are looking forward to how he will fit into our defensive team philosophy.”