MEN’S BASKETBALL RECIEVES FIRST COMMITMENT FOR 2008-2009 SEASON

LA GRANDE, Ore. – After a great start to the 2007-2008 season Head Coach Ryan Looney and the Eastern Oregon University men’s basketball program received their first commitment for the 2008-2009 season.

Kris Groce, a 5-foot-10, 160 pound guard from Pasco, Washington has signed a letter of intent to attend EOU in the September.  He last played during the 2006-2007 season at NCAA Division I Sacramento State University.  A starter the second half of the season, Groce averaged 10.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.  He shot 43.2 percent from the field and 80.6 percent from the free throw line.  He had a season highs 21 points against Montana State University and 10 assists in his first Big Sky Conference game against the University of Montana.

Groce played his freshman season at Columbia Basin College.  During that year he was named the Most Valuable Player of the NWAACC Eastern Region after averaging 21.7 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.  He was among the league leaders at fourth in scoring, second in assists, first in free throw percentage (85.7), and shot an amazing 43.4 percent from beyond the three point line.

A 2003 graduate of Pasco High School in Washington, Groce played four years of varsity basketball for the Bulldogs.  As a senior, he was named first team all-state the Big Nine Conference Most Valuable Player after averaging 15.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.

“We are excited that Kris has decided to join our program,” said Looney.  “His speed and ability to make plays will help us stay successful in the Cascade Collegiate Conference.  He will join us during the spring quarter here on our campus.  That should allow him the opportunity to get on track both academically and athletically as he looks to complete both his academic and basketball careers at EOU.”

The Mountaineers are currently 12-1 and ranked #6 in the latest NAIA national poll.  Last season the team compiled a 23-8 record and advanced to the championship game of the Cascade Collegiate Conference tournament.  The 23 wins were the most in EOU Men's Basketball history.