Epperson Returning to Big Apple
Rodney Epperson, a 6-7, 200 pound small forward from Midland College in Midland, Tex., committed to St. John's this week.
JUCO Junction caught up with Midland Head Coach Shannon Hays today and confirmed the commitment.
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Epperson took his only official visit of the fall to St. John's this past weekend (Oct. 17-19). Oklahoma, Colorado, Cincinnati, Louisville, Oregon and Auburn were among the other colleges to show an interest in him this fall.
"They indicated to him that he could be an impact guy for them next year," Hays said. "His mom felt it was a good situation, and he wanted the chance to play in front of his family."
Since leaving LaSalle Academy in New York City four years ago, Epperson has led a bit of a nomadic existence. He spent a year at Redemption Christian Academy in Troy, N.Y., followed by a year at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, Me.
As a freshman last winter at Barton County C.C. in Great Bend, Kan., Epperson averaged 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He shot 46 percent from the floor and 36 percent beyond the arc.
After a coaching change at Barton County, Epperson opted to transfer to Midland. First year Chapparals Head Coach Hays is looking forward to working with Epperson this winter.
"He could play either the two or the three position," Hays explained. "The biggest key to him playing at the next level is adding weight and strength."
"He can score pretty much anywhere from on the floor, plus he's quick enough to cover just about anyone," Hays continued. "He's very long and athletic, and could be an impact player in almost any conference."
A native of Flushing, N.Y., Epperson will have two years of eligibility remaining at St. John's, beginning with the 2004-2005 college basketball season. He is expected to graduate from Midland in the spring of 2004, Hays said.