Fort Smith Big Men Southbound
A pair of Arkansas Fort Smith big men -- 6-9 center Nathaniel Lofton and 6-10 power forward/center Darius Manciel -- have arrived at college decisions this week.
JUCO Junction caught up with Fort Smith Asst. Coach David Anwar on Thursday night, and he informed us that Lofton will attend Southeast Louisiana while Manciel has signed with McNeese State.
Advertisement
Lofton, a rugged 6-9, 245 pound center, is originally from New Orleans, La. Despite being looked at by some high major programs this spring, Lofton opted to stay close to home due to family considerations.
Last year, Lofton played at Independence C.C. in Kansas. JUCO Junction feels that he could be an impact player next year for the Lions, because there aren't many strong and athletic big men like Lofton in the Southland Conference.
Ever since signing with Texas Christian University out of high school three years ago, Manciel has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride.
He spent a year at the Winchendon School in Massachusetts trying to get academically qualified, and then bounced to Weatherford J.C. in Texas for the 2001-2002 season. He resurfaced at Fort Smith this year, but never quite put up the numbers one might expect of a player his size and potential.
Anwar said that Manciel and Lofton have each signed national letters of intent with their respective choices.