In focus: Pratt Community College

Pratt Community College in Pratt, KS had some tough times last season. Head coach Trevor Rolfs decided to bring in a whole new team this coming season. JucoJunction had a chance to see the Beavers play recently in Dallas,TX at The Mitchell/Mullen Dallas Blowout. The Beavers have three sophomores that transferred in and one freshman that could possibly leave with three years left to play at the next level.

Dernodo Eiland, (SO) 6-foot-6 (215) from Aurora, IL, transferred in from Kankakee Community College in Illinois. Eiland, a combo forward best suited at the small forward, averaged 12.5 ppg and 5.8 rebounds last season as a freshman. Eiland is a long and slender athlete that can knock down the midrange jumper.

Julius Hearn, (SO) 6-foot-0 (190) from Chicago, played at Lincoln Park High School in the Chicago Public League and has been at Howard University the past two seasons. Hearn, an academic qualifier out of high school, played in 2006-2007 with the Bison and saw action in 30 games while averaging 4 ppg in 22 minutes of action. Hearn is the son of legendary high school coach Chris Head. Head coached at Chicago Westinghouse for years and is currently at Brooks High School in Chicago. Hearn, like Eiland, will wait to sign.

Michael Tyler, (SO) 6-foot-5 (230) from Milwaukee, WI, played last season at Milwaukee Area Tech College where he averaged 19.1 ppg and 12.1 rebounds for the Stormers. Tyler, a combo forward, can be a tough mismatch on both ends of the floor.

Illiwa Baldwin, (FR) 6-foot-11 (270) from Australia, redshirted last year at Howard College in Big Spring, TX. Baldwin could possibly leave the Beavers this season if he really stays focused academically and have three years at the division one level. Baldwin favors the West Coast where his girlfriend plays division one ball in the state of California. Illiwa likes to play faceup and can knock down the 14 footer.

Look for the Beavers to improve this season in Jayhawk Western Division with the addition of these four players. JucoJunction will keep you posted on there progress throughout the season.