Motlow State has tons of talent

Bobby Steinburg has assembled some serious talent at Motlow State (TN). JucoJunction introduces you to the talent on the team.

Starters Returning

Bijon Jones: 5-foot-11 point guard. Bijon averaged 11pts, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds as a freshman last season. He shot better than 42% from three-point range last year and is being recruited by Austin Peay, Murray State, TN Martin, George Mason, and Evansville

"Bijon has a lot of talent, however, the best way to describe him is…he is a winner," Steinburg said.

Demarco Stepter: 6-foot-7, 275 pound forward/center. Stepter averaged 11.5 pts, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks during his freshman campaign. He has spent the offseason working to get down to 260lbs. Steinburg compares his game to a poor man's Mario Boggan or Jai Lewis. He is being courted by George Mason, Murray State, Wichita State, Southeast Missouri, Louisiana Tech and East Carolina. Stepter was recruited out of HS by Ole Miss, Memphis, Southern Miss, ECU, and UNLV.

"Demarco has worked hard this offseason to trim down," Steinburg said. "His potential is limitless when he gets in shape. He knows how to play."

Others Returning

Tim Parker: 6-foot-5, 213 pound forward. Parker redshirted in 2006-2007 after averaging 10pts and 5reb. at Atlanta Metro in 2005-2006. Parker is a strong shooter and rebounder. Murray State, SEMO, Charlotte, and Gardner Webb have shown interest early.

Newcomers-Class of 2008

Tyree Evans: 6-foot-3, 210 pound scorer. Tyree played last season at Butler County JC where he averaged 18ppg. Originally signed with Cincinnati out of high school and was one of the top players in the country. Evans was a qualifier out of prep school and will be recruited at the high major level. Already, Evans is being watched by Florida State, Kansas State, West Virginia and Maryland.

"I have watched Tyree play for years and he is as good a scorer as I have been around," Steinburg said. "He knows what he has to do and I believe he will make good on his promises."

Michael Graham: 6-foot-3 shooting guard. Michael averaged 12pts, 4reb, 3assists, and 2 steals as a freshman at New Mexico Junior College. Additionally, shot 40% from beyond the 3pt arc and 80% from the FT line. Right now, Charlotte and UTSA are recruiting him but that list will grow when people know where he is.

Anthony Sally: 6-foot-2 point guard. Anthony was a part-time starter at Tallahassee Community College as a frosh where he picked up 71 assists and 43 steals during his first year. He was recruited out of high school by Villanova, NC State, VCU and ECU.

"Anthony is a true point guard who possesses great quickness and court vision," Steinburg commented.

Frank Henry-Ala: 6-foot-5 wing. Frank signed at UC Davis (Big West Conference) after he grabbed California State Player of the Year honors in Division V. Redshirted his first year at UCD and played last year. He has a 38" vertical and 7' wingspan.

"Frank knows how to play basketball and possesses terrific athletic ability. He is going to really be able to help us this year," Steinburg said.

Isreal Kirk: 6-foot-7 ½, 235 pound forward. Isreal transferred from Lipscomb University in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Spent 2005-2006 as a redshirt and then played in only 13 games in 2006-2007 due to an injury and a minor eligibility issue. Isreal is extremely athletic and is the prototypical 4 man for an uptempo team.

Newcomers-Class of 2009

Cliff Dixon: 6-foot-10, 210 pound forward. Cliff was a highly regarded forward out of Maryland and is the best friend of Kevin Durant. Very long and skilled above the rim. Steinburg says he eeds to add some weight to really maximize his potential but will be highly sought after. Already being recruited by Maryland and West Virginia.

"Cliff is a very skilled and athletic post player," Durant said. "I have grown up watching him shut down some of the best players in the country. I am confident that with the coaching he is about to receive, we will be playing together once again in the NBA. Cliff can play!!!"

Russell McNeill: 5-foot-11 point guard. An all-state selection his senior year in high school, McNeill is quick, has handles and great court vision. McNeill was arguably the state of Tennessee's best point guard last season. Tennessee, Kansas State and Wichita State are already paying attention.

Josh Clemons: 6-foot-10 post player. Clemons averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds during his senior campaign in what was considered a remarkable comeback. Only months after a junior season where he boasted 14 points and 9 rebounds per contest and was considered one of the most promising big men in the south, Clemons was in a near fatal car accident causing him to miss the entire 2005-2006 school year. After being granted a 5th season of eligibility by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, Clemons rehabilitated himself back to near 100 percent.

"This is a young man who has shown perseverance, work-ethic, and character to overcome insurmountable odds," Steinburg said. "He is very skilled and quick for his size and can really shoot the ball."