Spotlight on Western Nebraska CC

Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff, NE will have a lot of new faces this coming season. Russell Beck is the new man in charge for the Cougars. Former coach Brian Joyce has moved onto a assistant position at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Beck comes over from the College of Southern Idaho where he was an assistant coach last season. Coach Beck caught up with JucoJunction today on some of his players that he brought over to Western Nebraska Community College for this coming season.

Francisco Cruz is a holdover from last year's team. "Paco has a great feel for the game and he is a very tough and outstanding shooter and leader for us on the floor," Beck said. Cruz averaged 15.8 ppg, 5.1 rebounds last season while shooting 50% (41-82) from three-point range. Montana, UNLV, Washington State, Colorado State and San Francisco have all shown interest in Cruz this fall according to coach Beck.

Scott Bamforth is the other holdover from last season's team. "Scott has a quick release and is a deadly outside shooter," said Beck. Bamforth led the Cougars last season with a 18.4 ppg. Bamforth, 6-foot-2 (185), shot 38.9% (88-226) from three-point range last season. Weber State has offered Bamforth already according to Beck.

Jasen Williams is a 6-foot-3 (170) transfer from Rice University. Williams is currently being recruited by Louisiana Tech and San Diego according to coach Beck. "Jasen is a wiry guard who has great athleticism," said Beck.

The Cougars added two transfers from Jacksonville State University in Geddes Robinson and Brylle Kamen. Robinson, a 6-foot-5 (235) power forward, is a redshirt sophomore who hails from New York City. "Geddes is just a bull in the paint," said Beck. Robinson averaged 8.2 ppg and 5 rebounds last season in 15 minutes of action a night for the Gamecocks. Morehead State has shown early interest in Robinson.

Kamen, (FR) 6-foot-7 (225), is from Paris, France. Kamen redshirted last season at Jacksonville State University after prepping at Stoneridge Prep in Tarzana, CA. Kamen will leave with three years to play and would really like to get to an Ivy League school according to Beck.

Kwame Alexander, (SO) 6-foot-7 (225), arrived at Western Nebraska Community College via transfer from Irvine Valley College in California. Alexander, a one-time Cal State Fullerton commitment, has reopened his recruitment according to coach Beck.

"Kwame is as good of an athlete as I have ever been around. He has tremendous leaping ability and thrives in transtion," said Beck.

Colorado State has shown strong interest in Alexander this fall along with receiving calls from UCONN, Memphis and Utah according to coach Beck. Kwame averaged 11 ppg and 12 rebounds last season for the Lasers at IVC.

The Cougars will play in the Casper College Jamboree on October 16-17 in Casper, WY.