Staple Now Available Due to WKU Coaching Change
Damion Staple, the rugged 6-7, 230 pound power forward from Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, Ill., has thrown his recruitment open this spring following a coaching change at Western Kentucky.
Earlier this month, Dennis Felton left WKU to take over the reins at the University of Georgia. Because Staple never signed a national letter of intent to attend Western Kentucky, he is free to pursue any options he desires.
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JUCO Junction caught up with Southeastern Illinois Head Coach Todd Franklin on Tuesday night, and he confirmed that Staple will not be attending WKU in the fall.
Last last week, Iowa State's Larry Eustachy and Mississippi State's Rick Stansbury paid visits to Harrisburg to make their pitches to Staple. Georgetown has called Franklin and plans on coming in early next week, and Minnesota would also like to get into the mix.
New Western Kentucky Head Coach Darrin Horn called Franklin in the hopes of retaining Staple this spring, but it appears that will not happen at this juncture.
Staple, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, averaged 15.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, shooting 61 percent from the floor. He helped the Falcons to a seventh place finish at last month's NJCAA Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.
Staple impressed JUCO Junction at Hutch with his physical play in the paint and shooting skills in the low post. Not only is he strong, but he's also a good athlete for his size as well.
Staple has four more official visits to use this spring if he so elects, but Franklin doesn't anticipate him using more than two in the coming weeks. While no trips have been set up to date, Staple could do something in the near future, and it's our goal to keep you posted. Stay tuned!