CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears have added two new players to their front court, according to head coach Rand Chappell.
UCA have signed Tadre Sheppard of Western Oklahoma State College and Carlos Dos Santos of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College.
Sheppard is a 6-foot-7, 205-pound forward, originally from Lubbock Estacado High School. He averaged 11 points, 8 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots last season for the Western Oklahoma, which finished 24-6.
He led his team in rebounding both seasons at the school and in blocked shots last year.
Sheppard played on a state runnerup team at Estacado High School that finished 33-2.
"Tadre is a very athletic inside player who will give us some shot-blocking ability and the(former Bear) Durell Nevels type player.
"He’s been in winning programs and on winning teams and he will bring good energy to the program.’
Dos Santos is a 6-8, 250-pounder who averaged 6 points and 6 rebounds at Northeastern Oklahoma on a team that finished 17-14. As a freshman at South Plains Community College, he averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds on a junior college national championship team.
Dos Santos is originally from Sao Vincente, Brazil and played on the Brazilian 19-under team in the world championships.
"Carlos has a big, strong body and will help fill the void with our two centers from last year graduating,’ said Chappell. "He has very good experience internationally and at two excellent junior college programs.’
The Bears lost both starting center Brian Marks and backup Landrell Brewer from last season’s squad.
"Size and athleticism were both a need for us in this recruiting class,’ Chappell said. "These two guys can both step in and make an immediate impact for us this year in the Southland Conference.’
The two newest signees join previous signees, guard Ryan Daniels from Olney Central Community Collegeg, guard Chris Poellnitz from Iowa Western Community College and forward Chris Williams from Missouri State West Plains.
