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SMSU men’s basketball announces three signings

MARSHALL – Southwest Minnesota State University head men’s basketball coach Brad Bigler announced Wednesday three high school standouts have signed letters of intent to continue their academic and basketball careers at SMSU.

Joining the program for the 2020-21 season include Lance Mosley from Chicago, Ill., Dunwa Omot from Mankato, and Jonathan Zinniel from New Ulm. The three join Jacob Owen, a 6-foot-10 center from Overland Park, Kan., and Isaac Soumis, a 6-foot-7 forward from Thorp, Wis., who signed during the early signing period last November.

“As we approached this 2020 class it was important that we added guys who were willing to compete,” Bigler said. “With no seniors on our roster we needed guys to buy into the big picture. We added two guys with size early in the fall. This spring we were able to add three versatile players to complete the 2020 recruiting class.”

Mosley, a 6-foot-3 guard at DePaul College Prep, closed his career setting the school record for 3-pointers made and 3-point field goal percentage. A two-time All-Catholic League honoree, he was named honorable mention IBCA All-State. His team won 99 games in his career which included two Sweet 16 appearances and one third place finish.

“Lance’s ability to shoot and his athleticism provide a great opportunity to be a dynamic player,” Bigler said. “Nick Smith (SMSU assistant coach) identified Lance during his senior season and comes from a well-established program. I am very thankful for Lance in trusting the process. He was not able to come on campus due to the unique situation this spring. Our connection with Todd Koering (former SMSU assistant coach) played a big part in the recruitment. Lance reminds me of the former Mustang Mike Walker. Although, Lance is taller and more athletic than Mike. Hopefully he can be a big playmaker like Mike was his senior season. Both of them have the ability to get a shot off quickly and from deep.”

Omot, a 6-foot-3 guard at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm, was named both the Tomahawk Conference and New Ulm Journal Player of the Year in 2019-20. He averaged 21 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 3.6 assists per game, while shooting 56 percent from the field and 44 from 3-point range to help the Chargers to a share of the league title and a 26-3 overall record. During his senior season, Omot scored 91 points in three games to set the tournament record at the Kwik Trip Holiday tournament in Mankato. A three-year letter winner, he finished his career scoring 1,157 points.

“Dunwa was a coaching staff favorite early on in the process after he came to elite camp,” Bigler said. “We are so excited to work with Dunwa’s length and athleticism. After a year in the weight room his game has the potential to take off. His versatility speaks for itself with his statistics. He has the ability to affect the game in a variety of ways. I appreciate the way Dunwa interacts with his teammates. After watching him for over a year it is easy to see why other players love to compete with him. He will be a great leader on the team.”

Zinniel, a 6-foot-7 forward at New Ulm Cathedral High School, is the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,700 points during his four-year career. He connected on 191 3-pointers, grabbed 678 rebounds and registered 263 blocked shots in his career. A three-time all-conference honoree, he averaged 20 points, 7.4 rebounds and made 68 3-pointers during his senior season in leading the Greyhounds to the section championship before the game was canceled due to COVID-19. A three-time New Ulm Journal All-Area honoree, he was also a two-year letter winner in football.

“Jon also spent time on campus in a camp setting,” Bigler said. “We were able to work with him in the fall skill workouts where he earned our respect. I appreciate Jon’s ability to step out and shoot from the forward position. There are many similarities to the former Mustang Michael Lee. I have a feeling Jon will be that guy who maximizes this opportunity. He knows how to work hard.”

“Former SMSU assistant coach Brandon Polesky’s relationship with Jon and Dunwa played a big part in their recruitment as he coached them both in AAU basketball with the Minnesota Rise organization,” Bigler said. “I want to thank both Coach Smith and Coach Polesky for all their hard work in the recruiting process.”

“The best part about this group is that they will most likely redshirt together,” Bigler said. “They will grow together. These five guys will have a lot of fun in practice. All of them complement each other’s games. This group has talent, versatility, size, athleticism and toughness. They will be fun to work with behind the scenes next year.”

— Content courtesy

of SMSU Athletic

Communications

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