PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University head men's basketball coach Ron Everhart has announced the signing of high school teammates guard Eric Evans (Detroit, Mich./Northwestern) and forward Shawntez Patterson (Detroit, Mich./Northwestern) to National Letters of Intent. In addition, 6-8, 225-pound forward Ali Djim (Chad, Central Africa/Hampton (Va.) Bethel Christian School) has accepted a scholarship offer from Duquesne.
The trio joins 6-1, 185-pound Johnny Higgins (Baltimore, Md./Notre Dame (Mass.) Prep) as members of the 2008-09 recruiting class.
"I'm thrilled both Eric and Shawntez will be part of the Duquesne basketball program," said Everhart. "To go into Michigan and have two of the top players in the state commit is extremely exciting."
Evans, ranked as one of the top three point guards in the state of Michigan by MIHoopstars, averaged 23.8 points and 7.1 assists per game last season in helping Northwestern to 14 wins, its highest victory total since 1984-85.
Considered a candidate for Michigan's Mr. Basketball, Evans had 25 points, seven assists and seven steals in Northwestern's season-opening 71-55 win over Detroit Crockett Tuesday night.
A two-sport star, Evans - a free safety for the football team - returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown to help Northwestern to its first city championship in 30 years in a 13-12 win over Osborn.
"Eric is one of the best - if not the best - point guard in the state of Michigan," said Everhart. "In my opinion, he's one of the better guards in the country. I expect him to make an immediate impact."
The athletic Patterson, who averaged 14.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game last season, was considered one of the top 15 uncommitted seniors in Michigan at the time of his signing.
"Shawntez is a great athlete who is getting better and better every day," said Everhart. "He has the potential to be an outstanding player in the Atlantic 10."
Djim, a native of Chad, Central Africa, is a senior at Bethel Christian School in Hampton, Va.
"I'm very happy Ali has decided to further his education at Duquesne," said Everhart. "He is a big, strong athlete who is a good scorer around the basket. He's the type of wide-bodied player we feel we need in our program."