Carrollton, GA – April 20, 2005 – With six seniors departing from last season’s 21-win team, the West Georgia Braves are seeking both quality and quantity in this season’s recruiting class. With the addition of Jake McCartney, the Braves believe they have taken a big step toward accomplishing both.
Coach Ed Murphy has announced the signing of McCartney, a 6-10, 235 pound center, to a grant-in-aid with UWG. McCartney a native of Oak Ridge, Tenn., comes to the Braves as a transfer from Division I Towson (Md.) State.
Murphy describes McCartney as a player with “excellent size and skill.” The coach adds, “Jake is an excellent shooter and passer, and has very good hands. We think he’ll be an excellent player for us.”
McCartney, who will be a junior when he enrolls at West Georgia this fall, spent three seasons at Towson. He started every game for the Tigers during his freshman season in 2002-03. As a sophomore, McCartney suffered a season-ending knee injury after playing but five games, and was granted a medical redshirt. Last season, McCartney returned to action for Towson, playing in 18 games.
Prior to his collegiate career, UWG’s newest addition enjoyed a stellar prep career. McCartney was a star at Oak Ridge High School, where he averaged 14.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. His efforts helped Oak Ridge to a pair of district titles, one regional championship, and to a pair of appearances in the state tournament.
Among McCartney’s many prep honors were all-district, all-region, and all state recognition. Also, he played three seasons for the AAU Tennessee Travelers.
McCartney is the second recruit for West Georgia during the spring signing period. Earlier, the Braves announced the addition of another Division I transfer: guard Sam Richardson of Southern Mississippi.