UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Head coach Frankie Smith and the Saginaw Valley State University men’s basketball program announced the signings of three future Cardinals; Keithan Jackson, Rodney Anderson and Chris Webb to National Letters of Intent for the 2009-10 season today (Apr. 23).

Keithan Jackson – Forward – Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids C.C.
Played the last two seasons at Grand Rapids Community College for head coach Dave Selmon, where he helped lead the Raiders to a 16-7 overall record in the 2008-09 season. Jackson averaged 17.5 points and 11.7 rebounds on his way to being named First Team All-MCCAA Western and First Team All-Region.

Coach Smith says: “I expect Keithan to have an immediate impact on our team in the fall, he fills the void of a defender/rebounder in the low post that we need to be successful. He also brings the ability to score from inside and outside that will help add a new dimension to our offense in the fall, Keithan is a piece of the puzzle that we need to move to the next level in the GLIAC”

Rodney Anderson – Forward/Center – Flint, Mich./Powers Catholic Central HS
Helped lead 2009 Class B State Champion Flint Powers Catholic Central High School and head coach Tim Herman to the schools first ever State Championship in boys basketball. Averaged 7.5 points and five rebounds a game during his senior season.

Coach Smith says: “Rodney is a very athletic player that made great strides under coach Herman this season, but I feel that his best days are ahead of him as he fine tunes his skill set. Anderson is a great athlete and an exceptional shot blocker that I know will make an immediate impact for us in the 09-10 season. He will help bolster our transition game with his athleticism and great court awareness.”

Chris Webb – Guard – Saginaw, Mich./Arthur Hill HS
Captian of the 2009 Arthur Hill Lumberjack team that fell in the Class A Regional Semi-Finals to Flint Northwestern and was named First Team All-Saginaw Valley League for head coach Greg McMath. Webb was also successful in the classroom, ranking in the top-ten of his graduating class.

Coach Smith says: “I am very excited about bringing in a player from Saginaw with the play-making ability of Chris Webb. He has played in a strong program at Arthur Hill and coach McMath, and will bring that winning attitude and work ethic with him in the fall. I expect Chris to help fill the void of departed Dante Williams with a good scoring touch and great defense.”

“With the signing of these three players in addition to early signee Michael Fugate (White Lake, Mich./Lakeland HS) I believe this is one of the best recruiting class coming into the GLIAC in the fall. We will be looking to build on the momentum that we finished the 2008-09 season with. I expect us to be able to run out ten guys that will be able to compete with the best in the conference next season,” commented Coach Smith.

The Cardinals will open camp on October 15, and begin play in early November.