UNIVERSITY CENTER -- Saginaw Valley State University head coach Randy Baruth and the Men's Basketball program have announced the addition of eight student-athletes to the program for the upcoming 2019-20 season. The Cardinals add this crop of talent to join nine returners from the 2018-19 campaign. The Cardinals begin the season with a pair of early exhibition games at Oakland and Michigan before kicking-off the regular season at Bellarmine versus regional foes Indianapolis and Bellarmine. 

Baruth shared his thoughts on this year's class of new Cardinals...

"This recruiting class brings us some added depth and experience to a group of returners from last season. We are excited to see how this team grows together with complete focus on controlling the things we can control."

Below is information on this year's recruits, as well as why they chose to attend Saginaw Valley State University and what was appealing about the University...

2019-20 Recruiting Class

MALIK ELLISON - JR - G - Flint, Mich. / Eastern Michigan University

- Ellison is a transfer from Eastern Michigan University, where he played in 55 games the past two seasons for the Eagles. He prepped at Flint Beecher High School, participating in basketball, football and baseball. Ellison Beecher to three Class C MHSAA State Championships and was a three-time All-State Class C selection. He was twice named the Flint Journal Player of the Year and broke the Flint single game scoring record with 63 points. Malik was a four-time all-conference basketball player and was twice named all-state in football.  

"Saginaw Valley was appealing to me because of the close location to home, where my family and friends can support me. It was the best fit for me to play dual sports, and Coach Baruth and Coach Brady were very understanding and willing to make the schedule work. I think it's a place I can be successful for the next two years and thrive in both basketball and football."

INNOCENT NWOKO - JR - C - New Haven, Mich. / Central Michigan University

- Nwoko is a transfer from Central Michigan University, where he played in 48 career games for the Chippewas. He prepped at New Haven High School, where he helped lead the team to a school-record 25 wins and a Macomb Area Conference (MAC) Gold, district and regional championship in 2015. He was named First Team MAC Gold All-Conference and a Macomb County All-Star. Nwoko received Bank Hoops, Detroit Free Press and Inside Prep Hoops All-State honors. Innocent also earned two varsity letters in soccer at New Haven. 

"From the first time I visited SVSU, it felt like home. The campus, coaches, and program really fit my style. I was looking for a program where I would have a better opportunity to improve my game and confidence, and Saginaw Valley was the perfect fit."

RAHSAAN POPE - JR - G - Ypsilanti, Mich. / Henry Ford Community College

- Pope is a transfer from Henry Ford Community College, where he played in 26 games in the 2018-19 season. He prepped at Romulus High School, 

"My path has been unique, but when thinking of my future, I knew I needed a place of stability. I felt that when talking with Coach Baruth and the staff. I knew they were going to hold me accountable and get me back on track. Being around the players and program, I felt really comfortable."

TRE GARRETT - FR - G - Saginaw, Mich. / Bridgeport HS

- Garrett prepped at Bridgeport High School, where he was a standout in both basketball and football. He earned a pair of All-State First Team honors in his junior and senior seasons, as well as second team honors his sophomore year and honorable mention plaudits his freshman cammpaign. Garrett was twice named to the Saginaw Dream Team and was a four-time first team all-conference selection. 

"Making the switch from football to basketball was the best fit for me and my future. I liked how Coach Baruth talked to me as a man and kept it real with my parents, with academics being a main focus. The staff said I can have a key role on this team, and I have grown to trust Coach Baruth as a father figure while in college."

JARNO POMSTRA - FR - C - Wieringerwerf, Netherlands / BV Noordkop

- Pomstra, the native of the Netherlands, prepped at BV Noordkop and participated in basketball there. He led the team to the European Championship in Division B during the 2018 season. 

"I chose SVSU because the coaching staff and the players made me feel welcome and the university and it's surroundings make me feel at home. I truly feel this is a place I can thrive and develop."

NICK THRAN - FR - G - Den Helder, Netherlands / BV Noordkop

- Thran played on the same team as Pomstra at BV Noordkop and participated in basketball as well. 

"I committed to SVSU because the moment I arrived here I immediately felt comfortable. I was very impressed with the graduation percentages, the gym, and other practice facilities. I'm sure that my time at SVSU is going to be great and successful."

BRIAN BOOKER - FR - G - Saginaw, Mich. / Heritage HS

- Booker prepped at local Saginaw Heritage High School, where he participated in basketball and track. He earned two All-Saginaw Valley League honors in his final two seasons, being named to the league's first team his senior campaign. He was named an all-state honorable mention selection his junior season as well. 

"I chose to play basketball at SVSU because of the tradition here. I'm from Saginaw so I've been to a lot of games and see the brotherhood, the winning culture, and wanted to be a part of that."

LUKE RICHARDSON - FR - F - Lapel, Ind. / Lapel HS

- Richardson prepped at Lapel High School in Indiana, where he participated in basketball and cross country. Richardson helped lead the team to the 2016 Boys Basketball 2A State Championship in his freshman season. His team was the 2018 Sectional champion and he was named the 2018 Madison County Player of the Year. He was twice named First Team All-Madison County and his freshman team was the Madison County champion in 2016 as well. Richardson's Cross Country team was twice a Semi-State qualifier in his junior and senior seasons and a regional qualifier his sophomore campaign. 

"When I was comparing all my options, SVSU was head and shoulders above everyone else. The program, coaching staff, and strength of the conference were some of the biggest reasons that made me want to come here."