Three Tiger basketball players sign with NCAA Division I schools

Coming off one of the most successful seasons in the history of Cowley College basketball, three starters from last season’s team recently signed letters of intent with NCAA Division I schools.

Chris Rhymes signed with Cal State Fullerton, who qualified for the NCAA Tournament as Big West Tournament champions. The Titans finished the season with a record of 24-9.

Erik McKinney signed with Arkansas State University, who recently named former Louisiana State head coach John Brady to lead their program.

Reggie Cook signed with the University of Texas-Pan American. Broncs head coach Tom Schuberth was named the 2007-08 NCAA Division I All-Independent coach of the year as he guided six of his athletes to the All-Independent team. 

All three players transferred to Cowley from Redlands Community College after their coach at Redlands, Steve Eck, accepted the head coaching position of the Tigers. They helped lead the Tigers to a school-record for wins (31) and their first outright conference title since the 1990-91 season.

“Those guys left a place they were comfortable at and took a chance to go to another school and do the best they could for Cowley College and the community,” Eck said. “I appreciate what they did.”

Eck was pleased to see the three sophomores get an opportunity to continue playing at the next level.

“That’s the name of the game, to make sure they graduate and go on to the next level,” Eck said. “They all had schools to choose from, I just want them to go to a place they can be successful.”

Rhymes led the Tigers in scoring at 15.9 points per game, while adding 5.3 rebounds per game. McKinney averaged 10.5 points and a team-high 6.7 rebounds per game, and Cook averaged 7.8 points and 3.1 assists.

Fellow sophomores Montrell McDonald and Preston Brown are also expected to sign with NCAA Division I schools.

Pictured, from left, Chris Rhymes, Reggie Cook, and Eric McKinney.