By: Mahala Treish, Photo Editor
The men’s basketball team has grown this past season as they add six new signees to their roster.
The first four signees are Nygell Verdier (freshmen), Julian Williams (freshmen) Javonte Waverly (freshmen) and Bradlee Haskell (freshmen).
Deon Berrien (senior) and Jakari Gallon (redshirt sophomore) are from NCAA Division II schools transferring to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to continue their career here as a Brave. UNCP reloaded on talent this year after losing many players from the last season.
Julian Williams, freshman at UNCP comes from Fayetteville, N.C. and graduated from Northwood Temple Academy. He is pursuing a major in Pre-Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. His love for basketball comes from his father and always having a basketball in hand since he was born. He committed to UNCP due to it being his best offer, it’s close to home, and he felt the school has a great environment.
“Julian brings physicality and toughness to the court.” Coach Hines UNCP Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach said.
Williams believes that his strengths are rebounding, being able to finish the play, blocking shots and shooting from mid range.
“ Something unique I bring to the team is my energy. I always come ready and my effort on the court is putting 110% in everything that I do,” Williams said.
Williams is looking forward to playing his first collegiate game and finally having the energy of the fans back inside the court.
Nygell Verdier, freshman at UNCP, comes from Charlotte, N.C.. He graduated from Independence High School but also trained at Train Like A Pro Sports Academy where he played post-graduate basketball before coming to UNCP.
He is pursuing a double major in Sports Management and Mass Communication. His dad helped him find his love for basketball. He decided to come to UNCP because out of all his offers Pembroke was offering the best offer for him.
“ Nygell brings size on the perimeter,” Coach Hines said.
Verdiers strengths to him are playmaking and scoring, with his weakness being his three point shot.
“ Something unique I bring to the team is my versatility and my defense skills,” Verdier said.
Verdier is looking forward to winning his first collegiate national title at UNCP.
Bradlee Haskell, freshman at UNCP comes from Southern Pines, N.C. and graduated from Pinecrest High School. He is pursuing a major in Business. His love for basketball came from practicing and working on getting better at the game.
“ I came to Pembroke because of Trent (Mcintyre). Trent and I are from the same spot and he helped me find my way to UNCP,” Haskell said.
Haskells’ strengths to him are shooting, passing and playing defense well with his weakness being rebounding.
“Bradlee brings playmaking and scoring,” Coach Hines said.
Something unique Haskell brings to the team would be his shooting skills. He looks forward to winning his first collegiate national title.
UNCP Braves will be having their first official home game as of now on November 17, 2021 against Fayetteville State University.