Kansas Wesleyan Men’s Basketball Coach Tommy DeSalme added another signee to his 2007-08 recruiting class with the announcement of the signing of Eric Hammond to a letter of intent.

“This signing is a real steal for KWU Basketball,” DeSalme said. “He is a strong, athletic point guard who can really lead, score and defend.”

Hammond’s signing brings the total to 13 signees for the upcoming season which tips off on November 2 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Hammond, a 6-2 guard, comes to the Coyotes after spending two years at Cowley College in Arkansas City. Hammond averaged seven points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game this season for the Tigers after missing all of 2005-06 with a knee injury.

“Eric is a year and a half removed from major knee surgery and I believe he is just now getting back to full speed,” DeSalme said. “He had a very good year at Cowley this year even though he was about at half speed.”

Hammond played his high school ball in Wichita at Northwest High, where he averaged 15 points, five rebounds and five assists, while earning Honorable Mention Class 6A All-State honors and All-Wichita City League honors. He was also a McDonald’s All-American Nominee and played in the KBCA All-Star game.

Eric is the son of Gilbert and Jeanette Hammond of Wichita.

“He comes from a great family and great basketball family,” DeSalme said.  “I expect big things from Eric, but even better he expects those same things from himself.”

The Coyotes will open defense of their 2006-07 KCAC Championships on November 2 against the University of Sioux Falls in the USF Classic. Wesleyan opens KCAC play on November 29 at Ottawa.

-- KWU SI --