April 22, 2009
Complete Release in PDF Format
IOWA CITY, Iowa – – Junior college forward Devon Archie has signed a national letters of intent to join the University of Iowa basketball program next fall. Hawkeye men’s Basketball Coach Todd Lickliter made the announcement Wednesday.
Archie (6-9, 220) attended Vincennes University in Vincennes, IN the past two seasons. As a sophomore he averaged 6.8 points, six rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots per game under Coach David Ragland. He shot 54.5% from the field while starting 19 of 30 games. As a freshman, he started seven games, averaging 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 54% from the field. Archie helped Vincennes post a two-year record of 50-15.
“Both his high school coach and his junior college coach speak highly of Devon’s work ethic, his growth as a player and his potential,” said Lickliter. “Devon is a high energy player. He has the ability to defend inside and on the perimeter, and offensively he has the ability to finish inside. We’re very excited about his potential and upside as he continues to gain experience.”
Archie is a native of Indianapolis, IN, where he attended Ben Davis HS. As a senior he helped Ben Davis post a 10-14 overall record. “Devon really came into his own as a senior as far as understanding the game,” said Ben Davis Coach Curtis Wright. “Our area had some outstanding individual players and teams. Devon continued his progression at Vincennes. He’s a hard worker and very coachable.”
Archie is the fourth recruit to commit to the Hawkeye program for next season, joining three high school seniors who have previously signed letters of intent. Those players include guard Eric May (6-5, 220) from Wahlert HS in Dubuque, IA, forward/center Brennan Cougill (6-9, 260) from Bishop Heelan HS in Sioux City, IA and guard Cully Payne (6-1, 180) from Schaumberg HS in Schaumberg, IL.
Cougill, May and Payne each earned first team all-state honors. Cougill was named “Mr. Basketball” in the state of Iowa after leading Bishop Heelan to the Class 3-A state title. May led Wahlert to the Class 3-A state title as a junior. Payne led his team to a 14-0 start as a senior before missing the remainder of the season due to injury.
“We feel the four players who will join our program for next year are very solid,” added Lickliter. “With the additional players and our returning group, we are excited about the potential for this team.”