Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Men's Basketball Team Welcomes Chris Niesz to the Program
3/7/2001 7:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 7, 2001
LEWISBURG, Pa. --- Bucknell head basketball coach Pat Flannery announced today that high school senior Chris Niesz will continue his academic and athletic career at Bucknell University next fall. A native of Middletown, New Jersey, the 6'6" swingman recently finished his career at Middletown North High School.
"We are very excited to have Chris joining our program," said Bison mentor Pat Flannery. "He's a quality student-athlete who will give us size and range at the three-spot. As he adds strength he will be extremely tough to defend because of his outstanding range. He has a great understanding of the game which will allow him to excel at this level, and I expect him to come in next season and be an immediate contributor to our program."
Niesz will join a Bucknell team that loses just two seniors to graduation, returns all five starters, and is on the rise in the Patriot League. He led his team to the Central New Jersey Group IV semifinals this season, averaging 18.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Lions. As a junior, Niesz averaged 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists while leading his team to a 17-7 record in the Shore Conference.
"I'm really excited to begin my career at Bucknell next fall. The campus is beautiful, the coaches and guys on the team are great, and Bucknell's academic reputation speaks for itself," said Niesz, who also was considering Penn and Lafayette.
A three-year letterwinner, Niesz led his high school team to three consecutive Middletown South Christmas Tournament titles, capturing tournament MVP honors as a junior. He was an All-Monmouth County Second Team selection and an All-Shore Conference Third Team choice following his junior season.
