Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Men's Basketball Welcomes Four New Members
8/26/2002 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Aug. 26, 2002
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Bucknell head men's basketball coach Pat Flannery has announced the arrival of four first-year players to the Bison program, a quartet that features a diverse reservoir of size and skills.
"This is a group with a ton of potential," lauded Flannery. "I envision some of them receiving quality playing time right away this year. Each of them brings something special to our program."
Kevin Bettencourt, a 6-2 guard from Peabody, Mass. (Peabody H.S.) will deepen the backcourt and help soften the blow of losing All-Patriot League guard Bryan Bailey to graduation. Bettencourt was a member of the Boston Globe's "Super 5," averaging 29 points, seven assists and five steals as a senior. He scored 1,810 career points and led his team to the Greater Boston Division I title.
Charles Lee is a 6-4 swingman from Gaithersburg, Md. (Quince Orchard H.S.). An all-conference and all-county selection, Lee played in the D.C. Area All-Star Game, the Montgomery County All-Star Game and the Five-Star Camp All-Star game. Lee was his team's most valuable player and Coaches' Award recipient, and throughout his prep days was heavily involved in church and youth basketball camp activities.
Also joining the Bison's Class of 2006 is 6-5 forward Holland Mack of Paterson, N.J. (Paramus Catholic H.S.). Mack averaged 16 points and eight rebounds while leading Paramus Catholic to the New Jersey Sectionals last season.
At 6-7, 260 pounds, Tarik Viaer-McClymont will bring size and skill to the Bucknell frontcourt. A native of Springfield Gardens, N.Y., and a graduate of Lawrence Woodmere Academy, Viaer-McClymont averaged a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) and led his team to a 22-5 record and Class C championship last season.
"This class makes our team better at a number of positions," added Flannery. "That was the goal of this class. With several key players entering their senior seasons, we needed to find not only depth for this season, but guys that will be able to step in to a larger role very soon."
In 2002-03 Bucknell returns four starters and 13 lettermen from last year's Patriot League Tournament semifinal team. The Bison were 13-16 overall last season but finished 8-6 in Patriot League play and earned the No. 3 seed at the postseason tournament.
The Bison open the 2002-03 campaign at Notre Dame on Nov. 22. Bucknell will host Big Apple Basketball in an exhibition contest at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 before taking on Canisius in the home opener Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
