WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Head coach Damien Blair announced three players who have signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at West Chester University next winter. The second-year mentor of the Golden Rams is excited about the possibilities of this trio.
Tim Flecken, Isaiah Twine and Harley Williamson all committed to West Chester University and join a team that went 18-10 a year ago and finished third in the PSAC East. The Golden Rams qualified for the postseason tournament after a two-year hiatus and nearly won 20 games in Blair’s first season on the bench.
“I am extremely confident that this class will contribute to the rich WCU Men’s basketball tradition,” Blair said. “West Chester men’s basketball is built around recruiting fine young men, good students and excellent basketball players. This year’s class is no different.
“Isaiah Twine, Tim Flecken and Harley Williamson are all tremendous student-athletes that will have an immediate impact on the success of a team that returns three all-league performers.”
Flecken, a guard from Downingtown West who played for Blair for three years in high school, is extremely versatile and can play multiple positions. Flecken was the player of the year in the Ches-mont League after his junior season and also made first team all-area for two consecutive years.
“Tim’s offensive abilities and size brings a new dimension to the Rams, which will definitely compliment some of our existing pieces,” Blair mentioned. “I believe that Tim provides another outside threat to our team, and as a result of his familiarity with my system, I think his transition to the college game will be an easy and successful one.”
Twine, a guard from Williamsport, Pa., thrives in an up-tempo game. He was a 1,000-point scorer at Williamsport High and earned all league honors as a result.
“Twine will strengthen the Rams backcourt with his passing, shooting and defensive ability,” Blair lauded. “Coach Alan Taylor and Coach Darrick Rizzo were instrumental in helping us obtain Isaiah, and we are extremely grateful and look forward to what he brings to the Golden Rams.”
Harley Williamson can play guard or forward, hailing from Lower Merion High School. He has an enormous amount of potential for his college career. Harley was a first team All-Central League selection and All-Main Line selection his senior season.
“Harley brings much-needed athleticism and versatility to the Rams next year,” Blair stated. “His ability to defend four positions will give the Rams flexibility and depth. His ability to handle the ball and attack the basket will definitely create match-up problems for opposing teams.”
The trio will complement the returning players in 2009-10, including All-PSAC performers Kenneth St.George, Ralph Hegamin and Kehinde Roberts. Blair has his Golden Rams on the verge of competing for the Eastern Division title like it did when Blair was a guard for former head coach Dick DeLaney in the mid 1990s.
“The 2009 WCU Golden Rams recruiting class offers a lot of versatility and potential,” Blair admitted. “I believe this class meets a lot of our needs, but more importantly, accomplishes our goal, which is to recruit and obtain fine young men, good students and great athletes.
“Our coaching staff did an excellent job of getting these young men interested in West Chester University basketball, and we are excited about the possibilities that they bring.”
2009 Men's Basketball Recruiting Class
| Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Wt. |
Hometown/High School |
| Tim Flecken |
G |
6-4 |
190 |
Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West |
| Isaiah Twine |
G |
6-1 |
175 |
Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport |
| Harley Williamson |
G/F |
6-5 |
195 |
Narberth, Pa./Lower Merion |
