UNO Basketball Signs Six on Opening Day of Signing Period

UNO Signing Period Central

Slessinger will join Jude Young on WGSO 990 AM at 6:15 p.m. tonight (Weds) to provide a recap of today's signings. Fans can tune in to the broadcast online at WGSO.com.

NEW ORLEANS – University of New Orleans men's basketball coach Mark Slessinger wasted no time in signing six players to national letters of intent during Wednesday's opening day  of the 'national signing period'.
 
The recruiting haul for Slessinger includes three Louisiana high school seniors and three junior college transfers. The group represents the first NCAA Division I signees for the UNO basketball program since the spring 2009 signing period.
 
“This is an exciting day for our program,” said Slessinger. “It is a tremendous step for UNO basketball to have our first Division I signing class in several years.”
 
The high school standouts include Mandeville guard Evans Ganapamo, Holy Savior Menard Central guard/forward Andre Gonzaque and John Ehret forward Kevin Hill.
 
The junior college players consist of Southern-Shreveport guard Corey Blake, Hutchinson Junior College forward Cory Dixon and Panola College guard Isaac Mack.
 
“We feel this class is a great mix of size, skill, class and positions,” said Slessinger. “We have added solid student-athletes that are excited to be part of the rebirth of UNO Basketball and rebuilding the proud, tradition-rich program.”
 
Of the six players signed, four are from the state of Louisiana.
 
Slessinger has stated since coming to UNO that he plans to recruit the state heavily as he had as a recruiting coordinator at Northwestern State. During his first campaign on the Lakefront, all eight newcomers to the program came from different parts of the “Pelican State”.
 
“We are very excited to have four of the six members of this class to be student-athletes from the state of Louisiana with two from the New Orleans metro area,” said Slessinger.
 
Bios of all six players, in addition to a quote from Slessinger on the student-athlete are available below.
 
The group will make their Privateer debut on Nov. 9 at Lakefront Arena when UNO opens its season against an opponent from the Western Athletic Conference. The home-opening foe will be announced in the next few weeks.
 
University of New Orleans Men's Basketball - Signing Class of 2012
Corey Blake, G, 6-5, 210, Lecompte, La. (Alexandria HS/Southern-Shreveport)
Cory Dixon, F, 6-8, 215, Argyle, Texas (Argyle HS/Northwestern St/Collin County CC/Hutchinson JC)
Evans Ganapamo, G, 6-6, 185, Mandeville, La. (Mandeville)
Andre Gonzaque, G/F, 6-5, 210, Alexandria, La. (Holy Savior Menard Central)
Kevin Hill, F, 6-7, 190, Westwego, La. (John Ehret)
Isaac Mack, G, 6-1, 180, Indianapolis, Ind. (Arsenal Tech/Panola College)
 
MEET THE PLAYERS
 
Born Corey Dashaun Blake on November 3, 1989… Most recently starred at Southern-Shreveport… Freshman campaign, led team to 18 straight wins, a 27-4 record, a Miss-Lou Conference title and a NJCAA Region 23 runner-up finish… In sophomore campaign, repeated as Miss-Lou champs with a 23-6 mark… Scored game-high 23 points in NJCAA Region 23 championship game… As a prep, played a half a season during senior season in high school due to transfer, still managed to earn spot on 3-4A second team… Led AHS to second round of playoffs in 2008… Parents, Blake and Sanquenette Blake… Sister, Courtney… Interdisciplinary Studies major.
 
“Corey is a great addition to our program after having a terrific career at Southern Univeristy Shreveport. I have known Corey for a long time and watching him grow and mature as a young man and as a player has me so excited that he is joining our UNO family. Corey played for a coach I have a tremendous amount of respect for in David Francis.  Coach Francis has a similar coaching style to what we do and this will make the transition for Corey much easier. Having yet another Louisiana kid is exactly what we want to target every year here at UNO. Corey was part of great high school program at Alexandria Senior High School and later part of a tremendous two-year run at Southern Shreveport.  The state of Lousiana is such an important part of our plan to rebuild this program and Corey fits that plan perfectly. Corey has come a long way academically and for him to have the opportunity to earn a degree from the University of New Orleans is such a testament to his hard work and dedication in the classroom. We are grateful to have such a determined young man to add to the student body of this University.” – UNO head coach Mark Slessinger

Born Cory Anthony Dixon on March 8, 1990… Most recently attended Hutchinson JC… Ranked No. 88 by JUCO Junction… Originally signed out of high school and played with Northwestern State and then-Demon's assistant Mark Slessinger…  Then transferred to Collin County CC, where he redshirted… At Argyle High School, averaged 14 points and nine rebounds a game for head coach John King as senior… Lead AHS to a 31-4 record on a team that went undefeated in district play, ranked first in the state most of the season and reached the regional semifinals… 2008 first team all-district and all-region… Played in Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game in 2008, winning the slam dunk contest… As a junior, averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds on a 25-9 team, earning all-district honors… Also lettered in track for two years… Parents, Leann and Mike Miller… One younger brother, Miles and two younger sisters, Macy and Zoey… Cousin Jon Lieber played 14 years in the major leagues as a pitcher, making the 2001 All-Star Game for the Cubs in a season in which he won 20 games… Business Administration major.
 
“Cory is a student-athlete who played for us when I was at Northwestern State, so I am very aware of what his abilities are as a basketball player. For us to be able to reunite three years later is really special and I am so happy to have the chance to help him reach his potential as a student athlete these last two years. Cory brings a knowledge of me as a person and coach that will help him transition to UNO easy.  He knows our system, drill work, and terminology that will help him.He is a really engaging young man with a wonderful personality that will be a value to our campus.” – UNO head coach Mark Slessinger.

Born Evans Ganapamo on August 19, 1994… Shooting guard for head coach John Priola at Mandeville High School… Top scoring game was 40 against Fontainebleau… All-district 16-5A selection, led team in scoring with 17.2 points per contest… Also competes in track and field for Mandeville HS, primarily competing in the 400m and high jump… Parents, Frederic and Liliane Ganapamo… Siblings, Jordane and Allison… Brother Jordane was a member of the Nicholls State basketball team for two years (2009-11)… Only second player in UNO men's basketball history to call Mandeville home, joining Drew Dotson (2007-08).
 
“Evans is the best kept secret in New Orleans Metro this season.  He is a 6'5” guard who can really shoot the ball with range and has good pace to his game. We are really excited that Evans was able to have such a solid basketball base playing for Coach Priola at Mandeville High School.  He will have a smooth transition because of his basketball base playing there. Evans helps represent what our core philosophy in recruiting.  We really want to target the best student-athletes in New Orleans metro that fit our needs and system and build each class from there. Evans is a very good student overall and he will fit in well in the competitive academic culture here at UNO. His will to succeed in the classroom is one of his greatest strengths. “We are so excited to have the opportunity to work with Evans and have him as a student-athlete here at UNO.” – UNO head coach Mark Slessinger
 
 
“We are so excited about Andre becoming a part of our basketball family.  We have really enjoyed the opportunity to develop a relationship with him and his family.  He is a wonderful young man that will be a great player for the Privateers. Andre has been a student-athlete that we identified early in the recruiting process.  We feel as if he was under the radar all season and we are excited to have him at UNO.  His ability to shoot the ball and range for his size will be a great asset for our program. We have had the wonderful opportunity to build a relationship in the recruiting process with Andre and his family.  He has a great family unit to support him and help his development continue. Andre is a very well rounded student-athlete.  We really feel that he will make a great impact not only on the court but on campus.” – UNO head coach Mark Slessinger.

Kevin Hill
Born Kevin Rashad Hill on November 12, 1992… Attended John Ehret High School and played under the direction of Al Collins… A two-time All-District first team selection… Multiple-time Metro 'Player of the Week'… Ranks in the top 10 percent of graduating class… Joins UNO assistant Kerwin Forges as members of the Privateers, who have attended Ehret…  Parents, Sharon Hill, Chris and Tiffany Joseph… Siblings, Latoyia Hill and Malik Rodrigue… Business Management major.
 
 
“Kevin is a great addition to our program as a guy with legitimate size, who can add muscle.  He has a great skill set and with that combination of size and skill he has chance to be a very good overall player. We are really excited that Kevin had the opportunity to play for Coach Al Collins at John Ehret High School.  Coach Collins has had a lot of success developing players and Kevin will have a smooth transition to the collegiate level because of his time with Coach Collins. Kevin helps represent what our core philosophy in recruiting.  I said when I took the job I wanted to build the program with kids from New Orleans and he is the kind of kid I was talking about.  To be able to go over to the Westbank and find a quality student athlete like Kevin is just a great thing for our program both in the short and long term. Kevin is an exceptional student and is a tremendous asset to the University. We are just as excited about his potential in the classroom as we are about his potential on the court.” – UNO head coach Mark Slessinger

Isaac Mack
Born Isaac Mack on Mar. 7, 1992…. Played for Junsie Cotton at Panola… As a sophomore at Panola JC, averaged 13.6 points per game at Panola in 29 games… Shot 39 percent from the field and 70 percent from the line… Also averaged four rebounds, 2.2 assists with top game of 32 points against nationally ranked Lamar State-Port Arthur… All-conference selection as a sophomore… As a freshman, led Panola in scoring with 12.4 points per game, shooting 47 percent from the field and 39 percent from beyond the arc… Also averaged 2.2 rebounds, one assist and one steal per game… Played under UNO assistant coach Kris Arkenberg during freshman campaign at Panola… At Arsenal Tech, was named MVP and earned 'All-City' honors… Participant, 2010 Indiana Class Basketball All-Star Classic participant… Father, Leo Mack… Brother, Thomas Lyles… Undecided on major.
 
“I know they are going to be getting a very good basketball player. The thing that sticks out about Mack, is they are getting a good person and student. He feels real comfortable with his decision and could not be playing for a better person, better staff. He is a well-rounded kid that can play basketball. I have nothing, but big time praise as a player and a person.” – Junsie Cotton, Panola JC head coach.
 
“We are very excited to add Issac to our program.  He will bring the ability to score right away to our program.  He had a lot of success playing in the East Texas Junior College League and that is a very tough conference. We look forward to adding his maturity and scoring ability next season. Issac was able to play for an excellent Junior College coach in Junsie Cotten.  He also played for our assistant Kris Arkenberg while at Panola, so we are very familiar with him as a player and a person.  He will have a smooth transition with us thanks to his basketball base playing for Coach Cotten. Issac is an exciting commitment for me personally being from my home state of Indiana.  He played in the Indianapolis Public School Athletic Conference, which is historically one of the best conferences in the state. It's great to sign a player from such a tradition rich and fertile recruiting ground like Indianapolis. Issac is a solid student and has always been very competitive in the classroom.  We are happy to add such a well rounded student athlete to the University.” – UNO head coach Mark Slessinger