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SpringSigning Period Central
UNO Basketball Signs Six on Opening Day of Signing Period (Apr. 11, 2012)
NEW ORLEANS – The University of New Orleans men's basketball program announced the addition of East Mississippi Community College guard Tradarrius McPhearson on Tuesday afternoon.
McPhearson becomes the seventh member of the 2012 signing class for UNO head coach
Mark Slessinger after completing two seasons of eligibility at EMCC.
“Tradarrius is a great addition to our program after having an incredible career at East Mississippi Community College,” said Slessinger. “We are very proud that he is joining our UNO family.”
“Tradarrius has played in an incredible program at EMCC for head coach Mark White and assistant Billy Begley. They have made three straight trips to the NJCAA National Tournament finishing 23-6 and 25-5 the last two seasons. Tradarrius will come prepared to compete immediately at UNO having been part of this successful program.”
The guard played a large role in the team reaching the national tournament this past season, earning all-tournament honors at the 2012 NJCAA Region 23 Tournament.
“Tra is a super kid,” said White, who coached McPhearson for two seasons. “He's been a big part of the success we've achieved here at EMCC.”
“Tra is one of the most improved players we've had in our program. We're excited that he is getting this great opportunity to play Division I basketball at the University of New Orleans. Coach Slessinger is a friend of mine and he is very well respected as a basketball coach and as a person.”
This past season, McPhearson averaged 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals per contest for EMCC. The 6-1 guard fills every column of the box score and provides versatility, a trait that Slessinger likes in the player.
“He is an athletic combo guard who will be able to play several positions for us here at UNO,” said Slessinger. “Tradarrius is a tough physical defender who has made tremendous leaps forward in his game in a short period of time at EMCC.”
“We expect him to continue to grow his skills and game throughout his time here on the Lakefront.”
McPhearson prepped at Raymond (MS) High School, where he was an all-district and all-South State honoree. He intends to major in Accounting and will have two years of eligibility remaining upon joining the squad this fall.
“The first thing that Coach (Slessinger) told me is that we can rebuild the program and I want to be part of that rebuild,” said McPhearson. “I am looking forward to being a leader on and off the court, bringing a winning attitude.”
UNO was 17-15 last season during Slessinger's first season at the helm of the Privateer men's basketball program. A school-record 13 players scored in double-figures at least once for a UNO squad that will open its 2012-13 campaign at Lakefront Arena on Nov. 9 against an opponent to be named later.
2012 Men's Basketball Signing Class
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)
Tradarrius McPhearson, G, 6-1, 195, Edwards, MS (Raymond HS/East Mississippi CC)
MEET TRADARRIUS McPHEARSON
Born Tradarrius McPhearson on August 9, 1992… In two seasons under Mark White at East Mississippi CC, earned berths in consecutive NJCAA national tournaments… Teams went 48-11 during his two seasons at EMCC… Final season at EMCC, averaged 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals per contest… Named to All-Region 23 Tournament Team…. Played prep basketball at Raymond HS (Miss.) under head coach Willie Neal… While at RHS, earned all-district, All-South State and Team MVP honors… Parents, Kenneth and Eva Bracey… Accounting Major.
