Central Michigan University Athletics
Men's Basketball Signs Three
11/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 14, 2001
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University men's basketball coach Jay Smith announced the signing of three student-athletes to national letters of intent.
Joining the Chippewas next season will be 5-6 guard Joe Carr (Detroit/Renaissance), 6-3 guard Kevin Nelson (Southfield/Detroit Country Day) and 6-7 forward Brandon Voorhees (Grandville/Tri-unity Christian).
"We were looking to strengthen our backcourt," Smith said. "Guard play was our No. 1 concern because we graduate David Webber this year and our front line was what we concentrated last year.
"We signed three perimeter players who will each have a chance to make significant contributions as freshmen. We got a point guard, a dead three-point shooter and a swing man. All three come from winning programs, some of the winningest programs in the state. These guys know how to win and how to play defense."
Carr is a four-year starter at Detroit Renaissance. His team was 22-3 and state runner-up as a sophomore as well as winning the Detroit Public School League title. Last season, Carr was All-Public School League and honorable mention all-state as Renaissance was 16-5. Carr averaged 17 points, seven assists and two steals as a junior.
"We felt Joe was one of the best playmakers in the state," Smith said. "He can shoot and score and has great toughness and leadership."
Nelson averaged 18.4 points and 4.6 rebounds as a junior while leading Country Day to a 17-6 record. He shot .471 from the floor and an incredible .527 from three-point range while draining 85-of-162 shots from behind the arc.
Nelson was Associated Press first team all-state and All-Oakland County and second all-area (all classes).
"Kevin is one of the best perimeter shooters in the state and he will allow us to stretch the opponent's defense. He can also put it to the floor," Smith said.
Voorhees averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks per game as a junior. He was an all-state selection by Associated Press, BCAM, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press. Voorhees was also all-conference and all-area by the Grand Rapids Press and Advance Newspapers.
"He's a three who can handle the ball with perimeter skills," Smith said. "With an added strength and conditioning program, his game will improve."
