ESPANOLA, New Mexico. – The Northern New Mexico College Men’s Basketball program has received national letters of intent from 6-6 Forward Kurtis Thomas of Santa Fe NM, 6-7 Center Cameron Nelson of Commerce Texas, 6-7 Forward Josh Sanchez of Albuquerque, NM, 6-2 Guard Isaac Jeantete of Santa Fe, NM, and transfer Clarence Rivas, a 6-0 shooting guard from (El Paso, TX) University of the Southwest.

Eddie Simmons a 6-4 guard from Chicago (Crete-Monee HS) will return to Northern for the 2010-11 season. Simmons played for the Eagles in 2008-09. Rounding out the 2010-11 recruiting class as walk-ons for the Eagles will be Daniel Perez a 5-11 guard from West Mesa High School in Albuquerque and Devontae Davenport a 5-8 guard from Whitney Young High School in Chicago.

“This is a great recruiting class for us,” said Northern head basketball coach Enzley Mitchell. “ All of these young men are good students and good players. Each one of them has the character we’re looking for in our basketball family and each are a great fit for Northern. With this class we’ve added size, athletic ability and skill to every position.

Cameron Nelson, a 6-7 Center from Commerce High School in Commerce Texas, averaged 18 points, 13.5 rebounds and 4 blocks per game. Cameron earned district 10-3A Defensive Player of the year and was selected to play in the Texas roundup All-Star game. “He is a dual athlete in basketball and track and will be a physical presence around the basket. I love what Cameron is going to add to our inside game and he’s going to be fun to watch.”

Kurtis Thomas, a 6-6 forward from Santa Fe High school averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. “Kurt has the ability to score with his back to the basket or face up and hit the mid-range jumper. His game fits our system and I expect him to make a big impact for us.”

Joshua Sanchez, a 6-7 Forward from West Mesa High School in Albuquerque averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds for the Mustangs. “Josh’s offensive game is untapped and we’ll work on adding that dimension to his game at Northern. At times he showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and hit the 15-17 foot jumper. He gives us another big body down low and we’ll need him to contribute right away. He was well coached at West Mesa and a tremendous student with a 3.8 GPA.”

Isaac Jeantete, a 6-2 point guard from Santa Fe High School averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game. “Jeantete is a good outside shooter, but the best part of his game is using his strength to get to the rim or set up teammates.” Isaac has a high basketball IQ and will be a key part of our offense.

Clarence Rivas, a 6-0 shooting guard has signed a letter of intent to play at Northern. Rivas will transfer from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs with two years of eligibility remaining. Clarence will major in Elementary Education.