Head coach Grant Schmidt added size and versatility to his program on Monday when he announced that 6-6 forward Evan Kucera (Walton, Neb. / Waverly H.S.) has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Concordia University Bulldogs next season.
"Evan is a versatile player and a strong rebounder who will also challenge shots on the defensive end," said Schmidt. "Evan will also create opportunities for us on the offensive end with his versatility and athleticism."
Kucera attended Waverly High School in Waverly, Neb. A two-time letter winner for the Vikings, Kucera earned Class B all-state recognition and was a first team all-conference pick. Kucera holds many school records at Waverly including rebounds in a single game (20), blocked shots in a game (8), blocked shots in a season (72), and blocked shots in a career (119). Kucera was one of ten Nebraska basketball players to be selected to play in the Kansas vs. Nebraska All-Star game; he was also selected to compete in the Southeast Nebraska All-Star game. Academically, Kucera was selected Academic All-State Class B.
"We are extremely excited about our 2009 recruiting class," said Schmidt. "All of the student-athletes we signed are very talented and are great young men. The addition of this class with the guys we have returning make us really excited about our future. We are really looking forward to the fall."
Kucera joins a recruiting class that includes Corey Barnes (Custer County H.S.), Gage Bender (Columbus Lakeview H.S.), Porter Birtell (Wayne St.), Brady Firley (Deshler H.S.) Paul Fortmeyer (Central H.S.), Phil Friedrich (Seward H.S), Brent Houchin (Bruning-Davenport H.S.), Adam McManigal (Verdigre H.S), Ryan Railey (Northeastern J.C.), and Matt Wagnitz (Heartland Lutheran H.S.).
Concordia finished the 2008-09 season in the semifinals of the Great Plains Athletic Conference Basketball tournament with a record of 20-12.
