SHREVEPORT-Centenary men's basketball continues to add to its 2010-11 roster as head coach Adam Walsh announced Thursday that Abdourahmane "Baba" Diallo (Dakar, Senegal/Neosho County CC), Brandon Joseph (Dallas, Texas/Berkner HS), Aaron Harwell (Missouri City, Texas/Elkins HS) and Patrick Elledge (Pearland, TX/Pearland HS) have accepted the institution's offer of admission to join the Gents.
"I am extremely pleased with all the high quality athletes that we have brought in for this upcoming season. Each one brings something different and will represent us with strong character," said Walsh.
Baba Diallo
6"8"/205
Walsh on Diallo: Baba is coming to us on a recommendation from one of my former players, Dominique Taylor, who was his assistant coach at Neosho. With that recommendation, I really believe that Baba's hard work and desire to improve are going to lend themselves very nicely to his development as a Gent.
Diallo, a native of Dakar, Senegal, comes to Centenary after playing one year at Neosho County Community College in Kansas. Diallo attended Lawrence High School where he graduated in 2008 and earned letters in basketball, soccer and football for the Lions.
While in high school, Diallo helped his team to the State playoffs and the Championship game.
Diallo is the son of Ndeye and Omar Ceesay and has three siblings. He plans on majoring in biology with hopes of becoming a physical therapist.
Brandon Joseph
6'0"/170
Walsh on Joseph: We welcome Brandon's toughness and determination to our program with open arms. He is already very familiar with our program as he played high school ball with Maxx [Nakwaasah], so we know that he will be ready to step right in for us.
Joseph graduated from Berkner High School and was a teammate of current Gent, Maxx Nakwaasah. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Joseph played basketball for the Rams under Rod Wright. He helped his team to a 13-1 record and a First Team All-District nod as well as being named as the team's Offensive Player of the Year and MVP.
Joseph is the son of Arlene and Wayne Joseph and has two older siblings.
Aaron Harwell
5'11"/165
Walsh on Harwell: Aaron is a high quality young man, which is portrayed on the court. He is a true point guard in which I am excited to see grow and progress over the next four years, developing into a leader for us.
Harwell, a native of Missouri City, Texas, graduated from Elkins High School. He earned two varsity letters on the Knights basketball team under head coach Albert Thomas. As a point guard, Harwell led his team to the State playoffs three years in a row, which later named him to the Second Team All-District squad.
Harwell is the son of William and Carla Harwell and has seven older siblings.
Patrick Elledge
6'7"/205
Walsh on Elledge: Patrick is another great addition at the forward position for our program. He brings a lot of size and skill as we continue to add depth in that position.
Elledge graduated from Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas. He earned one varsity letter for the Oilers basketball team, helping the squad to a 13-4 overall record in 2009-10 and the second round of District playoffs.
Off the court, Elledge graduated in the Top 12% of his graduating class and with Cum Laude honors. He was also awarded the CTE Star Student Award in Automotive Technology.
Elledge is the son of Lynne and Scott Elledge and has two siblings. He plans on majoring and working in the field of engineering.
The four additions finalize the 2010-11 men's basketball roster as they join early commitments, Quin Cooper, Logan Lowery, Jeff Latin, Travis Thompson, and Andrew Rebol.
Centenary will open its season at Memphis on Nov. 12 at 7:30 pm.
