The last two seasons the Austin Peay State University Governors have been out rebounded both in and out of conference. This past season, the Govs ranked 7th out of 10 Ohio Valley Conference teams in offensive rebounds per game and 6th in defensive rebounding percentage. So it makes sense that Head Coach Dave Loos and his staff focused on adding size with the 2010 Signing Class. Enter Matt Hasse.

Matt Hasse is a 6′10″ center out of Naperville, Illinois that should help bolster the Governors’ frontcourt. He is a big body who takes up space in the paint and has a knack for taking charges. Hasse is an excellent passer and has range that extends out to the three point line. Matt’s AAU Coach Sean Connor said, “He is patient when catching the ball in the post and finding open shooters. He moves well off the ball and sets hard screens. Especially at his size, he is hard to guard because he can step out and knock down shots with 3-point range.”

Defensively, Hasse blocks shots and is a solid help defender. “Matt is a great communicator, and being that he’s in the post, he sees the floor well and makes sure his teammates are in the correct position,” Coach Connor said about Hasse’s defense abilities.

Like any incoming freshmen, there are areas that Hasse will need to improve to be successful at the college level. He needs to improve his back to the basket moves and work on finishing with power around the rim. He has recently been working on improving his footwork with the ball.

In addition to playing basketball, Hasse also plays volleyball for Naperville North. When not playing basketball or volleyball, Matt volunteers his time to work with special needs students. He chose Austin Peay over Dartmouth, having never been to a game at the Dunn Center. Hasse was scheduled to attend the Morehead State game but was unable due to snow. He plans to major in Physical Education.

Matt Hasse Answers Your Questions
Which APSU coach was most involved with your recruitment?
Coach Scott Combs

Any pregame rituals/superstitions?
Always a Gatorade before the game and in high school run into the locker room yelling showtime before every game.

What’s on your iPod (or mp3 player)?
Lil Wayne, Tupac, Nortorious, Jay Z, 50 cent, and Taylor Swift

Favorite movie? TV show?
Favorite movie is Heavyweights and favorite shows are The Office and Entourage

Favorite college and pro player to watch?
Robbie Hummel on Purdue and Lebron James

Name an NBA or college player that your game is similar to
People say I am like Brad Miller

Favorite sport besides basketball
Football

Tell us something we don’t know about you (hobbies, etc)
I love going fishing and being outside. My family owns a island with a cabin on it in Canada and I love going up there in the summer.

What made you choose Austin Peay?
I loved the coaches and the players, and basketball seems pretty big here. The chance to play for Coach Loos made the final decision on coming to Austin Peay.

Who is the best player you have played with? And against?
I played with Tim Rusthoven who is going to William and Mary, and the best player I played against was Jereme Richmond who is going to U of I.

What is your opinion of Dave Loos?
Great guy and coach.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My brother

Illinois Velocity AAU Coach Sean Connor on Matt Hasse and Austin Peay

Describe Matt’s demeanor (character, leadership, etc) and work
ethic?
Matt is an upstanding young man with great leadership skills and character. When Naperville North was hiring a new coach last spring, Matt took the initiative to set up all the spring open gym workouts for the entire boys basketball program at NNHS. Matt also volunteers with the PE leaders program at NNHS that works with special needs students. He is vocal and always positive with his teammates. Matt has also been working as a shooting instructor for a youth basketball shooting camp for many years. Austin Peay could not have signed a better student-athlete with a better personality than Matt Hasse.

What do you think of Coach Loos and the Austin Peay program?
They not only have great basketball minds, but are great people. Coach Combs and Coach Loos worked the recruiting trail hard in Illinois and had actually come up to see another one of my players, Dave Dudzinski (Holy Cross) while visiting Matt. They did a great job of staying in touch with Matt and have been up to see him three times since the fall, which is hard work considering they’re in season coming all the way up from Tennessee. It goes to show they are very organized in their recruiting efforts and know what it takes to get it done on the recruiting scene at their level. Our recruiting services in Illinois are very impressed with their efforts in getting Chicago kids and you’re 2010 recruiting class proves it.

Compare Matt’s game to a player (college or professional) that our readers can identify with.
I know Matt would probably say Brad Miller of the Chicago Bulls, and I would agree with him. Neither one is “jump out of the gym” athletic, but they’re smart players who work very hard and understand the game of basketball very well, and their size and intelligence allows them to compete with more athletic players.

Matt Hasse Highlight Clip

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Jonathan Smith
6′0″, 185 lbs
Wide Receiver
Jonesboro High School
Jonesboro, Georgia

Jonathan Smith is a two-sport (baseball and football) athlete from Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro, Georgia.  Smith has excellent hands and has a great combination of power and speed. His 40-yard dash time is 4.5 seconds. Although signed as a wide receiver, Smith has played running back, cornerback, safety, and outside linebacker in high school.

Smith is also a versatile kick returner (see video below) who chose Austin Peay over Murray State and Troy. He has excellent football genes, with cousins Reggie Brown and Jamie Henderson having both played for the University of Georgia. Brown now plays wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jonesboro Head Coach De’Timothy Floyd describes Smith as a practical joker and a hard worker.

Jonathan Smith Interview
Any pregame rituals/superstitions?

I like to listen to my iPod and get “spatted.” Then, I like to talk to my quarterback.

What’s on your iPod (or mp3 player)?

I have a variety of music on my iPod, but its mostly rap.

Favorite movie? TV show?

My favorite movies are Stepbrothers and Avatar. My favorite tv show is Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

What player would you compare your game to (NFL or college)?

I would compare my game to Devin Hester because of his versatility. He can play many positions, and so can I.

What is your favorite sport besides football? Do you play any other sports?

I also enjoy watching basketball and playing baseball.

Tell us something we don’t know about you (Hobbies, etc)

I really don’t talk much when first meeting people. I like to play Xbox 360 and spend time with my friends.

Wide receiver Jonathan Smith as he signs his letter of intent to play for Austin Peay State University. Photo from Atlanta Journal Constitution.

What do you consider is the strongest facet of your game? What do you need to work on the most?

I consider my vision, hands, and speed to be the strongest facets of my game. I want to further improve my speed.

What made you choose Austin Peay? What do you want to major in?

Coach Sidney and his staff really impressed me throughout the recruiting process. They were professional and informed me about the positive things in their program. I am undecided about my major.

Who is the best player you have played with? And against?

The best player I have played with is Michael Carlisle (linebacker concurrently considering Mississippi State, MTSU, and others) and the best player I have played against is Clarence Jackson (linebacker signed with Ole Miss).

Who is the biggest inspiration in your life?

The biggest inspiration in my life is my cousin, Jamie Henderson. His football career was cut short due to a motorcycle crash, but he never lost his drive, ambition, or faith.

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Rolando Gautier is a left handed pitcher/outfielder from Pennsauken, New Jersey. Gautier has four pitches: 4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball, change-up, and curveball. Rolando has nice velocity on both his fastballs, reaching 90 miles per hour with his four-seam and mid-80’s with his two-seam. His two-seam fastball has excellent movement. When his fastball is working, Gautier’s change-up is one of his most effective pitches due in part to his excellent mechanics. His weakest pitch is his curveball, which he will have to improve if he wants to throw it at the college level.

In addition to being a force on the mound, Gautier is also a good position player. As might be expected from a lefty that throws 90, he has great arm strength from the outfield. He also possesses above average speed. At the plate, Gautier hit .500 last season and can go opposite field when necessary. Last season he was named to the South Jersey second team.

Pennsauken Head Coach Pete Nardello on Rolando Gautier:
What does Rolando need to work on most?
“He needs to most work on his mental game. He needs to improve as a team player and leader. He needs to work on controlling emotions during game, especially while on the mound and an error is committed.”

What his biggest strengths?
“Rolando’s greatest strength is his physical ability to play the game of baseball. He can hit for average and power. His fastball is dominant among high school players and his mechanics are great.”

Describe Rolando’s work ethic
“Rolando works very hard to improve himself. He does his best working out on his own. However, this year, he has been a great leader during pre-season conditioning workouts.”

Do you think he can contribute immediately as a freshman?
“Yes. He has incredible arm strength from the outfield, possesses above average speed, batted .500 last year as a junior in one of the toughest conferences in South Jersey and continues to improve as a hitter for both average and power, and pitches left-handed with a fastball near 90 mph. He is an outstanding baseball player”

Do you think he will spend more time as a pitcher or position player?
“Unless he can add more velocity to his fastball and develop his curveball/slider, he will undoubtedly be more effective as an outfielder. He is a tremendous outfielder and his bat is too valuable to neglect.”

Notes from Official Austin Peay State University Athletics Release
Career Notes: Under head coach Pete Nardello, was a left-handed pitcher and played outfield… at the plate, batted .500 with 11 doubles and three home runs… on the mound was 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA… second team All-South Jersey selection… first-team all-conference… selected to play on 2009 East Coast Professional Showcase… was one of three incoming APSU players (Chris Gili and P.J. Torres the others) who played with the South Florida Bandits.

Coach McClure’s Comments: “Rolando has very good control and great mound presence, things we look for in high school pitchers. He also has a great upside because of the looseness of his arm and his body type. I believe he has the chance to play a major role on both our pitching staff and as a position player as a true freshman. He is a very mature young man who I believe can handle both the physical and mental adjustments necessary to be successful immediately at the Division I level, and I have no doubt that the tools are in place to do so.”

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A.J. Walkenhorst
6′1″, 195 lbs.
Right Handed Pitcher
Fort Zumwalt South High School
St. Peters, Missouri

A.J. Walkenhorst is a right handed pitcher from St. Peters, Missouri. Walkenhorst’s fastball tops out in the high 80’s, but should approach 90 miles per hour by the end of spring workouts.. His best off speed pitch is a cutter that is especially tough on right handed batters. He has great command of all his pitches.

The two things Walkenhorst needs to work on are increasing the velocity on his fastball and getting stronger. He has already shown dedication to getting stronger, gaining 16 pounds between his sophomore and junior seasons. Walkenhorst heads into his senior season after an 8-2 junior campaign. He struck out 68 batters and finished with a 1.41 ERA.

St. Louis Pirates’ Video of A.J. Walkenhorst



Ft. Zumwalt South Head Coach Keith DeShurley on A.J. Walkenhorst:
Describe A.J.’s work ethic.
“AJ will get the most out of his talent. He will work hard everyday to get better. He realizes his focus on pitching can’t just be on the mound on gameday. The 4 days in between are important too. He definitely has the work ethic to succeed at the next level.”

Do you think A.J. can contribute immediately as a freshman?
“I have no doubt AJ can be an immediate contributor in some role. He’s got the mental game and depending how quickly he can adapt to college hitters might determine how big his role is right away.”

How familiar are you with the Austin Peay program and Coach McClure? What is your opinion of the program?
“Everything I have heard about the program is positive. Coach McClure’s record speaks for itself. He has made some positive connections in the St. Louis area. With everything AJ has shared with me about Austin Peay, I have confidence he is in great hands.”

Perfectgame.com on A.J. Walkenhorst
Perfectgame.com evaluated A.J. at two separate events in 2009. Here are their evaluations:

2009 National Showcase

AJ Walkenhorst is a 2010 RHP with a 6′0”, 180 lb. frame from St. Peters, MO who attends Ft. Zumwalt South HS. Medium athletic build with some strength. Slow paced delivery with pause at top, some effort in release, high 2-piece arm action. Mid 80’s FB, topped at 87 mph in the Metrodome, has some deception. Varies spin/shape on breaking ball, higher velo slider type break is sharper and later. Competes hard.

2009 Pitcher/Catcher Indoor Showcase

AJ Walkenhorst is a 2010 RHP/OF with a 6′0”, 182 lb. frame from St. Peters, MO who attends Ft. Zumwalt South HS. Medium build, good present strength. Slow paced delivery, accelerates to the plate, quick compact arm action, 3/4’s release, good life on mid 80’s FB when down in zone, topped at 86 mph. CB sharp with hard spin, good pitch, threw a couple of hammers. Pounds lower part of K zone, works quickly, workable change still developing. Polished pitcher with good stuff.

At these two events, Perfectgame.com rated Walkenhorst at 8.5 and 9, respectively. To give an idea of what this means, Perfectgame.com’s Rating Scale is shown below.

Perfectgame.com Rating Scale
10 — Potential very high draft pick, Top DI in the nation prospect
9 — Potential top 10 round pick, Top DI prospect
8 — Potential mid round pick, definite DI prospect

Notes from Official Austin Peay State University Athletics Release
Career Notes: Under head coach Keith DeShurley, compiled an 8-2 record and 1.41 ERA as a junior… in 69.2 innings pitched, struck out 68 batters and walked just 19… tossed shutout in district championship game… threw complete game, allowed one unearned run and struck out seven in state semifinal contest as team won Class 4 MSHSAA Championship… was a second-team All St. Louis Metro selection and a third-team all-state selection… was a one of two incoming players (Jordan Hankins the other) to play on St. Louis Pirates summer travel team run by former Govs standout Rick Strickland.

Coach McClure’s Comments: “I have seen A.J. pitch a lot and he has the ability to make a major difference in our starting rotation right away as a freshman. He is a competitor who comes right at you with everything he has and refuses to lose any battle. A.J. already understands what it takes to be successful on the mound.”"

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Matt “Mr. Clutch” Wollenzin (see video below) is one of two catchers signed by Austin Peay State University during the early signing period. Wollenzin, while throwing right-handed, bats left-handed. He hit over .559 last season on his way to being an Honorable Mention to the Denver Post Class 5A team. He was named the Jefferson County League MVP and was named as a league first team performer. He was also earned the Big Stick award at the 2009 Westminster Baseball Fever Classic.

Mr. Clutch earned his nickname in last season’s epic Colorado Class 5A District 4 championship game. Wollenzin hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings. In the top of the 14th inning, Green Mountain fell behind by three runs and the game was suspended until morning due to darkness. The next morning, Wollenzin blasted a walk-off grand slam that sent his team to the state playoffs.

News Report of Matt’s Performance in the Colorado Class 5A District 4 Champsionship game

Green Mountain Head Coach Brad Madden on Matt Wollenzin:
What are Matt’s biggest strengths? What does he need to work on most?
“He is one of the best pure hitters I have seen in high school. He can hit for power and average. I think making the adjustment to college pitching will be a challenge but he will over come that very quickly.”

Describe his work ethic.
“Matt is a hard worker both on the field and off. He wants to do what ever it takes to be the best player possible.”

Do you think Matt can contribute immediately as a freshman?
“At the plate he could help this year so I expect him to be a immediate contributor in some way.”

Does he play any other sports?
“He has chosen to play only baseball but could have been a great football and basketball player if he would have went that direction.”

How familiar are you with the Austin Peay program and Coach McClure? What is your opinion of the program?
“I think Austin Peay is a program on the rise in a very competitive league and if they continue to get players of Matt’s caliber they will be on the rise quickly.”

ESPNRISE.com’s Andrew Knepper on Matt’s Performance at the Cincinnati Reds Area Code Tryouts
“A well-built catcher out of Green Mountain High School displayed raw power and good times behind the dish.”

Notes from Official Austin Peay State University Athletics Release
Career Notes: Under head coach Brad Madden, hit .559 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI in 20 games as a junior… was Jefferson County League “Most Valuable Player” and all-conference selection… selected to All-Colorado Class 5A honorable mention squad… hit walk-off grand slam in 14th inning of district championship game to advance Green Mountain to state tournament, also had a two-run home run in seventh inning of same game… was selected and played in 2009 Area Code Games.

Coach McClure’s Comments: “After seeing Matt play and having followed the progress of his junior season we feel Matt has the opportunity to come in and hit in the middle of the lineup and contribute heavily as a freshman. Matt – like P.J, our other catching signee – can really swing the bat and also hits for power. I feel confident about the situation we will have behind the plate with these two young men the next few years.”

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Zach Toney
6′3″, 215 lbs.
Left Handed Pitcher
Jones County Junior College
Ellisville, Mississippi

Zach Toney is a left handed pitcher from D’Iberville, Mississippi by way of Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi. He has four pitches: fastball, curveball, straight change up, and a split finger fastball. Toney has good velocity on his fastball for a lefty, topping out at about 90 miles per hour. His best pitches are his fastball, which he commands well on both sides of the plate, and his change up. Toney has improved his curveball recently, but will need to continue to work on it to get it where it needs to be.

Jones County Head Coach Christian Ostrander on Zach Toney:
“He is a fierce competitor who wants the baseball. He is a big strong physical kid that is durable. His work ethic is off the charts. He is mature and driven about his pitching and getting better. He is a model for everyone else.”

What is Zach’s ceiling? Do you think he has what it takes to be a pro?
“Zach has a lot more out there for him. His potential is pretty good. I can see a big difference in just one year in his development and know that will only continue at APSU and those coaches. I think he has a great shot at pro ball. Upper 80’s low 90’s lefties are a valuable commodity. Top that off with Zach as a person and you have a chance for something special.”

How familiar are you with the Austin Peay program and Coach McClure? What is your opinion of the program?
“I coached at Arkansas State University from 2002-2006 and am familiar with the program and Coach McClure because we recruited against them on a few kids while I was there. I know it is a regional contender year in and out, and for D 1 baseball that’s what you shoot for. I think they do a great job up there and it was a place I felt Zach would do well in.”

Notes from Official Austin Peay State University Athletics Release
Career Notes: Under head coach Christian Ostrander, led the Bobcats with a 10-1 record and 2.67 ERA… made 19 appearances, including 13 starts, throwing 77.2 innings… threw four complete games and also recorded a save… allowed just 72 hits, struck out a team-best 85 batters… was a first-team All- Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges selection and led team to school-best 33-16 mark… prepped at D’Iberville High School.

Coach McClure’s Comments: “Zach is a gamer. He wants the ball when the game is on the line. We feel Zach is going to play a big part in the future success of this program. He’s a blue-collar kid that has worked for everything he has achieved. Toney will command a fastball that will sit in the upper 80’s and will touch a lot of low 90s, a sharp two-plane slider that has gotten better every time out this fall, and a change-up that he can throw in any count.”

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Which APSU coach was most involved with your recruitment?
Scott Combs

What other schools were you seriously considering?
Air Force, Army, Tennesse-Martin, Yale, and Washington University in St. Louis were the schools I talked to the most before I committed to Peay

What is the outlook for your high school team this season?
We should be pretty good. Last year we went to the Elite 8 in Illinois, and we return all five starters this year so we are looking to make a run at a title.

Any pregame rituals/superstitions?
Actually none. I used to always have a tuna salad sandwich before every game, but that left the worst taste in my mouth and I quit eating them like two years ago.

What’s on your iPod (or mp3 player)?
I put it on shuffle, and these were the first five songs to come up:
Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band
Midnight Flyer by The Eagles
Juicy by Notorious B.I.G.
Welcome to the Machine by Pink Floyd
Starlight by Muse
Basically I listen to all kinds of music, but Marshall Tucker Band is my favorite band.

Favorite movie? TV show?
The Dark Knight and Family Guy

Favorite college and pro player to watch?
Last year my favorite college player was Tyler Hansbrough, and my favorite pro player is Dwight Howard.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I’m actually a pretty good artist. I have shown a few paintings and drawings in some art shows around St. Louis.

Tell us about Will Triggs
I love playing with Will. He brings a bunch of energy to the floor. As a person, he is cool to hang with. He messes around all the time, and he does pretty good impersonations.

User Submitted Questions

What do you consider is the strongest facet of your game? What do you need to work on the most?
I’d say foot speed compared to other big men and shooting are my strengths. I need to work on getting stronger.

What made you choose Austin Peay? What do you want to major in?
I chose Peay because of the balance between athletics and academics. I wanted a school where i could play good competition, but also where I could get a great education. I feel like Peay had both of these. I want to major in either physics or chemistry.

What current or former nba or apsu players would you describe your game to most resemble?
I’d say my game is a lot like David Lee’s of the New York Knicks.

Who is the best player you have played with? And against?
The best player I’ve played with is either Karl Madison (signed with Drake), Meyers Leonard (signed with Illinois), or Will Triggs. The best player I played against is Harrison Barnes (signed with North Carolina)

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Cody is a perimeter-oriented big man who is a nominee for the 2010 McDonald’s High All-American Game. He was also named to the Class AA, 3AA All Region Team. His footwork and three-point shooting ability have led teammates to nickname him “Dirk” as in Dirk Nowitzki. His AAU coach, Charles Clark of the Nashville Celtics, says, “He runs the floor well and changes the game with his shot blocking ability.” Cody is an excellent shot blocker, once posting a triple double with 18 points, 23 boards, and 11 blocks.

Henegar’s size and mobility should create nightmare matchups in the Southern Conference. His solid midrange game and ability to shoot the three should allow the Spartans to effectively run the pick and pop. Larger bigs will be pulled to the perimeter opening up driving lanes. In order to punish smaller defenders, Cody needs to improve his post game. On defense, he needs to get bigger in order to be a presence down low but should immediately be able to impact the game as a shot blocker.

According to Coach Clark, Cody chose UNC-Greensboro not only because of the efforts of Coach Gibson, but also because of the opportunity to play immediately and the Spartans are playing in a new coliseum this season. UNC-Greensboro’s schedule, which includes games at Duke, Clemson, Virginia Tech, NC State, Maryland, and Wake Forest, also played a role in his decision. We want to wish Cody and Coach Gibson the best of luck next season, especially since they are not playing Austin Peay.


What others say about Cody:
Quotes from TN Prep Hoops

“Burst onto the summer scene with solid efforts in most every event he attended. His size makes him a factor immediately and his potential skill level makes him very intruiging for the masses. At 6-8 and a soft touch, Henegar can score from mid-range or drop step and mush in your face. He lacks strength to battle the high level posts at this juncture but is a smart young man who understands what he needs to do to get better.

Playing with the Nashville Celtics this summer only made Henegar realize what he needs to do to get to the next level. He faced serious competition in almost every tourney and improved every time he stepped on the hardwood.”

“Cody Henegar (Marion County) Big Cody had a fine tourney in Arkansas showing some much improved toughness and fight especially on the glass. His length allows him to block shots from the help side and I was very excited to see him battle some of the monsters this event threw his way. His offensive game is solid and he shoots well from the outside, nothing but upside from this long and talented young man.”

Here is a nice picture that gives the UNC-Greensboro fans something to look forward to next season.

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Meiko Lyles
Guard
6’3”, 185 lbs
High School: University School of Nashville, Nashville, TN
AAU/Travel Team: Nashville Celtics



Meiko Lyles is a silky smooth scorer from Nashville, Tennessee. Lyles has good size at 6’3” and may not be done growing. At 185 pounds, Meiko is solidly built and can take hits while still finishing. Last season, he averaged 22.5 points and 5 assists a game on his way to being named a finalist for the DII-A Mr. Basketball award. At the University School of Nashville, Meiko is coached by Adam Sonn who was himself a Mr. Basketball winner at Donelson Christian Academy and a star at Belmont University before being drafted by the Arkansas Rimrockers in the fourth round of the NBA Developmental League.

Meiko’s AAU coach Charles Clark, describes him as one of the best scorers on the Nashville Celtics, a team full of Division 1 prospects including Florida commit Casey Prather. “He’s a gym-rat. He puts the time in and when you watch him play you can tell he is a little ahead of his peers.” Lyles is an excellent shooter with good form and lift on his jump shot. When he gets hot from the outside watch out. Clark said, “Whenever he shoots it, you think it is going in. He hits timely threes and does not get rattled.” This ability to hit shots can sometimes get Meiko in trouble. Shot selection and ball-handling are the two main areas he needs to improve upon.

Clark describes Lyles as a solid defender. “He’s a better off-the-ball defender because he has really good natural instincts and does a good job getting steals. His on-ball defense is going to have to get better. With his length, he could be a really good on-ball defender once he puts some more time and effort into it.” At the college level, Meiko should be able to defend both guard positions.

Below is a short video of Meiko at the River City Showdown, which the Nashville Celtics won, in Memphis this past summer. This video was shot and edited for APSUGovs.com by our friend Clark Merriam of MemphisRoar.com. Look for a cameo by 2010 recruit Levon Tate.

Meiko is an excellent student, and as a result he is being recruited heavily by several Ivy League schools including Columbia University and Princeton University. Lyles has offers from Missouri State and Georgia State University, the only school he has officially visited. Southeast Missouri State University has shown significant interest, attending every one of his AAU games this summer. Belmont University has been in contact, and it is uncertain how big a roll Coach Sonn will play if Meiko chooses them. The University of Nevada, Reno has also shown a lot of interest since July and are actively recruiting Meiko. Austin Peay had shown interest at some point, but that interest is thought to have waned. Coach Clark says Meiko would like to major in engineering.


What others have to say about Meiko:

MemphisRoar.com Scouting Report from the River City Showdown, Memphis, TN

Meiko Lyles (Nashville Celtics): Lyles, a calm and collective shooting guard, lived up to his position title and then some. Lyles knocked down countless three point shots throughout the River City Showdown. Whether wide open or with a hand in his face, Lyles did not seem to notice or care, as the result almost always ended in three points.

ESPN.com/Scouts Inc.
November, 2007: Lyles is smooth beyond his years and is up to the challenge of improving his game. A great outside shooter who is deadly from the foul-line area. His offensive game is far ahead of its defensive counterpart but Lyles has the athleticism to make this a staple of his game. He hasn’t played as much basketball as his class counterparts and therefore is making huge strides catching up with his peers.

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