poole signs with EWU

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SoCalHoops Recruiting News

Marquis Poole Arrives
In Spokane At EWU--(Sept. 20, 1999)

Our friend Brian Priebe, one of the assistant coaches at Eastern Washington University in Spokane, Washington, sent us the following official press release from the Men's Basketball program announcing the enrollment of Marquis Poole (6'-2" Fr. PG) from Compton Centennial as a Prop. 48 student. Marquis, you will remember, originally signed with Washington State, but failed to qualify. As a Prop. 48, Marquis will be enrolled as a regular student, can practice with the team, but will sit out the year in order to gain his eligibility. Marquis also joins other newcomers from SoCal Keyon Cooley (6'-7" Fr. F) from Long Beach Poly, and Alex McKie (6'-4" Jr. G/F) who attended Alta Loma, graduating in 1997 and from Chaffey Junior College last year. Here's the release:

Eastern Washington University
Men's Basketball Release
September 20, 1999

Eastern Washington head basketball coach Steve Aggers is pleased to announce that Marquis Poole, a 6-2 guard from Los Angeles' Centennial High School has officially enrolled in classes for this fall academic term. Poole just missed qualifying under NCAA initial eligibility standards and will sit out the 1999-2000 season under Proposition 48. Having signed a National Letter of Intent with Washington State University last fall, Poole was able to make the jump to Eastern Washington due to his eligibility status as a non-qualifier.

"We are extremely pleased to have this fine person and talented player join our program" commented Aggers. "Marquis gives us a young guard who can be a big part of our future successes here at Eastern. He is very versatile, can score with the best of them and brings the athletic quickness necessary to be highly successful at the Division I level."

Poole will be a full time student throughout the 1999-2000 school year. He will take advantage of the fantastic academic support network that Eastern offers as he gains his eligibility.

"I made the decision to go to Eastern because I truly believe the coaches care about my academic success and want to make sure I receive my degree," said Poole. "I also know I can be a part of something very special and we can have great success on the basketball floor and in the Big Sky conference."

Poole averaged 21 points, 7 assists and 2 steals per game as a senior at Centennial in leading his team to within one game of the tournament. He was highly sought after once his academic status was learned this spring. UConn, Rhode Island and several other "major" programs attempted to obtain Poole's services.

"Marquis knows he can accomplish his academic goals at Eastern better than some bigger schools due to the personalized education he will receive in our smaller classes," said Aggers. "In addition, Marquis is a talented individual with a bright future. He will be able to use the year to improve his strength, mature physically and extend his shooting range. I am confident he will show the work ethic and dedication necessary to be an outstanding Big Sky performer."