AMHERST, N.Y. - Daemen College
head men's basketball coach Don Silveri announced his 2013 recruiting class today. The veteran coach has added a pair of forwards in junior college transfer Steve Carder (Champlain, N.Y./North Country CC) and freshman Alex Borges (Erie, Pa./Mercyhurst Prep) to an already talent-laden roster.
The Wildcats, who are coming off a record-setting 27-6 season, will return four starters and seven of their top eight scorers, losing just forward
Jim Regan (Williamsville, N.Y./Nichols) - the team's lone senior - to graduation.
"Our primary objective in recruiting was to find a replacement for Regan," Silveri said. "I think we accomplished that goal and added a little depth to our frontcourt with the additions of Steve and Alex."
Carder comes in as a highly-decorated athlete having been named the Mountain Valley Conference Player of the Year, the NJCAA Region III Player of the Year and the New York State Junior College Player of the Year this past season. He averaged 23.3 points and 12.5 rebounds this past year while leading North Country Community College to a 17-11 record and an appearance in the Region III Tournament. Carder was also selected as a NJCAA Division III First Team All-American and, this past weekend, competed in the NJCAA National Men's Basketball All-Star Game at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
"Steve is going to be a great addition to our team," Silveri said. "He brings a winning pedigree and I expect him to fit right in with the group we have coming back. He has a nice touch around the basket and he's a tough, hard-nosed competitor."
The 6-foot-7 Carder leaves North Country as the school's all-time leading scorer (1,246 points) and rebounder (652 rebounds).
"Daemen was the best fit for me as an athlete and as a student," said Carder who will major in Business Adminstration. "On my visit, I was extremely impressed with the people that I was able to meet. It made me feel extremely comfortable and I feel that I could have a ton of success at Daemen. I am more than thrilled for the opportunity."
Borges, a two-time All-Region selection, signed on to attend Daemen after leading the Mercyhurst Prep Lakers to a District 10 Championship as a junior, as well as two straight appearances in the Sweet 16 of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association State Playoffs.
"We're excited to have added a player with the kind of upside that Alex possesses," said Silveri. "He already has a very nice skill set for a big man. He can play facing the basket or down on the low block. He needs to add some strength to his frame but he's already exhibited a desire to do so and I'm confident that with his work ethic it won't take him long."
Borges, at 6-foot-6, started 78 of of a possible 79 games in his three-year varsity career. He averaged 13.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocked shots per game as a senior while helping the Lakers to an 18-10 season. He was also chosen to participate in the Erie City/County All-Star Game.
"Daemen is the best fit for me to achieve success in both academics and basketball," said Borges, who plans to be a Pre-Med major.
In addition to the team's latest signees, Silveri also announced that guard
Alvin Satram (New Port Richey, Fla./Pasco-Hernando CC) has elected to transfer. The 5-foot-9 Satram appeared in 32 games and made two starts this past season, averaging 5.4 points and 2.4 assists per game. The Sport Management major was also a USCAA National All-Academic Team selection.
"Alvin expressed a desire to transfer somewhere closer to his home," Silveri said. "I understand his wishes. I thank him for his efforts this past year and wish him the best of luck in the future."
