K-State announces signing of two juco transfers

The Kansas State University men's basketball team signed guards Tim Ellis and Jarrett Hart to national letters of intent for the 2002-03 season, head coach Jim Wooldridge announced Thursday. Ellis played the past two seasons for the College of Southern Idaho, while Hart just completed his second year with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (formerly Westark Community College).

"We're excited to add a pair of quality guards to next season's roster," said Wooldridge. "Tim and Jarrett immediately increase our talent level. With our losses in the backcourt, each player will have an immediate impact on next season's team."

A 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard, Ellis averaged 16.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game last season for CSI. His numbers placed the Seattle, Wash., native 10th in the Scenic West Athletic Conference in scoring, eighth in rebounding and third in steals. Ellis also shot 54.0 percent from the floor and dished out 3.2 assists per contest.

Ellis helped lead the Golden Eagle to a 26-6 record in 2001-02 and a berth in the NJCAA Tournament. He earned a spot on the Region 18 All-Tournament team after averaging 18.0 points and 3.0 assists in two postseason contests.

Hart, who was tabbed a third-team junior-college All-American, averaged 19.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Lions en route to a seventh-place showing at the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament. He was also selected as the Region II MVP on a unanimous vote by the region coaches.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Hart was also selected to the 12-player NJCAA All-Tournament team.

Both Ellis and Hart will have two years of eligibility beginning next fall.

Jarrett Hart

Guard

6-4, 205

Little Rock, Ark. / Univ. of Arkansas-Ft. Smith

A versatile player who can play either guard position ... A third-team NJCAA All-America selection this season... Averaged 19.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game this past year ... Also shot 49.5 percent from the floor and 45 percent from 3-point land ... Led Arkansas-Ft. Smith to a seventh-place showing in the 2002 NJCAA Tournament... Tabbed the Region II MVP on a unanimous vote by the region coaches ... Born in London, but raised in Little Rock, Ark. ... Coached by Doc Sadler at Arkansas-Ft. Smith.

Tim Ellis

Guard

6-3, 180

Seattle, Wash. / College of Southern Idaho

An explosive athlete on the perimeter and a solid defender at the off-guard or small forward positions ... Named to the Region 18 All-Tournament team ... Averaged 16.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.3 steals last season ... Finished 10th in the Scenic West Athletic Conference in scoring, eighth in rebounding and third in steals ... Also shot 54.0 percent from the floor ... Helped lead the Golden Eagle to a 26-6 record and a berth in the 2002 NJCAA Tournament ... Averaged 18.0 points and 3.0 assists in two postseason contests ... Coached by Guy Beach at College of Southern Idaho.