OWENSBORO, Ky. – Kentucky Wesleyan College head men's basketball coach Drew Cooper has added four players to his 2018-19 season roster in Deng Mayot, Zach Hopewell, Amandas Urkis and Tyler Bezold.
Deng Mayot joins Wesleyan from Pensacola State College, a member of the NJCAA Division I Panhandle conference, arguably one of the most competitive junior college conference in the country. Prior to Pensacola Sate, the 6'7'' forward attended St. James College in Brisbane, Australia. He was named the St. James College Athlete of the Year in 2016 and also won the SEQ State Championship in 2015. While at Pensacola State College, he earned a spot on the Panhandle Academic team in 2016.
"Kentucky Wesleyan has a rich tradition of winning championships and academic prestige that I am looking forward to being a part of. Owensboro is a beautiful place with great people and an amazing atmosphere," said Mayot. "I see myself adding to the culture here and most important I believe with this team and coaching staff, we have a championship opportunity. I know what the building blocks of success look like and Kentucky Wesleyan possesses them. I'm excited to be a part of this journey."
"Deng has been the best example of what we look for in our players on and off the floor," said Pete Pena, head men's basketball coach at Pensacola State. "He has worked hard for everything he has earned and it's great to see him go to such a storied basketball program like Kentucky Wesleyan. The Panthers are getting a phenomenal player and an even better kid."
Deng plans to study Behavioural Science at Wesleyan.
Zach Hopewell returns home to Owensboro after spending one season at Murray State University. The Apollo High School graduate was named 3rd Region Player of the Year and was a finalist for Mr. Basketball that same season. The 6'2'' combo guard accumulated 1,400 points for the Eagles while being named to a pair of 9th District Tournament teams.
"I chose Wesleyan to continue and become the best player that I can be but most importantly continue my educational career to set myself up for a successful future," noted Hopewell.
Zach Hopewell is the son of Kelly and Chet Hopewell and has three siblings, Alex, Nate and Hadleigh. He plans to study Business Administration at Wesleyan.
Amandas Urkis comes to Wesleyan from Kaunas, Lithuania. The 6'7'' forward played at Lee Academy. Urkis received an invitation to play for the Lithuanian National Basketball team in 2017 where they finished second at a tournament in France. He led the Lithuanian Regional Basketball League in three point shooting and in the Top 10 in league scoring.
"I chose Kentucky Wesleyan because my most important goal was to continue my basketball career while also earning a degree. I see Wesleyan as a great place to accomplish my goals and I hope to get the best experience, develop my character, and have success on the basketball court," commented Urkis.
"Amandas is a very unique player that has the size and strength to play inside with the athleticism and shooting ability to play on the wing," commented Lee Academy Head Coach Dan Haynes. "While at Lee, he played against the best prep competition in the country and showed that he can play with anyone with his ability to rebound the ball on both ends of the floor. He brings a competitive edge and work ethic that will make him a terrific player at Wesleyan."
Amandas Urkis is the son of Rolandas Urkis and Raminta Urkiene and has two siblings Dominga Urkyte and Normandas Urkis. He plans to study Business Administration at Wesleyan.
Tyler Bezold hails from Taylor Mill, Kentucky where he attended Holy Cross High School in 2016 and has spent the past two seasons at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio. In high school, the 1,000 point scorer played in the Kentucky East West All-Star Game in 2016 after being named First-Team All-Region. A 6'3'' forward, Bezold was a three-time NKAC selection and led Holy Cross to their first regional appearance in 15 years during his senior season.
Tyler Bezold is the son of Lisa and Dave Bezold and has one sibling Abby Bezold. Tyler plans to study Fitness and Sports Management at Wesleyan.
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