ANCHORAGE (July 8) – The Alaska Anchorage men’s basketball program unveiled its latest addition from Down Under on Wednesday as head coach Rusty Osborne announced the signing of Bryce Arnott to a National Letter of Intent.
Arnott, a 6-1, 185-pound point guard from Clyde, Australia, is currently representing his country in the FIBA Under-19 World Championship in New Zealand, where he has averaged 1.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists (8-2 assist-turnover ratio) in five games of action thus far. The Aussies (6-0) have advanced to the quarterfinal round, where they will face France on Friday.
“We are excited Bryce chose to be a Seawolf. He turned down some other very good programs to come to Anchorage,” said UAA head coach Rusty Osborne, who enters his sixth season at the helm in 2009-10. “He is a strong, aggressive player with a great competitive personality. He will bring a high level of toughness and leadership to our backcourt. He not only has the ability to run a team, but can score from the point guard position as well.”
Arnott – who chose UAA over Cal Poly Pomona, Kentucky Wesleyan and Sacramento State – has previously played on Australia national and Victoria state squads since age 13, including spots on Victoria’s bronze- and gold-medal U20 teams in 2008 and 2009. During the regular season, he has starred for his local Dandenong Rangers youth league team.
“Although only a freshman, Bryce brings extensive national and international experience,” added Osborne. “His participation in the U19 World Championship this summer will be invaluable as he makes the transition to college basketball. He will have played over 20 games in France, Australia and New Zealand against the elite players his age worldwide. We feel fortunate to have added such a quality young player to our program.”
Arnott becomes the fifth Australian to join the Seawolf program since 2004, including current guards Kevin and Steve White (both of Manly), and former All-American point guard Luke Cooper (Melbourne).
Arnott is the second signee for the Seawolves this summer, joining junior college transfer Drew Robinson (6-1, 175, G, Lehi, Utah/Salt Lake CC).
--GoSeawolves.com--
Nate Sagan
Sports Information Director
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Dr. / Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-1295 / Fax: (907) 563-4565
GoSeawolves.com
