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Cougars Round out Hoops Roster with Pair of Transfers
written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (8-1-2010) - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's basketball team has added two more players to the team's roster for the 2010-2011 season as transfers Danil Zakhlebnyy (below right) and Bryce Barnes (below left) have signed letters of intent to continue their education at MVNU and play for the Cougars.

Zakhlebnyy, a 6-foot-7 junior post from Almaty, Kazakhstan, comes to the Cougars after a year each at California Baptist University and the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.). Prior to coming to the United States, Zakhlebnyy averaged 21 points and 7 rebounds per game in one season with the Kazakhstan junior national team.

"I selected MVNU because of the Christian commitment Coach Moore has to his program,” said Zakhlebnyy of his decision to transfer. "I felt at home with the campus and all the people I have met in my short time at MVNU. I am excited to finish my education and playing career with such great people.”

Barnes, a sophomore guard from Ironton, Ohio, transfers for MVNU after a year at West Virginia Wesleyan University where two of his biggest games came against Eastern Kentucky University (21 points) and Virginia Military Institute (18 points). As a three-year varsity starter at Central Crossing High School, Barnes scored a school-record 1,188 points and dished out a school-record 380 career assists. He was named to the Ohio Capital Conference First Team, the All-District Second Team, and the All-Ohio Honorable Mention list.

"There are several reasons why I have decided to transfer to MVNU,” said Barnes. "I really like the coaching staff and enjoy the campus feel. Coach (Matt) Moore has things heading in a positive direction and I wanted to be a part of his team.”

"With the additions of both Danil and Bryce, we have really solidified our depth and our experience,” said MVNU coach Matt Moore, who will be entering his second season with the Cougars next fall. "Both of these guys come in as transfers with college experience. Danil will be one of our most versatile players at 6-foot-7 and has the skill set to play on the perimeter. His toughness and work ethic was something that we lacked last season, but with his addition I believe he will make his teammates that much better. Bryce has always had the ability to score the basketball. He is one of the best workout players I have been around and loves to be in the gym. I am excited to see him fit in over the next three years and help us continue to set the bar high for Cougar Basketball.”

MVNU finished the 2009-2010 season with a 13-16 overall record. Over the past 14 seasons, the Cougars have topped the 20-win mark 12 times and have advanced to the NAIA Division II National Tournament eight times.

 

 

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