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News
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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