Former Coyote Basketball Players Sign with Agents

CALDWELL, Idaho – Five former College of Idaho basketball players have recently signed with professional agents in hopes of continuing their basketball careers after one of the more historic runs in Coyote basketball history.

The five signings come by way of three different agents, all of whom have had success in some form with the game of basketball.

"To compete and be successful at our level, you must have tremendous players," head coach Scott Garson said. "I am very proud of the fact that players enter our program with aspirations of continuing their basketball careers beyond college at the professional level. This is just further proof that the College of Idaho is the place for young men striving to get their degrees and further their basketball careers."

Cascade Collegiate Conference Player of the Year and NAIA Division II First-Team All-America selection Josh Wilson signed with Gerrit Kersten of Scorers 1st Sports Management. Kersten is familiar with collegiate athletes in the Treasure Valley, having represented former Boise State players Matt Bauscher and Thomas Bropleh.

"It's a blessing and a great opportunity; I'm thankful to be working with such a good, caring agent. The future is looking bright," Wilson said.

Scorers 1st currently represents standout players in Patrick Ewing Jr, Tim Ohlbrecht, Larry Gordon, and Brandyn Curry. Wilson will be attending a showcase camp in Las Vegas July 15-16 with many European coaches expected to be in attendance.

"Gerrit has tremendous experience with players looking to play professionally overseas. He has a great track record with players coming out of the Treasure Valley as well," Garson said.

Demetrius Perkins and Marko Kovacevic will be represented by Matt Babcock of the APAA Sports Group. Babcock is the President of Basketball Operations at APAA and is NBA & FIBA certified.

"Signing with Matt and the APAA Sports Group is a great opportunity to play in some of the best basketball leagues in the world. It will be great to travel and play the sport I love," Perkins said. "I am very grateful to have signed with him and the agency."

Notable players that APAA currently represents are Le'bryan Nash (Oklahoma State) and Jordan Mickey (LSU).

"I am really excited about the opportunity to do what I've always dreamed about," Kovacevic said. "Playing professional basketball has always been a goal of mine and I know that working with Matt and the APAA Sports Group will be great. I know I am in good hands."

Babcock is a name that goes hand-in-hand with experience in professional basketball. Dave Babcock, Matt's father, is the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Milwaukee Bucks. Dave's two brothers, Rob and Pete, both have plenty of experience in the NBA as Rob is currently the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Pete was the Director of Player Personnel for the Toronto Raptors, General Manger of the Atlanta Hawks, and President/General Manager of the Denver Nuggets.

"Matt comes from a tremendous basketball family and has been involved with professional basketball his entire life. His father, Dave, is a friend of mine, and I know Matt will be able to help Demetrius and Marko find excellent opportunities as they move into the professional ranks," Garson said.

Sydney Donaldson and Jordan O'Byrne both signed with Robert Donaldson, Sydney's father. Donaldson brings 25

years of experience in both recruiting and connecting players to European teams as well 20-plus years of playing professionally in Europe, coaching, and owning a basketball club in the English Basketball League.

"I am very fortunate to have an incredibly trustworthy man as my agent," Donaldson said. "Obviously, we already have a wonderful relationship and I am thankful for the relationships my father has created during his lifetime. It speaks highly of his character and I am excited to continue this journey with him by my side."

All five players plan to play outside of the United States as each of their agents represent current players in Europe and Asia.

These five will join the fraternity of recent Coyote basketball standouts to turn professional.

Eric Hare – Mexico's CIBACOPA (currently with Meoqui Cerveceros and played with the Mexican National Team – 2003 to today

Mike Homik – New Zealand/Australia – 2003 to 2012

Ty Shaw – England/Germany/Australia – 2003 to 2012

Andy Harper – England – 2005 to 2012

Craig McGee – Seattle Mountaineers (ABA) 2009 to 2010

Ike Stafford – Germany – 2007 to 2009

Dan McFaul – Germany/Chile – 2006 to 2008

Tom Perkes – England – 2005 to 2007

Justin McCarthy – New Zealand – 2004

Five Coyotes have also made it to the NBA:

Johnnie Hilliard – Utah Jazz – 1992

Mark Owen – Portland Trailblazers – 1986

Taft Jackson – Los Angeles Lakers – 1966

Elgin Baylor – Minneapolis Lakers – 1958

R.C. Owens – Minneapolis Lakers – 1956

Seven-foot, one-inch graduate Joe Vaz is still entertaining offers from agents in hopes of continuing his basketball career at the pro ranks.

These five will also join the list of players Garson has helped develop into professional talent, including 15 players who have been selected in the NBA draft and another 20 that have played overseas.