UDC Men’s Basketball Inks Three New Players

Washington, DC--  University of the District of Columbia Head Men’s Basketball Coach Julius L. Smith, Jr., has announced the signing of three basketball prospects for the 2008-09 season. Each signed a National Letter of Intent last week, and will join the UDC Firebirds on the court at the start of the winter 2008-09 season.

Joining the Firebirds next year will be Justin Smith, a 5’7” star point guard from Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Georgia, where he was captain of his team during the 2007-08 season.  Coach Smith says that Justin is a superb ball handler and floor leader. He will be expected to give us minutes right from the beginning at the point guard position. His speed and quickness will allow us to push and play our up-tempo style. This is a great recruit for me personally. He is my son”.  Justin is indeed the son of Julius L. Smith, Jr., and Lisa M. Smith.

Chris Roberson, a 6’9” post player from Washington, DC, will also join the Firebirds for the 2008-09 season. Roberson played at Roosevelt High School, helping his team to the 2008 DCIAA Public School Championship.

Coach Smith says, “Chris is a very athletic post player with tremendous upside. His ability to run the floor on both ends and play above the rim makes him an extremely dangerous threat.”

Also joining the Firebirds for the 2008-09 season is Roman Pakieser, a 7’0” post player from Krakow, Poland.  Roman played at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, DC. His team advanced to the 2008 WCAC Final Four.

“Roman is a versatile post player with great size and the ability to defend the basket,” says Coach Smith. “He adds an inside/outside game to compliment our veteran players in the post.”

Coach Smith hopes to sign four more prospects before the beginning of the new season. The new additions to the squad will assist the Firebirds in rebuilding after losing six seniors at the end of last season.