Fairfield Men's Basketball coach Ed Cooley signs three student-athletes to NLI | Press Releases

Players Hail From Virginia, Florida, and Pennsylvania

Head Men's Basketball Coach Ed Cooley announced the signing of three student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent to attend Fairfield University beginning with the 2006-07 season. Rich Flemming (Upland, Pa.), Anthony Johnson (Lake Wales, Fla.), and Devin Johnson (Richmond, Va.) have chosen Fairfield University to continue their education and basketball careers.

"I am very pleased to bring three quality student-athletes to Fairfield University," Coach Cooley said. "Rich, Anthony, and Devin will have the opportunity to compete for playing time and challenge for a starting position next Fall. I believe their size and athletic ability will impact on our program."

Flemming, a 6-foot, 7-inch forward, comes to Fairfield after playing his senior season at Chester High School where he averaged a double with 14 points and 10 caroms per contest. He averaged a double double at Milton Hershey High School in Pennsylvania as a junior, netting just over 16 points and 10 rebounds per game. He made his inside presence known as well with two blocks per outing.

"Rich gives us a solid inside-outside player who can score both down low and outside the three-point arc," Cooley said. "I look for him to help us defensively as well with his shot-blocking ability. He can run the court which should help us in our transition game."

Anthony Johnson, a 6-foot, 8-inch forward, gives Fairfield another inside player who has the capability to play both an offensive and defensive role. At Lake Wales Senior High School, Johnson averaged 14 points and eight rebounds per game, in addition to registering better than two blocks per contest.

"Anthony has a strong defensive instinct that will keep the opposition off balance," Cooley said. "His range and athleticism will force opponents to deal with his ability."

Devin Johnson, a 6-foot, 3-inch guard, led Meadowbrook High School to a successful season in 2005-06. He averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals per game last season, which helped the team win the district title. The guard also earned All-Central District, All-Central Region honors, All-Metro first team honors, and received the Metro Player of the Year award.

"Devin is a player who will be in the mix from the very beginning," Coach Cooley said. "His ability to break down a defense, and handle pressure will be a true asset to our program. While he has tremendous range, Devin's passing and court sense are just as valuable to us."

Rich Flemming, Anthony Johnson, and Devin Johnson join Greg Nero as Fairfield's Class of 2010. Nero, a 6-foot, 6-inch forward, comes to Fairfield after leading Red Hook High School to its sectional championship and to a berth in the New York State regional final. The forward garnered the Most Valuable Player of the Mid-Hudson Athletic League after averaging a double double at Red Hook.