The Lions of Bryan College had what observers of the program could be considered a rebuilding year. Plenty of freshmen involved in a squad that finished with a 13-18 record but looked bright for the future.
Never one to be outdone on the recruiting circuit Coach Don Rekoske hit the pavement to find players and his hard work and dedication has paid off in a major way as the NAIA stalwart combed the high schools of the Volunteer state and assembled an eclectic class of scorers, achievers and workers.
In the early period, the Lions added Jeff Long from Hendersonville and Brandon Arnold from Chattanooga Christian to get the ball rolling for what would turn out to be according to Coach Rekoske his most successful recruiting effort to date.
All the way to West Tennessee, Coach Rekoske signed one of the most prolific scoring guards in that's areas history as Rafeal Tyler (Lake County) will spend his college years as a member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference Lions.
Tyler was a 2,000 point scorer in high school and will step into the lead guard spot vacated by academic attrition.
For good measure on his way back down I40, the Lions secured another solid point man in DII state tournament hero Josh Erickson (DCA). Another scoring guard who plays solid defense and will be an immediate contributor to the program.
Good things come in bunches and the hard work continues to pay dividends as the Lions secured two from perennial state tournament attendee Stone Memorial including Mr. Basketball finalist Brandon Cole (Stone Memorial).
Undersized but massively productive, the 6'2 Cole managed to finish his career with over 2,000 points and 1,000 boards. He is the type of player who can shine at this level with his above average basketball IQ and understanding of the nuances of the game.
Robert Troino (Stone Memorial) will join Cole as a Lion next season. Triono is a tough scoring guard who plays fearless on both ends of the floor and should immediate playing time once he steps foot on campus.
Staying closer to home, Hunter Chastain (Bradley Central) brings his energy to the Lions program after a fabulous career for the Bears of Bradley Central.
Chastain is a worker and has been extremely well coached at the high school level so his transition to the college game should be painless.
Joining this cavalcade of incoming freshman will be Bobbo Chesser (Seymour). Another inside player who will work hard and contribute as the seasons move along.
