Otero Junior College
Men's Basketball News

What promises to be a very exciting recruiting class for the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs men’s basketball program got its first big piece Tuesday.

Mountain Lions men’s basketball coach Russ Caton announced the signing of junior college transfer Cole Smith to a national letter of intent.

Smith will come to UCCS as a junior, having played his first two seasons at Otero Junior College. As a sophomore, Smith averaged 16 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting 57 percent from the field. He led the Rattlers in scoring, rebounding, free throw attempts, free throws made and field goal percentage.

“He brings the size and strength to our program that we needed more of last year,” said Caton. “He’s a physical post player who runs well and can get to the foul line.”

His former coach, Houston Reed, cited Smith’s physicality and pointed out that the Burlington High School graduate shot 232 free throws in 30 games, an average of 7.73 per game. Smith finished his junior college career as Otero’s 11th all-time leading scorer, which is impressive because the school has produced many NCAA Division I transfers.
 

Ark Valley Player Signs with OJC

The Otero Junior College Men’s Basketball program is proud to add Josh DeGrado of Rocky Ford to the 2008-09 recruiting class. The 6’7” all-state post helped lead the Rocky Ford Meloneers to their first appearance at the state tournament since 1995. While at Rocky Ford DeGrado was a two-time first team Santa Fe All-League selection, Rocky Mountain News all-state honorable mention, and played Junior Nationals as a junior. Josh was also selected to play in the CHSCA all-state games this summer.

Otero Junior College head basketball coach Houston Reed is excited about adding an Arkansas Valley standout to the program, “Josh is a player with a ton of upside. He is a young high school player that is still growing. Coach Lowther did a great job of helping him develop his athleticism and grow in the mental aspect of the game. This year Josh was one of the most exciting players to watch in the Arkansas Valley over the past several years. Josh is a great shot blocker, rebounder, and finishes well around the rim. We are excited to push him and help him continue to develop here at Otero.” Rocky Ford head basketball coach Mark Lowther shares the same excitement about Josh’s commitment to OJC, "Josh is a young athlete that will continue to get better because of his work ethic and desire to get better.  It’s great to see him have a chance at the next level and even better that he will be at OJC where our community can continue to watch him."

As a senior Degrado averaged 14.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 5.9 blocks per game respectively. He is the third player Otero has signed in the 2008-09 recruiting class.

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