Nov. 10, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University basketball team picked up a trio of highly-touted commitments Wednesday as the Bulldogs' coaching staff received national letters-of-intent from Brandon Hayman, Devin McNeil and Connor Miller on the opening day of the early signing period.

Brandon Hayman, a 6-foot-3 guard from Braselton, Ga., averaged 14 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists per game as a junior at Mill Creek High School. In each of his last two seasons, Hayman was named to both the all-county and all-region teams for his stellar play on the court.

"Brandon is a very athletic guard who possesses great court vision and a real sense of the game," said Samford head coach Jimmy Tillette. "He is an excellent playmaker and passer, and he is also a lock-down defender and natural leader. He is a vocal player and a highly intelligent kid, and we believe his competitive nature can make an immediate impact on our program."

Devin McNeil is a 6-foot guard from Central Park Christian High School and is a native of Birmingham, Ala. Last season, he averaged 15.3 points, 8.2 assists and 3.7 steals per game en route to being named the Most Valuable Player of the National Association of Christian Athletes' annual tournament. McNeil scored 26 points in the championship game of the prestigious NACA event.

"Devin is a very talented guard who really excels in the open floor," Tillette said. "He has great speed with the basketball, and he has the ability to weave through defensive pressure. Devin is a tremendous athlete for his size and has a real knack for finishing over much taller defenders. He is a high energy guy who will provide our backcourt with a real boost."

Connor Miller, a 6-foot-3 guard from Stanley, Wis., averaged 13.7 points, 3.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game at Regis-Eau Claire High School. As a standout junior a year ago, Miller earned first-team all-conference honors and was named to the All-Tournament Team of the Wisconsin state tournament.

"Connor is an outstanding perimeter shooter who is comfortable shooting off the dribble and from deep behind the arc," said Tillette. "He is a long and rangy athlete, and his versatility will allow him to play a number of positions for us. He is a tireless worker, a real gym rat, and his work ethic and toughness will be welcome additions to our program."

Future Samford guards Hayman, McNeil and Miller will all join the Bulldogs immediately prior to the 2011-12 school year.

The current Samford University basketball team will begin its 2010-11 campaign Friday at 6:05 p.m. (CST) as the Bulldogs travel to Youngstown, Ohio, for a season-opening matchup against the Youngstown State Penguins to be held at the Beeghly Center (6,300).

2011-12 Samford Basketball Signees

Name, Pos., Ht., Wt., Hometown (High School)
Brandon Hayman, G, 6-3, 185, Braselton, Ga. (Mill Creek High School)
Devin McNeil, G, 6-0, 180, Birmingham, Ala. (Central Park Christian High School)
Connor Miller, G, 6-3, 175, Stanley, Wis. (Regis-Eau Claire High School)