CCU men’s basketball inks three recruits for 2017-18 season

The Coastal Carolina men’s basketball program has inked three recruits for the 2017-18 season.

The Chanticleers secured early signings from Olney Central College’s Ajay Sanders, Christian County (Ky.) High School’s Jaylen Sebree and North Hardin (Ky.) High School’s Tony Jackson.

Sanders, a Winterville, N.C., native, is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard who will have two years of eligibility remaining after coming over from the Illinois community college.

“He is an excellent rebounder who plays hard. He is a great student with high character who will represent CCU well on and off the floor,” Olney coach Mike Burris said in a press release. “He is excited to get closer to home while playing for a legendary coach in Coach Ellis.”

Sebree is a 6-7 small forward listed as a three- and four-star recruit by various scouting services.

“At [6-7], Jaylen is very skilled guard who can play multiple positions for us,” Ellis said in a press release. “He gives us the length and athleticism we want to compete for Sun Belt Championships. He is great scorer but also an excellent passer. He is one of the top-rated players in Kentucky and is going to be a great player for us. I’m excited to have him.”

Jackson is a 6-4 shooting guard who has been ranked a three-star recruit.

“Tony is preseason all-state and is ranked as one of the top five players in the state and some rankings list him as the top player in the state,” his high school coach Michael Cofer said in a press release. “He is a Mr. Basketball candidate in the state of Kentucky and I have had the luxury of coaching Tony four years now and he is the best player I have ever coached.

“Tony will leave North Hardin as the all-time leader in points and will be among the top five in rebounds, steals and blocks. Not only is Tony a great player on the court, but he is even a better young man off the court. He is a class act and will do whatever a coach ask of him. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Tony at Coastal Carolina because I know it will be bright for not only Coastal but for Tony.”

Said Ellis in a press release: “What a step in the right direction going into the Sun Belt Conference,” Ellis said. “Tony is the No. 2 rated player in Kentucky and will be a really good player for us. He is an excellent shooter with an excellent body. I think he is going to be an excellent player for us. I’m excited to have him.”

This story was originally published November 15, 2016 at 7:38 PM with the headline "CCU men’s basketball inks three recruits for 2017-18 season."