By ADAM ZAGORIA
New Iona coach Tobin Anderson continued to overhaul his roster with the additions Sunday of Southern transfer Terrell Williams Jr. and Cal transfer Joel Brown along with the recent commitment of junior college transfer Greg Gordon.
The 6-foot-6 Williams averaged 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds last season as a junior, and 9.8 points and 3.6 boards the year before.
“What made me pick Iona was just the basketball culture the program has built over the years,” Williams said. “They are 100% bought in with everything revolving basketball and supporting the team with as much as they can. They also have a great coaching staff coming in. It was just a perfect storm of things complementing one another that aided my decision to pick Iona.
“The main skillset I bring is my versatility. Being an athletic 3-level scorer and committed to getting every stop possible on defensive end playing with maximum effort every play! I do a little bit of everything and fit into the system Coach Tobin has planned very well !!
“I feel great about the situation I’m going into and very excited to get better as well as bond with my teammates and coaches.”
All Glory to God !! Happy to start this new chapter in my life 🙏🏽 Thank you to all the college Coaches that reached out to during this time frame !! pic.twitter.com/ZZQRkPzhC5
— Terrell Jr (@terrelljr2k) April 30, 2023
The 6-3 Brown averaged 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists as a senior at Cal.
“I loved the fact it was closer to home, but I felt very comfortable around the coaching staff and the pieces they are bringing to reload Iona,” said Brown, a native of Brampton, Ontario. “I loved the history of success this program has, the opportunity to evolve as a basketball player instead of being boxed in. And the style of play suits the way I play. As well having a strong Brewster tie with Pat Wallace.
“The skillset I’ll bring is experienced leadership, creating havoc on the defensive end, making plays for others with my speed and passing ability. And providing versatility playing at different positions within Coach Tobin’s offense.”
Stayed Down, It’s Up Now…🗽 @IonaGaelsMBB pic.twitter.com/tQs0lLvNnv
— Joel Brown (@jabrown_1) April 30, 2023
The 6-6 Gordon out of Dyersburg State Community College (TN) averaged 23.3 points and 10.6 rebounds on 44% shooting.
“I picked Iona because I believe in Coach Tobin and his vision for the program and the belief he has in me and my ability to come play and be a leader on and off the court,” Gordon said.
“I’m bringing a hard-working mindset and a smile every day enjoying what I love doing.”
Iona has also added Harvard transfer Idan Tretout and Class of 2023 guards Jean Araguren and Jeremiah Quigley and Class of 2023 forward Dylan Saunders, while losing Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida), Daniss Jenkins (St. John’s), Nelly Junior Joseph (New Mexico), Silas Sunday (Hofstra) and Sadiku Ibine Ayo from last year’s NCAA Tournament team under Rick Pitino.
Osborn Shema, a 7-footer who averaged 7.0 points and 4.7 rebounds, is Iona’s lone returning player.
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