Men's Basketball Signs Four
November 15, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Jason Chappell, Ray Nixon, Alando Tucker and Maurice Wade have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Wisconsin and play basketball for the Badgers beginning in the fall of 2002, the Wisconsin men's basketball team announced today. The four student-athletes make up head coach Bo Ryan's first recruiting class at the UW.
Chappell, a 6-10, 230-pound forward, is attending Worcester Academy in Massachusetts this year. Chappell attended New Berlin West High School where he helped lead the team to the WIAA Division 2 state championship as a junior. He was named the Waukesha Freeman Athlete of the Year and averaged 18.7 points and 14.9 rebounds.
'We're delighted to have Jason join our basketball family,' Ryan said. 'With continued hard work, he has the potential to be a very effective student-athlete at Wisconsin. His ability to pass, score and defend for a bigger than average player allows him to have a chance to help this program. Jason 's best basketball is ahead of him because of his continued growth. Badger fans are going to enjoy watching Jason develop.'
Nixon, 6-7, 200 pounds, averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds a game last year at Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay, Wis. A three-year varsity player, Nixon was named first team all-conference a year ago.
'For a student-athlete who just turned 17 and could be a junior in high school, Ray has a tremendous upside,' Ryan said. 'As he continues to mature, his length and wiry frame could play out to his favor. With added strength, Ray has the ability to play multiple positions and can be a very effective team player. We're looking forward to having the opportunity to work with Ray over his career at Wisconsin.'
Tucker, 6-5, 190 pounds, was a Herald News all-Area selection as a junior at Township High School in Lockport, Ill. He averaged 21.6 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field and earning all-SICA West honors.
'Alando brings an uncanny ability to slash and get to the rim with the basketball,' Ryan said. 'He is extremely quick north and south with the ball and finishes strong to the basket. Versatile may be the best word to describe Alando. We're extremely excited to have him join our university and I 'm sure Badger fans will enjoy watching Alando represent the University of Wisconsin.'
Wade, 6-3, 185 pounds, has led Milwaukee Vincent High School to two consecutive WIAA Division 1 State Championships. He averaged 12 points, five rebounds and four assists as a junior and scored 23 points in the state championship game.
'Maurice brings an understanding of what it takes to win championships,' Ryan said. 'He's been in pressure situations throughout his career and has thrived in those atmospheres. Boo also just turned 17 and has an opportunity to be a very good student-athlete at Wisconsin. He can play a variety of perimeter positions and has a great feel for the game. As he continues to develop and mature, I'm positive that Badger fans throughout the country will be as excited as our staff is for Maurice's future.'
