ELON,  NC -- Elon  head coach Mark Simons announced today the addition of Matt Nowlin (Roanoke, VA/Roanoke Catholic HS),  Montell Watson (Clifton Forge, VA/Alleghany HS) and Bryce Husak (Mt. Vernon, IA/Mt. Vernon HS) to the Phoenix men's basketball program.  All three players have signed National Letter's of Intent.

Nowlin, a 6-4 combo guard, helped guide coach Dick Wall's Roanoke Catholic team to two VIS state championships during his sophomore and junior seasons.  He was also named First Team Virginia Independent State,  All-State and All-Metro in 2000-2001.  He earned MVP and All Tournament honors at the 2000-01. Nowlin has scored 1,538 career points, including 234 3-point field goals (57 in 2001-02) through his junior season. 

"Matt is as good a shooter as there is coming out of the class of 2003," said Simons.  "He is a good athlete and a tough kid who will compete for playing time as a freshman at the two-guard spot.  With his size and basketball ability, Matt should have a great career at Elon."

Watson, a 6-1 point guard, was named First Team All-State by both coaches and writers,   Player of the Year in the Blue Ridge District, Region III and by the Virginian Review , while averaging 24.3 ppg in his junior year.  He was honored as MVP in the Hot Springs - Covington Rotary Christmas Tournament.   As a sophomore he was tabbed First Team All-District, First Team All-Region, Player of the Year by the Virginian Review and honorable mention All-State.  

"Montell is the point guard we wanted.  He is a great leader and has all the intangibles you look for at  the point guard position," commented Simons.  "He has the ability to score and also is great at setting up his teammates."

Husak, a 7-1, 250-pound center, averaged 14.5 points  and eight  rebounds last season.  Husak has fired 54 percent from the field and 67 percent from the free throw line.  He accumulated 118 blocks during his junior season and helped lead coach Andy Craig's Mt. Vernon team to a 20-6 record and an appearance in the state finals for the first time in 29 years. 

"Bryce has his best basketball ahead of him," remarked Simons.  "He has great hands and a terrific work ethic.  With his size and shot blocking abilities, he should provide an immediate impact as we move forward into the Southern Conference."

Elon University is a member of the NCAA Division I Big South Conference this season.  The Big South Conference members include Birmingham-Southern (officially 2003-04), Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, High Point, Liberty, Radford, UNC Asheville and Winthrop.

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