Men's Basketball Signs Three Student-Athletes for 2008-09 Season During Early Period

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany men's basketball coach Will Brown announced on Thursday, Nov. 15 that three student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2008-09 academic year. Logan Aronhalt, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound swingman from Zanesville, Ohio (Zanesville H.S.), Jake Lindfors, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward from Addison, Ill. (Driscoll Catholic H.S.), and Anthony Raffa, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound guard from Strathmere, N.J. (Wildwood Catholic H.S.), each made his commitment during the early signing period.

"All three of these young men are talented and very competitive," Brown offered. "They understand how to play the game and each can really score the ball. They have a strong passion for the game. This group of student-athletes will be welcomed additions to UAlbany, the basketball program and the community."

Aronhalt was named to the 2006-07 Associated Press Division II All-Ohio squad as a first-team selection. He averaged 17.3 points and 7.0 rebounds, while shooting 56 percent from the field and 74 percent from the line. Aronhalt, an honors student, was chosen the Eastern District Player of the Year by a state media panel and was voted as the Southeastern Ohio Athletic League's top player. An honorable mention all-state choice as a sophomore, Aronhalt has led the Blue Devils to three consecutive district titles, and a pair of regional runner-up finishes. His father, Scott, has guided the program as head coach to five league crowns and one state championship.

"He really understands the game as a coach's son," Brown said. "He can score in a variety of ways with his shooting range and ability to both post up and get to the free throw line."

Lindfors, who can play play in the post or move out to the three-point arc, is one of the top fifty prospects in the state of Illinois. He averaged 17.6 points and 9.5 rebounds as a junior and blocked 54 shots. Lindors, who received All-Suburban Athletic Conference recognition, recorded 16 double-doubles as a junior, including a 37-point, 13-rebound performance against Lisle High. His father, Ron, was a collegiate center at both Bradley and Northern Illinois (1980-83).

"He is a very skilled big man who can score on the low block or from beyond the arc," Brown stated. "He has a chance to be a very special player at the next level. Jake had a great summer against some of the best AAU programs and players in the nation."

Raffa, who is currently attending The Winchendon School in Massachusetts, led Wildwood Catholic High to two consecutive NJSIAA Class B state championship appearances. As a second-team Associated Press all-state selection, Raffa averaged 30.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 4.2 steals. He earned first-team All-South Jersey honors and was chosen MVP of the Cape Atlantic National League. Raffa finished his career as the school's all-time scorer with 1,890 points. The Crusaders won back-to-back New Jersey Non-Public Class B South and CAL National crowns. He averaged 22.7 points as a junior.

"He is a high energy lead guard who is very confident and fearless," Brown said. "He can really light up the scoreboard. His year at one of the best prep school basketball programs will help him to progress both academically and athletically."

UAlbany made its second consecutive NCAA appearance after winning the America East Conference championship last season. The Great Danes established the program's Division I standard for single-season victories with a 23-10 record. UAlbany has three seniors on its 2007-08 roster, including Brent Wilson, Brian Lillis and Jon Iati.

2008-09 University at Albany Men's Basketball Signings

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School)

Logan Aronhalt G/F 6-4 215 Zanesville, Ohio (Zanesville)

Jake Lindfors F 6-9 220 Addison, Ill. (Driscoll Catholic)

Anthony Raffa G 6-1 180 Strathmere, N.J. (Wildwood Catholic / The Winchendon School)