Moore Finalizes Signing Class with Addition of Six More Players

Peterson, a 6'5 athletic forward, helped lead Jordan to the 2007 Georgia AAA state title as a junior, averaging 15 points per game. He then averaged 16 points per outing as a senior before signing with Morehead State. At MSU, he played in 32 games as a true freshman and averaged just under two points per contest. He then started 31 of 35 games as a sophomore last season for the Eagles and averaged 7.8 points and just over four rebounds per game. He was impressive from three-point range, shooting almost 38 percent (29-77) and also from the free-throw line where he was 50-66 for 75.8 percent. He helped the Eagles to an impressive 24-11 record and a win in the opening round of the NIT. He scored in double digits in 12 games with a season-best of 20 points against Tennessee Tech on February 6, and had a season high nine rebounds to go with 15 points against Eastern Kentucky on February 17.

 

"Steve Peterson can do everything on the basketball floor," said Moore. "He is a guy we feel like can be an impact player not only here at CSU, but in the Peach Belt Conference. He can dribble it, pass it, shoot it, rebound it, you name it. He brings a lot to the table for us because he can play multiple positions. It is also great to have a player from right here in Columbus and Jordan High School for the fans to get behind and come out to see."

Moore has also added another Division I transfer in 6'7 Paul Darkwa from Wright State University. Darkwa held the distinction of being the oldest Division I player in the country last season at age 27. He played as a freshman after serving the previous eight years in the U.S. Navy. Darkwa appeared in 26 games last season at Wright State in a reserve role, averaging 1.1 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. He adds much-needed size to the squad for Moore and also brings a high level of maturity. Darkwa will have three years of eligibility remaining.

"Paul brings a lot of maturity to our team just because of his age and his experience. We will look to him for leadership not only on the floor, but off the floor. He has great athleticism and quickness and we feel like that will make him hard to guard in this league," said Moore.

The third four-year transfer comes to CSU from NAIA Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. Darius McKnight, a native of Conyers, Georgia, comes to CSU after two seasons at Faulkner. He played in 30 games last season for the Eagles, helping lead the team to an 18-13 season mark. A 6'7 forward, McKnight averaged 5.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. McKnight also brings solid size to the Cougar lineup and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

"Darius has great hands and great footwork in the post positions. His experience from playing two years of college basketball at Faulkner will be big for us. Faulkner has a quality program and that experience will really help us and he will definitely give us an inside presence," Moore said. 

The last four-year transfer comes to CSU from Division II St. Mary's (Texas) University. A 6'6 forward, Murphy was red-shirted at St. Mary's last season after transferring from Gadsden (Ala.) State Community College. The Decatur, Georgia, native averaged 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per contest. In high school, Murphy helped lead Douglas County High to a state runner-up finish as a senior. 

"Murphy can shoot the 15- to 17-footer very well and has great strength and hands. He has the ability to be a double-double guy almost every game out because of his skills," Moore said.

Joining the group of four-year transfers is 6'3 guard Isaac Joyner, who comes to CSU from North Platte (Neb.) Community College. Joyner is an Atlanta native and a graduate of Morrow High School. Joyner played in 30 games last season at NPCC, averaging 4.8 points and 1.6 rebounds. A versatile forward, he hit almost 37 percent of his three-point attempts (21-57) and was a 46 percent shooter overall.

"Isaac gives us great depth at the guard spot because his athleticism and shooting ability. He has good size for a guard and we really needed that. He is another player that brings in good experience, as well," said Moore.

The last of the final group of signees is freshman Philip Spotswood of Gainesville, Florida. Spotswood spent last year at Wilbraham and Monson Academy, a preparatory school in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. He averaged 10 points and four assists at the point guard spot last season and will compete for playing time with returning player Bryant Thomas and newcomer Jamarquis Steverson. 

"Philip is a smart, heady player who can run the offense and also knock down the open three-point shot. He will have to adjust to the speed of the game, but we feel like he will develop into a good player in this league," Moore stated.

"We definitely feel like we have upgraded the talent level of our team for this season. How well this group meshes together as a team will determine just how good we can be. As a staff, we feel like we have all the ingredients for a good basketball team with size, speed, quickness, shooting and rebounding. We are anxious to get all of them here and get the year started," added Moore.

CSU opens the inaugural season for Moore as head coach on November 15 at Alabama-Huntsville.