Bucs Add Fullah, Bernard for 2012-2013

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Head Coach Barclay Radebaugh announced Wednesday that the Charleston Southern men’s basketball team has signed junior college transfer Allie Fullah, and high school senior Malcolm Bernard, to National Letters of Intent. Fullah and Bernard will join the Bucs for the 2012-2013 season.

Fullah, a 6’8”, 235 lb. forward/center from London, averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game while serving as team captain at the College of Central Florida last season. Fullah also spent the 2010-2011 campaign at the College of Central Florida, where he played with CSU rising senior forward Mathiang Muo.

“We are thrilled to add Allie to our basketball program,” Radebaugh said of Fullah. “We set out this year to recruit some size inside to add to a talented returning group. We wanted a player who could play at our fast pace, defend a center, rebound effectively, and score in the post and from 15 feet. We accomplished our goals with Allie.”

Fullah was a key component in the College of Central Florida’s 25-8 season last year, as the Patriots captured the Mid-Florida Conference championship and made an appearance in the state finals under Head Coach Tim Ryan. Fullah also excelled in high school in the United Kingdom, tallying averages of 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks to earn Co-MVP honors. Fullah’s play was also recognized on a nationwide level, as he played two years on the U20 British National Team. Off the court, Fullah thrived in his studies en route to earning the Student-Athlete Award of Excellence.

Bernard, a 6’5”, 205 lb. guard from Middleburg, Florida, led his high school team to a 16-10 record and a spot in the district semifinals by posting averages of 18 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks. For his efforts, Bernard earned a spot on the Florida 6A All-State Team, and was named the District 6 Player of the Year.

“We are very excited that Malcolm has chosen CSU to further his education and play basketball,” Radebaugh said of Bernard. “I use one word to describe Malcolm – gifted. Malcolm has been blessed with many basketball skills and abilities. Most importantly, Malcolm has savvy and a feel for the game. He knows how to play on both ends of the floor.”

Bernard starred under Middleburg High School Head Coach Michael Harrison and acted as team captain for his senior season, after which he was named team MVP. In addition to his other accolades, Bernard was also given distinction as a Clay County All-Star, and highlighted his senior campaign with an 18 point, 13 rebound, 9 assist, 7 block, and 4 steal performance which netted him FACA All-Star Game MVP honors.

“I am thrilled to add Allie and Malcolm to our CSU basketball family,” Radebaugh said. “These two will make us better and will join a returning group that should contend for a Big South Championship. I am also very excited about the recruiting efforts of our coaching staff. Our coaches work very well together and are relentless. I really enjoy the chemistry our staff has. BJ, Ahmad, Brad and JT are a bunch of unselfish hard workers that have helped us improve in every area this year. It takes a team effort to recruit well. I am thankful.”

What They’re Saying about Allie Fullah…

CSU Head Coach Barclay Radebaugh on Allie:

“Allie will add great size and strength to our team. He played for one of the best junior college coaches in the country in Tim Ryan. He is fundamentally sound and comes from a program that plays a similar style to ours. Allie has a 7’2” wingspan which allows him to be a factor around the rim. Most importantly, Allie has tremendous character. Allie is a tremendous student and will fit into our basketball program perfectly.”

Tim Ryan, College of Central Florida Head Coach:

“We are very pleased that Allie has chosen Charleston Southern to continue his education. Allie is a well-rounded student-athlete that will bring great energy and enthusiasm with him to CSU. He is a massive presence in the middle, and his combination of size, length and athleticism make opponents think twice about bringing the ball into the paint. Allie is one of only four players here at the College of Central Florida to ever win two Mid-Florida Conference titles.”

What They’re Saying about Malcolm Bernard….

CSU Head Coach Barclay Radebaugh on Malcolm:

“Malcolm knows how to play on both ends of the floor. He is an outstanding ball handler who makes great decisions. Second, Malcolm is gifted with great size for a guard. At 6’5”, 205, Malcolm will also add much needed size to our perimeter. Lastly, Malcolm has outstanding abilities. He has worked extremely hard to develop a good skill base and he scores. Malcolm was extremely well coached by Michael Harrison at Middleburg High School. Malcolm has strong character and a solid work ethic. He will not only be a super addition to our basketball program, but also to our CSU campus both academically and socially.”

Michael Harrison, Middleburg High School Head Coach:

“Charleston Southern is getting a charismatic, well-rounded young man that has a tremendous future in front of him on and off the basketball court. I am so happy for him to see the benefits of his hard work in the classroom and the gym.”