Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) men’s basketball NAIA National Championships
“With only three players back from a year ago with quality experience, we have a ton of room for improving as the season progresses,” explains head coach Donnie Bostwick .
SAGU will be led by senior point guard Keyunta Watkins . Watkins was the leading scorer for the Lions last year, averaging 15 points per game. He is also one of the top 3pt shooters in the NAIA, ranking fourth in 3pt field goals made per game with three. In the last five games of the 2015-2016 season, Watkins averaged an impressive 27 points.
Sophomore Isaak Rowe is also a familiar name with Lions fans. Rowe was a starter and one of the top freshman in 
the country last season. Rowe averaged five rebounds per game and nearly 10 points.
“Practices have been very competitive and we are progressing in the right direction,” explains Bostwick, “I like this group, I like our depth and size, but experience and meshing new pieces take time.”
Some of the top new players that Bostwick will be piecing into the puzzle are Josh Williams , Lance Tipton and Kentton Williams .
Williams is a 6’3 guard that is a junior transfer from Jacksonville College in Jacksonville, Texas. As a sophomore he averaged 12.5 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game. He also made nearly two steals per game.
Lance Tipton is a graduate of Midlothian High School . Tipton is a 6’5 forward that averaged over 17 points per game his senior season. He also pulled in nearly seven rebounds per game.
Kennton Williams is a 6’6 freshman forward from Levelland High School . As a senior, Williams averaged nearly 19 points and over eight rebounds per game. During his high school career he made over 100 three-pointers and scored over 1,600 points.
Looking at this year’s roster, it’s clear that Bostwick had height in mind while recruiting. The Lions will have 12 players that are 6’4 or taller. “I like our length, shooting and balance. We will need to lean on Keyunta, while other players step up nightly. We have many players that can score 20 points on a given night. If we play hard, unselfish, and can stay healthy, then I believe this team can compete for another trip back to KC,” says Bostwick.
Last season the Lions went 20-13. For the fourth year in a row they made it to the NAIA National Championships in Kansas City, Missouri.
This kick-off to the 2016-2017 season is at the Oklahoma Wesleyan Classic. SAGU will play College of the Ozarks at 4pm on Friday, October 28, 2016. On Saturday they will be playing Ecclesia at 4pm.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
Contact: Natalie Tristan, SAGU SID, [email protected]
