Nov. 13, 2008

CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago men's basketball coach Jim Whitesell announced today the signing of a pair of student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on the first day of the Early Signing Period. Joining the Ramblers' program for the 2009-10 will be forward Ben Averkamp (Germantown, Wis./Germantown) and guard Gabriel Kindred (Oakland, Calif./Worcester Academy, Mass.).

Averkamp was a 2007-08 Associated Press Second Team All-State selection after posting 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.0 blocks and 3.0 assists per game at Germantown High School. The 6-foot-7, 215 pound forward led head coach Steve Showalter's Germantown High squad to a 22-2 record and its first state tournament appearance last season. A member of the National Honor Society, Averkamp also carries a 4.0 grade-point average. In addition to earning First Team All-North Shore Conference and North Shore Conference Player of the Year honors last winter, Averkamp was a WBCA First Team All-State selection and is currently ranked No. 3 for the Wisconsin Class of 2009 by wishoops.net.

"Ben is a forward who can face up and score or score down low," Whitesell said. "We think he can play both the big forward and center spots. He is a very team-oriented player, he has been schooled in the game by coach Steve Showalter, he is a good rebounder and has the ability to score. Much like our other signee, Gabriel Kindred, Ben has the ability to make an immediate impact in our program. Ben was drawn to Loyola because he wants to major in pre-med and the fact it is within close proximity to his hometown was appealing to him. Our roster is also filled with several Wisconsin natives, including J.R. Blount, Andy Polka, John Benkoske and Tom Neary, which helped Ben feel comfortable with the program. This is an impressive young man both on and off the court."

Kindred, who currently is attending Worcester Academy in Worcester, Mass., is a 6-foot-1 point guard, who previously played at Fremont High School in California. Last season at Worcester Academy, he averaged 10.0 ppg, 4.0 apg and 2.0 spg under the direction of coach Ed Reilly and is regarded as one of the top players in his prep school league.

"Gabriel is a point guard who can make an immediate contribution," Whitesell said. "He comes from the best prep school league in the country and is a good student. A consummate point guard who has been well coached by Ed Reilly, Gabriel has exceptional leadership qualities and can adjust to numerous styles of play. Our staff did a great job throughout Gabriel's recruitment. Gabriel chose Loyola for its outstanding academic reputation and urban setting. We couldn't be happier about him joining our program and think he can be an impact guard."

Loyola raises the curtain on the 2008-09 campaign when it hosts Rockhurst on Nov. 14.