Valparaiso men’s basketball head coach Homer Drew announced today that Richie Edwards of Hillsborough [Fla.] C.C. has signed a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period and will join the Crusader program for the 2011-2012 campaign.

“We are excited about having Richie join our program next year,” said Drew.  “He is 6’8” and a very versatile player who led his team in both scoring and rebounding last season.  Richie started this season well also, going for 18 points and eight rebounds in his first game of the year.”

Edwards, who will have two seasons of eligibility left when he joins the Crusaders, was a First Team All-Conference selection for the Hawks as a freshman, averaging better than 16 points and seven rebounds per game.  A product of Lakeland H.S., he was named the Lakeland Ledger Player of the Year as a high school senior, leading his squad to the regional finals while posting 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per contest.

“Richie is a very aggressive player on both ends of the court, and we think he’ll be a wonderful fit in our program next year,” said Drew.  “He also brings some international experience with him, as both of his parents were missionaries in New Zealand before returning to the U.S. to live in Florida.”