LOWELL (Nov. 20, 2013) – UMass Lowell Head Men's Basketball Coach Pat Duquette, in the midst of his first season, announced the signing of five players during the early signing period to play for the River Hawks beginning the 2014-15 season.
 
Joining the River Hawks next season is Jordan Shea, a 6-foot-4 guard from Lodi, Wis. (Lodi H.S.); Matthew Harris, a 6-2 guard from Erie, Pa. (Cathedral Prep); Dontavious Smith, a 6-9 forward from Springhill, La. (North Webster H.S.); Josh Gantz, a 6-6 forward from Grove City, Ohio (Bishop Ready H.S.); and Brad Shaub, a 6-5 guard/forward from Marlette, Mich. (Marlette H.S.).
 
UMass Lowell is in its first season as an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the America East Conference. The River Hawks vist the University of Rhode Island Saturday at 2:00.
 
"We are extremely happy with our 2014 recruiting class," said Duquette. "We feel like we've got a good amount of skill, IQ and toughness at every position, as well as players who we think will develop and get better over time. This is a group of guys who are excited about UMass Lowell and welcome the challenges that lie ahead."
 
Shea is fresh off a junior season in which he registered 15.1 points and 7.0 rebounds and led Lodi H.S. to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Division III state championship game. Along the way, he was named the Capitol North Player of the Year and earned a spot on the Associated Press All-State Fourth Team.
 
Shea is a native of Hyde Park, Mass., and moved to Lodi, Wis., as a teenager. He still has extended family in the Boston area.
 
"Jordan is a very versatile player with a high IQ who makes everyone around him better," Duquette said.
 
Harris enters his senior season at Cathedral Prep having averaged 13.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting .520 from the field, .380 from 3-point range and .820 from the free throw line as a junior. He helped guide Cathedral Prep to a 23-3 record and an appearance in the Pennsylvania Quad-A Elite Eight.
 
"Matt is a tough, hard-nosed combination guard who has great range and rhythm on his jump shot," Duquette noted.
 
Smith comes to UMass Lowell following a junior season in which he compiled 8.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.5 blocked shots per game en route to All-District 1 Class AA honors and Shreveport Times All-Area Second Team status. Additionally, he helped his AAU team, the Louisiana Roundballers, to the finals of the AAU National Tournament in Orlando the last two years.
 
"Dontavious is a very gifted, athletic, versatile frontcourt player who can play around the basket, but he can also step out on the perimeter as well," Duquette said.
 
Gantz comes to UMass Lowell fresh off a junior season in which he led Bishop Ready H.S. to a 14-11 season and an appearance in the Ohio Division III District championship game. Along the way, he posted averages of 7.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, including season-highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds (twice) as well as 10 blocked shots in a 45-42 win over Grandview Heights H.S.
 
Gantz peaked over the final five games of the season with averages of 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game.
 
"Josh is a very skilled, good shooting combination forward who can really pass and be effective at the high post," said Duquette.
 
Shaub enjoyed a stellar junior season which saw him average 18.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.3 steals. Awards were abundant for Shaub and included All-Thumb Player of the Year honors from the Huron County View, as well as Class C All-State status and Honorable Mention All-State honors from both the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News.
 
Shaub also earned All-Huron County and All-Conference honors.
 
"Brad is an extremely skilled player who can play a variety of positions," Duquette. "He's another one who makes everyone around him better."
 
Following Tuesday's game against Brown, UMass Lowell visits the University of Rhode Island Saturday at 2:00.
 
Season tickets are available by logging on to www.GoRiverHawks.com or by contacting Andrew Ralph at 978-934-2181 or Andrew_Ralph@uml.edu.