Men's Basketball Southern Conference

Speaks To Forego Senior Season

Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina head men's basketball coach Steve Shurina announced that Lamont Speaks, who would have been a senior for the upcoming season, will forego his senior season with the Catamounts.

Speaks (Clinton, S.C.) informed Coach Shurina that he has decided to seek full-time employment to support his family. The 6-9, 295-pound senior attended summer sessions at Western and was prepared for his final year of eligibility.

"Lamont figured to give us some quality time in the post this season with the loss of Kelvin Wylie and Willie Freeman," said Shurina. "However, I completely support his decision in putting his family needs first and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Speaks came to Western after two years at Cincinnati State Community College. In his one year with the Cats, he played in 15 games, starting four. He averaged 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds, recording a season-high 12 boards versus Toccoa Falls. Speaks played a key role in Western's upset at Florida State as he neutralized 6-11, 350-pound center Nigel Dixon. Speaks ended the regular season with three solid outings. After providing a spark off the bench at East Tennessee State, going 4-of-5 from the field with five rebounds, he was the starting center at Wofford and Chattanooga.