E-mail discussion with Andre Coimbra

1) Describe how you made your decision to commit to CMU over UMKC. What sort of things did you like about the program?

i felt more comfortable at CMU insted of UMKC because they made me feel apart of a family just being there a couple days. The program interested me because the coach showed me he is a winning coach and i want to be apart of a winning program. I see a possiblity of us being in the tournament.

2) What do you think are your biggest strengths/weaknesses on the basketball court? What do you need to work on the most?

My biggest strength is defense and the one thing i need to work on more is my ability to shoot threes. i can shoot them very well but i want to be close to perfect.

3) What was your journey like from Brazil to Oklahoma? Was it a difficult decision to leave home?

it was a very hard process because i had trouble speaking english and it was a long trip also. But it has gotten better because im used to America and my english isnt [erfect but is getting a lot better. it was pretty difficult leaving home, i miss my family and friends but im willing to make the sacrifice.

4) How did CMU's incoming recruiting class/new Events Center influence your decision? 

The incoming recruits were friendly just as if i already knew them.

5) Who would you compare your game to in the NBA/college ranks?

im not sure who i play like but i like to watch Dennis Rodmans game and try to duplicate my game to his minus the bad attitude.

Sizeable, history-making 2010 class complete

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College's Andre Coimbra has signed with Central Michigan.

Coimbra, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the final piece of what many consider the Chippewas' best recruiting class in program history.

Coimbra averaged 7 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game last season for NEO and coach Dustin Grover. He chose CMU over Missouri-Kansas City.

It's the seventh scholarship awarded for the 2010 class, when only six were supposed to be available.

The coaching staff and players are being suspiciously mum on who's leaving the program. After the season, several former players told me Marko Spica would not return for his fifth year and return to Serbia. But Spica denied the rumor Wednesday, saying he will do an internship in Serbia but still return to play basketball. Apparently the coaches feel like they need to wait until after exams to release who is leaving to make room for Coimbra. My best bet still is on Spica — the guys he came in with are leaving and he and Zeigler have never seen eye-to-eye. Another gut feeling is Zach Saylor, whose injury problems have kept him from getting any semblance of playing time.

The 2010 recruiting class in full
G/F Trey Zeigler                 Mount Pleasant High School            Four stars (No. 7 SG - Scout.com)
F Colin Voss                        East Grand Rapids High School         Two stars
C Nate VanArendonk          Grand Haven High School                  Two stars
G Derek Jackson                 St. Benedictine (Cleveland, Ohio)   N/A
F Jevon Harden                  Loyola High School (Detroit)           Two stars
G Paris Paramore                Triton College (Ill.)                          N/A
F Andre Coimbra                 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M           N/A

Sixth, but not final, 2010 recruit commits

Sneak peak at my story for tomorrow about CMU's newest recruit. This was supposed to be the final scholarship available for the 2010 class, but both head coach Ernie Zeigler and assistant coach Darren Kohne said they still are actively recruiting — which means a departure is likely.

The sixth member of the CMU men’s basketball team’s 2010 recruiting class is no stranger to success.

Paris Paramore, a 6-foot point guard who led Triton College (Ill.) to a 55-7 record during his two seasons, signed a National Letter of Intent to play at CMU on Monday.

“He’s a winner,” said CMU coach Ernie Zeigler. “He’s a guy who had really good leadership skills throughout high school and college. He’s played in situations where he’s helped his teams win.”

Paramore’s 14.8 points and 4.7 assists per game led Triton, which finished 26-3 last season. He also added 5.1 rebounds per game. In 2008-09, Triton went 29-4 and did not lose a game in the North Central Community College Conference.

“I try to pick players up when they’re down and make sure they’re working hard,” Paramore said. “For the big men, if they’re running the floor, I like to reward them. It’s not all about scoring – I rebound a lot as well.”

Triton coach Steven Christiansen said Paramore is an unselfish.

“Paris is just a really smart, solid player,” said Triton coach Steve Christiansen. “He does a lot of things on the floor that increases his team’s chances of winning. He’s just kind of always in the right spot making the play that needs to be made.”

Said CMU assistant coach Darren Kohne:  “I think he’s very versatile – he’s a good shooter who shot 50 percent from the field and 39 percent from (3-point range) last season.

“He’s not a great athlete – very average athleticism. But he just has a desire and passion to win, which I think in Coach Zeigler’s program is ultimately the most important characteristic you can have.” 

High school

As a prep player at Chicago’s George Washington High School, Paramore led his team to back-to-back city championship games. His team lost both times against Simeon Career Academy, which was led by Derrick Rose, who now is a member of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls.

“The Chicago Public Schools are real tough,” Paramore said. “I think that played a good role in getting me to this point.”

Paramore’s George Washington teams also featured DeAndre Liggins, a guard at Kentucky and Kansas guard Mario Little.

Christiansen said Paramore chose the Chippewas over Eastern Michigan and Loyola.

“It’s going to be a real honor to represent the ‘C’ and be part of one of the top recruiting classes in Central history,” Paramore said. 

‘Great depth’

Paramore likely will compete with senior Amir Rashid next season for the starting position at point guard.

The Chippewas lose their starting backcourt and two leading scorers – Jordan Bitzer and Robbie Harman. Incoming freshman Trey Zeigler is expected to start at shooting guard or small forward, but Ernie Zeigler said he expects practices to increase in intensity.

“(Paramore) allows us to have great depth in our backcourt and he brings a competitiveness to the position as well,” Zeigler said. “We’re going to have the opportunity to have some very spirited and competitive practices that are going to help this team develop.” 

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