NAMPA, Idaho – Northwest Nazarene University head men's basketball coach David Daniels is pleased to announce the signing of five student athletes who will join the Crusader squad this fall.
 
Mike Wright, Josh Amey, Joel Devastey, Pol Olivier Canadell and John VanBueren have all signed their National-Letter-of-Intent to play for the Crusaders in the 2013-14 season.
 
Mike Wright is a 6'0” combo guard from Burlington, Ontario Canada. Mike played two seasons for Waterloo University in Canada and was named the MVP of his team as a sophomore. He averaged15.2 points per game and 4 assists per game while shooting 40% from behind the arc. Mike has the ability to put a lot of points up on the board in a variety of ways. Mike's abilities help to immediately fill the void at the guard spot, with Kenny Jones and Jon Hawkins graduating.
 
“Mike is a proven scorer who has a burning desire to reach his potential.  He is comfortable playing both guard positions and will help carry a chunk of our scoring load,” commented Coach Daniels.
 
Josh Amey is a 5'11" point guard who averaged 9.2 assists and 8.1 points per game at Merritt Junior College. Prior to Merritt, he attended Berkeley High School in Oakland, CA.  Josh led the Merritt Thunderbirds to the California State Final Four this past season for the first time since 1955 (out of 106 teams)  Amey came up big during their playoff run,  posting 16 points, 11 assists and 16-points, 15 assists in back-to-back games.  Josh was honored as an all-league selection for the Bay Valley Conference.  
 
“Josh is a proven, high level, pass-first point guard that can score when needed.  He excels in the open court and in pick and roll situations.  We are confident that he will have an immediate impact,” said Daniels.
 
Joel Devastey is a 6'8" forward from Temple Junior College in Texas. Joel averaged 9 points and 6 rebounds this past season in one of the top NJCAA regions in the country. Joel had multiple double-double performances with highs of 22 points and 14 rebounds.  One of the reasons Joel chose NNU is because he wants to be a part of a Christian program where he will be challenged in his faith.

“Joel is athletic, very effective in the pick and roll, and has a deadly face up game. We look forward to developing him into a high level post player over the next couple of years!”
 
Pol Olivier Cañadell is a 6'3” combo guard from Canarias Basketball Academy (CBA) in Spain.  Pol competed with CBA's top team, which places multiple players at the NCAA Division I level every year.  CBA is the same academy which brought NNU Matyas Hering.  Pol is a highly skilled player that has the ability to play both the point guard and the two guard positions.
 
“Pol is a talented young guard who is extremely motivated.  He comes from a great basketball academy where he has been trained how to play the game,” added Daniels.
 
John VanBueren is a 6'8” 240lb Center/Forward from Centennial High School in Boise.  John is known for his tough physical play and his relentless effort.  VanBueren will be a dual athlete at NNU, as he will also throw the shot put and discus for the track team.
 
“John is a great fit for NNU!  He has a ton of upside and the work ethic to back it up.  We are thrilled to have him,” said Daniels.