Southwestern Head Men's Basketball Coach Connor Kuykendall announces the Pirate Men's Basketball 2021 recruiting class, his second recruiting class since taking over the reins in the summer of 2019.
"Coach Graham and I couldn't be more excited to add these six young men to our basketball family at Southwestern University," Kuykendall says. "Our goal with this recruiting class was to address a few needs with our current roster, adding forward depth while also bringing in perimeter players who can compete for minutes while adding depth there as well. We feel this was accomplished with our 2021 recruiting class and look forward to seeing their success at Southwestern."
Hudson Boyd (Montgomery, Texas) arrives at Southwestern from Lake Creek High School. Boyd enjoyed an award-laden basketball career, culminating with his senior season's 5A-District 20 Offensive MVP award. In addition, he was the Newcomer of the Year during his sophomore season, his first of three years on the varsity squad. Boyd was named to the 5A-District 20 First team all three years he spent with the team. Averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game his senior year, he led the Lions to the second round of the UIL playoffs. Boyd finished with over 1,300 points in his varsity career and was named to the TABC Academic All-State First team last season.
"From early on in the recruiting process, Hudson showed the staff how valuable of an addition he would be to the SU community," Kuykendall says. "He is a tough, hard-nosed player who can really shoot it from the perimeter. I cannot wait to see all he accomplishes over the next four years, both on and off the floor."
Nick Crump (Houston, Texas) begins his collegiate career looking to build on a successful senior year at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas. Crump averaged 15.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game for the Eagles last season and was named to the 5A-District 21 1st Team. He also was recognized on the TABC Academic All-State roster and was awarded Academic All-District honors. Crump also participated on the Faith Family Church Dream Team and participated in numerous donation drives and community service organizations during his time at Barbers Hill. He joins fellow Eagle alum Mason Murphy on the Pirate men's basketball roster.
"Nick is a great young man and a great addition to our Pirate Basketball family," Kuykendall says. "Nick had a good senior year, especially returning from a knee injury, and is going to add depth at our guard position. Nick is ready to work and will help this program grow over the next four years ."
Jackson Duetsch (Buda, Texas) adds to the long list of names on the Pirate Men's Basketball roster from the Central Texas area. He played four seasons at Hays High School, culminating in a standout senior year where he was named Team MVP. Deutsch averaged 12.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game during his senior season. Competing in one of the most talented districts in Texas, he was named to the 6A-District 26 First Team to cap off his time with the Hawks.
"Jack is a central Texas student-athlete we are excited to add to our program. He has a great motor who plays hard on both ends of the floor," Kuykendall says. "He is one of three "big guys" in this class, which will add much-needed depth to our post position. I look forward to seeing Jack's progression over the next four years. "
Trenton Jackson (Austin, Texas) doesn't have to go very far to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level. From nearby St. Andrew's Episcopal in South Austin, Jackson was a four-year letterman for the basketball team. During his senior year was a versatile weapon on the offensive end for the team while also being the defensive anchor that helped lead the Crusaders to a 10-4 record in a COVID shortened season. Jackson was also extremely active away from the court, racking up more than 450 hours of community service and being named the St. Andrew's Religious Studies Award winner his senior year.
"Trent is another commit from the Austin area who we cannot wait to see in the black and gold," Kuykendall says. "He is versatile and adds athleticism and depth on the perimeter. Trent has a bright future in our program and at Southwestern University."
Brock Luechtefeld (The Woodlands, Texas) makes his way to the Pirates from The Woodlands High School. He was the key for the Highlanders on both ends of the floor, leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocked shots in both his junior and senior seasons. Luechtefeld was named to the 6A-District 13 First Team in both years and took home District MVP honors for his senior season. He finished as the sixth leading rebounder in The Woodlands HS history at the conclusion of his high school career. He was successful off the court and was named an Academic Honorable Mention in his final year with the team.
"Brock is another forward we are excited about joining the Pirate family," Kuykendall says. "He has a high basketball IQ and had a successful senior campaign in high school. His size and skill set are going to be fun to watch over the next four years."
Stephen Smith (Houston, Texas) joins the Pirate Men's Basketball family from St. Thomas Catholic High School. Smith was a three-year letter winner for the Eagles and had a standout senior season for the team. He led the team in field goal percentage and rebounds and blocks per game, anchoring the team's offense and defense in the paint on both ends of the floor. In addition, Smith was awarded an honorable mention All-District for his efforts in the Eagles one-loss district record.
"Stephen is someone we started recruiting last summer, and we are excited he decided to come to SU," Kuykendall says. "He comes from a successful high school team in Houston and is only going to improve once he gets on campus. I cannot wait to see everything he accomplishes over the next four years."
The men's basketball season begins Saturday, Nov. 6 at 4:00 p.m. against Howard Payne.