Posted on 21 June, 2012

Gillette College Men’s Basketball Coach Shawn Neary has signed Jayden Walsh and Derrick Waldroup to NJCAA national letters of intent.

Jayden is a 2012 graduate of Mooroolbark College High School in Melbourne, Australia. The 6’8", 240 pound centre will be a physical presence in the paint for the Pronghorns.

The left-handed Walsh has had an outstanding junior career in Australia which has included being named to the U20 Victorian State which won the Gold Medal at the Australian National Championships. He is also on the Australian Emus U19 Team that recently returned from the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany. He is currently playing for Kilsyth Cobra’s as well as some National Team commitments and a trip to China with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Rod Popp, director of basketball operations for Kilsyth (Melbourne) Basketball Club said, "Jayden is a big, strong player that has a chance to be real post presence. He can also step away from the basket and shoot the 12-15 jump shot. He is a hard worker and has the potential to be pretty good. I know he is looking forward to the opportunity at Gillette College."

"Jayden will give us a quality big man in the lane. His best basketball is ahead of him and with all the international experience Jayden has had, I feel he will be able to step in immediately and help our team have a successful season." Stated Pronghorn’s head coach Shawn Neary.

Jayden is the son of Michele Pearson-Walsh and Tony Walsh (step son of Stuart Sanham).

Derrick Waldroup is a 6’5 240 pound, power forward from Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, Colorado.

Waldroup transferred to Cherokee Trail the summer before his senior season but the Colorado High School Association never granted him his eligibility because of the transfer. Waldroup played his junior season at Hargrave High School in Huffman, Texas. Waldroup averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds a game his junior season.

"Derrick is a talented, physically mature power forward. He is really strong and plays with toughness and determination. We got a steal by signing Derrick to our program. He has a huge upside and is an outstanding young man." Stated Pronghorns head coach Shawn Neary.

Derrick is the son of Jacqueline Waldroup.