Long Beach State University Athletics
49er Men's Basketball Announces Two Signees
4/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
April 25, 2008
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Long Beach State Head Men's Basketball Coach Dan Monson announced that Larry Anderson (G, 6-6, 215, Long Beach, Calif., Winchendon Prep, Jordan HS) and T.J. Robinson (F, 6-7, 210, West Haven, CT, St. Thomas More Prep, Kolbe Cathedral HS) have signed a National Letter-of-Intent with the 49ers. Both players will be incoming freshman this fall.
"We feel these two really add athleticism and qualities to our basketball program that we were lacking this year," said Monson. "With our elimination of junior college recruiting this year, we are excited to be able to add a couple of freshmen who gained valuable experience in the prep school ranks. We expect both to contribute immediately for us."
Anderson spent this past season at Winchendon Prep in Massachusetts where he averaged 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals per game. He was a first team All-NEPSAC selection and was named one of the top five performers at the National Prep Showcase. Anderson earned many individual honors as well, being named the MVP of the Hall of Fame Classic, MVP of the Hargrave Invitational and MVP of the New Jersey Classic. Anderson also helped lead his team to the finals of the NEPSAC Tournament. He selected the 49ers over Xavier, DePaul and Bradley.
Anderson was a three-year letterwinner at Jordan High School in Long Beach, earning first team Moore League honors twice, while being named to the Long Beach Press-Telegram "Dream Team" first team his senior campaign and was a first team All-CIF selection. As a senior, the Panthers were 20-10 and advanced to the CIF-Southern Section I-AA semifinals. Anderson averaged 22.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 blocks per game in the 2006-07 campaign, while shooting .515 from the field. Anderson hit double digits in scoring 27 times, including a career-best 40 points against Compton. He scored 20 or more points 20 times and had 23 double-double's. One of his best games came against Artesia in the CIF semifinals as he had 35 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. As a junior, Anderson averaged 14.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as Jordan went 26-6 and won the Moore League title with an 11-1 mark. The Panthers advanced to the CIF-SS I-AA championship game, where they lost to Los Alamitos (71-61). He scored in double digits 25 times, had seven double-double's and scored a season-best 24 points vs. Loyola.
"Larry is a multi-dimensional wing who adds athleticism, experience and versatility to us," said Monson. "Larry can play multiple positions and has been well-coached at both Jordan and Winchendon. He has the ability to be a lock down defender for us. We are really excited to add another local product to our family. Larry brings a winning personality to our program. "
Robinson hails from West Haven, Connecticut and attended St. Thomas More Prep in Oakdale, CT this past year. He averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists this past season and was named MVP of the Hall of Fame Prep School Tournament in Springfield, Massachusetts. Robinson, who played his high school basketball at Kolbe Cathedral HS, chose the 49ers over Minnesota, Nevada and Temple.
"TJ brings us a front court athlete that can score and rebound," said Monson. "He has a very good mid-range game, and can attack the basket on the bounce. TJ will also bring us versatility and can play both forward positions. He also brings a contagious winning attitude to our program."
