BOILING SPRINGS --- With the 2014-2015 season coming to a close in late March, Gardner-Webb head coach Tim Craft and his staff have been focused on preparing for next season, and building on the success they have enjoyed over the last two years. The Runnin' Bulldogs' incoming recruiting class has been busy as well, each performing at a high level in preparation for their first season at Gardner-Webb next fall.
Junior college transfer Jamaal Robateau (Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia), and incoming freshmen Eric Jamison (East Point, Ga.) and Daniel "DJ" Laster (Pensacola, Fla.) have each put together strong seasons over the last several months, all averaging more than 15 points per game while helping their respective teams to stellar campaigns.
Robateau started his collegiate career at North Idaho College this past fall as a redshirt freshman, leading his team in scoring at 15.4 points per game while averaging 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals per contest. The 6-foot-5, 180-pound guard helped North Idaho to a 23-6 overall record this season, as the Cardinals advanced to the NJCAA Region 18 Championship game.
A native of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, Robateau poured in a game-high 26 points on 7-of-19 in the contest, knocking down four treys and converting 8-of-10 at the free throw line. Robateau posted nine 20-point game this season, eclipsing the 30-point plateau twice and earning a spot on the NJCAA All-Region 18 Second Team - selected from amongst one of the largest regions in the country. He is also a member of the Australian U19 National Team.
Jamison enjoyed a strong senior season at Greater Atlanta Christian School, earning HoopSeen.com Georgia Class AA All-State Second Team honors after averaging 15 points, nine rebounds, 1.5 assists and one steal per game. His Greater Atlanta Christian team finished the season with a 19-10 overall record, advancing to the second round of the state tournament and ranking sixth in the final AA state rankings.
Laster completed his prep career at Pensacola Catholic High School with a strong senior season, averaging 15.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while posting eight 20-point performances. He finished his career at PCHS with 815 points, shooting 50 percent from the field.
The 6-foot-6, 200-pound forward was selected to play in the Pensacola Sports Association Subway All-Star Game, winning MVP for the West team and receiving an invitation to play in the Annual Florida Panhandle Shootout on April 10. Laster recorded four double-doubles this season, while scoring a career-high 26 points on two occasions.
