Charles Hammork Signs With East Tennessee State

April 30, 2012

Charles Hammork with Coffeyville Head Basketball Coach Jay Herkelman during Monday's signing ceremony. Hammork inked with East Tennesse State.

Jayhawk East MVP Charles Hammork signed a letter-of-intent with East Tennessee State on Monday during a signing ceremony held in Nellis Hall.

Hammork led the Ravens in scoring with a 15.3 points per game average and also led the team in steals with 68. Hammork was second on the squad with 117 assists and averaged nearly five rebounds per game. Hammork was also deadly from beyond the three point arc, making 40% of his attempts this past season. In addition to Jayhawk East MVP honors, Hammork was named first team all-conference and first team all-region.

Hammork said he should receive immediate playing time for the Buccaneers of East Tennessee State. "I was told I would probably be a starter and play 30-35 minutes a game," said Hammork. The Buccaneers were 17-14 last season under Head Coach Murry Bartow who will be in tenth year at the school next season. East Tennessee made NCAA Tournament appearances in both 2009 and 2010.

"I want to get a chance to play in the NCAA tourney," said Hammork. "That's a goal of mine."

Hammork missed an opportunity to play in the NJCAA National Tournament this past season with the Ravens. The favored Ravens were upset by Barton County in the second round of the Region VI Tournament.

"I was really looking forward to winning the national championship this season," said Hammork. "But, it was still a fun year for the players, coaches and fans." Coffeyville finished the year with a 28-4 record and won a second consecutive Jayhawk East title.

Coffeyville Head Basketball Coach Jay Herkelman expects Hammork to be an impact player next year. "He can play any spot on the perimeter and he can play forward if you need him to," said Herkelman. "He's capable of scoring from anywhere on the court and he's proved that game-in, game-out, all season long with us."

"Coach Bartow is really excited to have Charles sign," added Herkelman.

Hammork will have one year, and possibly two years of eligibility remaining. Hammork was a redshirt at the University of New Orleans the 2008-2009 season. After sitting out two seasons, Hammork saw his first college action this past year for the Ravens. The NCAA normally allows athletes five years to complete four seasons and the clock starts ticking the first semester of college enrollment. To receive an additional year, Hammork will have to endure an appeal process with the NCAA.

Hammork selected East Tennessee after originally committing to Southern Mississippi. "The coaching staff left and I opened up my recruiting again," said Hammork. "I think East Tennessee is a good fit and the I like the coaching staff and the campus there." Hammork was being recruited by several NCAA D-I schools this past year.

Herkelman is happy as well with Hammork's final choice. "Coach Bartow has been at East Tennessee for awhile and he has a good reputation," said Herkelman. "I think Charles will go there and be a good player for them."