Jelani Poston Selects Arkansas-Fort Smith

April 26, 2012

Jelani Poston, pictured with Coffeyville Head Basketball Coach Jay Herkelman, signed with the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on Thursday.

After being persued for nearly two years, sophomore forward Jelani Poston reached a decision on his next career stop. Poston inked with the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on Thursday. UAFS, formerly a junior college, made the jump to the NCAA D-II level in 2009 and the school plays in the Heartland Conference.

“We are glad Jelani has decided to continue his education and college career at UAFS,” UAFS Head Coach Josh Newman said. “We’ve recruited Jelani for almost a year and a half with the idea that he could make an immediate impact in our league.”

Poston, a Chicago native, had a major inside presence for Coffeyville this past season. Poston averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season for the Ravens. The 6-6 Poston also led the team with 67 blocks.

"That's what I plan to do at UAFS," said Poston. "Come in and rebound, block shots and be a primary scoring threat."

"Jelani is a mid-major level player, but he has two years of eligibility remaining at the D-II level," said Herkelman. Most NCAA D-I athletes have five years to play four seasons with the clock starting as soon as they enroll in school. Poston started his career at the Univeristy of Illinois-Chicago where he redshirted. After sitting out for a couple of years, Poston found playing time this past season for Herkelman's Ravens.

NCAA D-II guidelines are different and athletes have ten semesters to play four seasons, hence the reason Poston will have two years remaining at UAFS.

"I think he will be an impact player right away for UAFS," said Herkelman. "I can see where he could be a first team all-conference player the next two years for them."

"All year long, once he learned our system, he just got better offensively and defensively," added Herkelman. "I think he will just continue to improve."

That idea fits into Poston's goal as well. "I just want to become the best player I can be," said Poston.