Demons sign El Paso product Gregg from JUCO ranks

NATCHITOCHES – Jamaure Gregg, a 6-foot-7 junior college forward who has helped Cochise College to a 49-14 record in his two seasons, is the first 2019-20 signee joining the Northwestern State Demons basketball program.

Head coach Mike McConathy, building the roster for his 21st season at Northwestern, announced Gregg’s signing Wednesday afternoon on the opening day of the spring recruiting period for NCAA Division I.

Gregg averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds this season at Cochise, shooting 70.6 percent from the field as he helped Cochise go 26-5 and win the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Championship. He was a second-team All-ACCAC selection.

An El Paso, Texas, native, he was an All-City performer at Americas High School. He was co-District 1 6A Most Valuable Player for the Trailblazers of coach Mike Brooks, and was named El Paso Player of the Year by one media outlet.

“Jamaure fills a true need within our program. He brings passion to the court and is an everyday worker – winning is very important to him and he understands commitment,” said McConathy. “We watched Jamaure in AAU while in high school and he has continued to improve his game the last two years at Cochise College under longtime, legendary head coach Jerry Carillo and assistant coach Jonathan Brooks. More importantly, he is a great person with a personality that attracts others which will have a positive influence within our program, university, and community.”

As a freshman at Cochise, Gregg averaged 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 20 minutes per game while shooting 59 percent from the field for a team that went 23-9.

“I’m excited for the future,” Gregg told his hometown newspaper, the El Paso Times. “I went on my visit to Northwestern State and really liked everything about it, from the people in the program to the campus. I really believe the program has a bright future.”

McConathy said Gregg will be a key component as the Demons fill the void created by the graduation of two-time All-Southland Conference forward/center Ishmael Lane, who led the league in rebounding as a senior this past season. Lane ranks among NSU’s all-time best in scoring, rebounding and shot blocking.

“Jamaure is very efficient on the court. He scores the ball in the paint, has the ability to drive and finish plays, and most importantly he is a relentless rebounder on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he has the ability to guard multiple positions and is an exceptional shot blocker,” said McConathy. “His strength and athleticism will have an impact in our program from Day One and we look forward to him helping us compete for championships.

“Our coaching staff here at Northwestern State looks forward to Jamaure joining our family and working with him to be the best he can be both on and off the court. Jamaure pushes himself and others – he is a true competitor,” said McConathy, who expects to add more 2019-20 signees soon.