Ryan Magiera (Louisville, Colo.)

August 20, 2007 -- Oberlin Head Coach Isaiah Cavaco has announced that the Yeomen’s men's basketball program will be bringing in four new players for the 2007-08 season. The Yeomen's recruiting class includes James Tompsett (Chicago, Ill.), Patrick Bernhard (Sleepey Hollow, Ill.), Ryan Magiera (Louisville, Colo.) and Gian Chiu (Philippines).

"I feel that we are bringing in a very strong class that will fill a lot of our needs,” Cavaco said. "These are very good players that should be able to help us right away. They are all great additions, and I think they fit in well with the campus at large, while collectively being a great core class around which to build a program."

Tompsett has led the Middlesex (Mass.) basketball squad over the past two seasons. A 6-6, 215-pound forward, Tompsett is a very athletic and versatile big man. Tompsett received the Thomas Huckins Basketball Bowl given to the school’s top player and picked up All-tournament honors at the Huckins-Rouse Holiday tournament.

James Tompsett (Chicago, Ill.)

"James (Tompsett) is a tremendous athlete that has the ability to change games,” said Cavaco. "I was very impressed with his ability to block and alter shots on the defensive end as well as get on the glass and run the pick and role offensively. James has only scratched the surface of what he can do, and I look forward to seeing him develop into an all-around force in the NCAC.”

Chiu, a native of the Philippines, will become the only player of foreign descent on next year’s roster. Chiu came to the United States for his junior and senior years of high school in the Palm Desert, Calif. area and led the Christian School of the Desert basketball team to a CIF playoff birth in his final campaign. Standing 6-9, he earned all-CIF second team honors for his division and led his team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots this past season. Academically, he was named a member of the World Quest Academic team that recently visited the nation’s capital.  Chiu hopes to enter medical school after his days at Oberlin.

“Gian (Chiu) is an imposing presence in the paint on both ends of the floor,” Cavaco said. “We haven’t had size like this in the last three years, and he will add a whole new dimension to our team.  He is very skilled with both hands, has great balance and is extremely long.  I am looking forward to seeing what exactly Gian can do and helping him become a top player in this conference.”

Gian Chiu (Philippines)

Magiera, a Colorado native, was the catalyst on his Monarch’s team that went 20-7. Magiera led his team in rebounding with seven per game and also contributed 16 points per contest. Magiera was named first team All-Conference, second team All-Region and honorable mention All-State.  He holds the record for field goals made in a season at Monarch High School, formerly held by current NBA player, Louis Amundson. Magiera balanced his career with Academic All-State honors.

"Ryan (Magiera) is unique player because of his ability to shoot and handle the ball on the perimeter as well as dominate the boards." said Cavaco. "He will be able to help us right away in several positions and I see him being a real impact in conference play over the next four seasons.” 

Bernhard, after a very strong senior season in which he shot a blistering 46% from the three-point line, looks to bring both long-range shooting and solid defense to the 2007-2008 Yeoman squad.  Noted for his hard-working demeanor, Bernhard was recognized by the Daily Herald as one of Fox Valley’s Finest “Three-Point Bombers” and “Best Defenders” as a senior.  He was also named an Illinois State Scholar, McHenry County Area All-star and Fox Valley All-Conference Honoree.

Patrick Bernhard (Sleepy Hollow, Ill.)

“I am looking forward to adding Patrick (Bernhard) to our team,” Cavaco said.  “I am very excited about having a guy that can really defend against the best guards our opponents have.  He can really shoot the ball, but most importantly, he brings an element of toughness to our team.  Pat’s a tremendous competitor with qualities you can’t teach.”

The Yeomen, who look to build off last season’s improvements, graduate only one player from the 2006-2007 squad, senior Quinton Spencer. 

“I can’t wait to integrate this group with our returning team,” Cavaco said. “This is a quality class full of high-character, hard-working and dedicated young men.”