TERRE HAUTE, Ind – Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology head men's basketball coach Rusty Loyd has announced the incoming recruiting class for the 2021-22 season. The five-player class represents five different states and brings an influx of size and talent to the Fightin' Engineers squad.

The incoming class joins a team that finished 10-2 last during a Covid abbreviated campaign. The 2021-22 edition of the Fightin' Engineers returns all-HCAC honoree and Newcomer-of-the-Year Dillon Duff, three-point specialists Samvit Ram and Max Chaplin, forward Terry Hicks and three other underclassman who saw significant playing time last season. 

When asked about the incoming group Coach Loyd said, "We are extremely excited about this class and how they can impact our program both immediately and over the course of their four-year careers.  We always target players who we believe can improve our program on and off the court, but this year we also emphasized size as something we needed to add to the program.  This class includes three players 6-6 or bigger which will help solidify our inside play for the next four years and, in conjunction with the skilled perimeter players we brought in, help our program get back to winning conference championships and making NCAA tournaments." 

The individuals (listed alphabetically) are:
 
Simon Blair
6-8 Forward, Wagoner, Okla. (Broken Arrow HS)
Coach Loyd on Blair: "Simon comes to us from one of the traditional large school powers in the state of Oklahoma at Broken Arrow HS and has played against the best players the state has to offer.  He is a traditional stretch 4 with his ability to shoot from the perimeter, but can also mix it up in the paint when called upon to defend or rebound with bigger bodies.  As he grows into his 6-8 frame, he will be an inside-outside weapon for our team."

Henry Krzyzewski
6-9 Center, Naperville, Ill.  (Metea Valley HS)
Coach Loyd on Henry: "Henry has every physical attribute needed to allow him to become a high-level player in the program.  He can run the floor, finish through contact, and is an above average passer on the offensive end and we expect him to be a force immediately on the defensive end with his length and athleticism.  He still needs some physical development, which will come with age, but his best basketball is ahead of him." 

Miles McGowen
6-6 Forward, Mooresville, Ind. (Mooresville HS)
Coach Loyd on Miles: "Miles suffered a knee injury during his high school career and he was just rounding back into form last year.  We expect big contributions from him on the offensive end because of his ability to shoot, drive, and finish which was on display this season when he had a 50-point game.  He has a strong understanding of the game and that will translate well in the things we run and the decisions we ask players to make offensively." 

Sam Nunn
5-11 Point Guard, Hamilton, Ohio (Ross HS)
Coach Loyd on Sam: "As a college coach, you are always looking for your next floor general who can run a team, run the offense, and be your voice on the court.  In Sam, we have found a great player AND a great leader.  As a player, Sam is someone who can create a shot for himself or others at any time and from many angles on the floor.  His high-level basketball IQ will serve him well while creating opportunities for others and his shooting touch will be his best friend when it is his turn to score.  We expect big things from him from day one on campus."

Eddie Simon Jr.
6-3 Wing, O'Fallon, Mo. (Whitfield School)
Coach Loyd on Eddie: "Eddie endured a difficult Covid shortened season, but was a huge contributor for a traditionally strong Whitfield team.  As he gets stronger and matures, we expect him to be a great finisher and creator on the offensive end, but it is his ability to defend that will give him the best chance of making contributions early in his career.  We look forward to seeing the grit and grind he will bring to the program."