Three Santa Fe Saints men’s basketball players recently signed with upper division schools, led by freshman Allen Baez inking with Lynn University. Freshman Jordan Benjamin and freshman Nikola Delic both signed with Florida College. All three student athletes will have three seasons of eligibility at their respective institutions.
Baez (Orlando, FL) will suit up for NCAA Division II power Lynn University (Boca Raton, FL) in the fall after completing a solid freshman season at Santa Fe. He averaged 13.2 points, 2.7 assists per game, and shot a team best 82% from the free throw line. For his work on the court he was named First Team Mid-Florida Conference. He was equally as impressive in the classroom, winning the Portia Taylor Scholar Athlete award for the men’s basketball team.
“I am excited for Allen to join such a successful program, led by Coach Jeff Price,” said SF Coach Chris Mowry. “Lynn should be a top 20 team next year, and have a chance to win it all. Allen is an outstanding young man, and is the type of person any coach would love to have in his program.”
Lynn is led by Head Coach Jeff Price who took over the program on April 1, 2013. Price is currently on his second stint at the university after his first run from 1993-1999.
The Fighting Knights had a very successful 2014-15 season, going 21-10 while advancing to the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen.
“Allen is a great fit for our program and we are excited to have him,” said Lynn University Coach Jeff Price. “With his ability to play both the point and shooting guard position, he provides us tremendous depth in the backcourt. He is an experienced player and we expect him to have an immediate impact. In addition, he has played at highly successful programs in both high school and junior college.”
Nikola Delic (Podgorica, Montenegro) and Jordan Benjamin (London, England) both signed with Florida College (Temple Terrace, FL), a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).
Benjamin was named the Saints “Most Improved Player” award at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season where he averaged 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, shooting 56% from the field.
Delic suffered a season ending injury in November, but is fully healthy and ready to contribute right away for the Falcons.
Florida College is in a transition phase and will welcome new coach and Athletics’ Director Pat Todd after a 9-17 season in 2014-15.
“I am thrilled for Jordan and Nikola and the opportunity they have at Florida College. Both will be counted on to play major minutes immediately,” said Mowry. Coach Todd is an old friend of mine, and will do a super guiding the Falcons.”
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