Corpus Christi Caller Times Caller.com - Islanders sign three new players

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Wednesday, December 6, 2000

Islanders sign three new players
Baily brothers, Lamkin to join team next season
By Mark Zuckerman
Caller-Times
Mired in a three-game losing streak with its toughest stretch of the season coming up, the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men's basketball team would probably benefit from a few midseason player additions.
   And on Tuesday, the Islanders did announce three signings, all who should have a significant impact on the program . . . next year.
   A&M-Corpus Christi has signed brothers Travis and Thomas Bailey of San Antonio Holmes High School to athletic grants-in-aid and forward Corey Lamkin of San Antonio East Central as a partial qualifier. All three will join the team for the 2001-2002 season.
   The Bailey brothers had originally signed national letters of intent with the Islanders in November 1999, but failed to meet NCAA academic standards and were ruled ineligible. Both decided to enroll at A&M-Corpus Christi anyway and have been taking classes this fall.
   "We were counting on them contributing this year," head coach Ronnie Arrow said. "But coming to school on their own shows how enthusiastic they are to play here."
   Thomas Bailey, a 6-foot-7 forward, was first-team all-district and second-team all-city selection in 1998-99 and is Holmes' all-time leading scorer.
   Travis Bailey, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 18.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists his senior season, finishing as the No. 2 scorer in Holmes history.
   Because they had signed letters of intent last year, the Baileys will each have only three years of eligibility once they start playing for the Islanders.
   As a partial qualifier, Lamkin is allowed to practice with A&M-Corpus Christi this season but may not suit up for a game under NCAA rules. But the 6-foot-6 former East Central star will join the team next season and will have the full four years of eligibility.
   Last season, Lamkin averaged a city-high 26.8 points and 13 rebounds, was named district MVP, second-team all-state and was an honorable mention McDonald's All-American, leaving A&M-Corpus Christi anxious to get him on the court.
   "He's a baby (Charles) Barkley," Arrow said. "And he's probably quicker than anyone out here other than Mike (Hicks). He might be the strongest, quickest kid his size I've coached."



Staff writer Mark Zuckerman can be reached at 886-3747 or by e-mail at zuckermanm@caller.com

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