Montana State University-Northern men's basketball coach Brian Harrell has signed his first recruit since being hired nearly two weeks ago, and he stayed in the Hi-Line to do it.
Harrell announced that Chester basketball standout Jeff Graham has signed a national letter-of-intent to play for the Lights, a signing Harrell hopes will begin a slew of recruits who make their way to the Hi-Line, or in the 6-foot Graham's case, stay there.
"He's a name known throughout the state, and Hi-Line people know him," Harrell said. "Hopefully, that will help us get some good players to stay at home."
Harrell isn't certain Graham will play a lot of minutes his freshman year, but he's certainly going to give him a chance.
"He's capable of playing right away, but we'll have to see how it shakes down in the fall," Harrell said. "If he can play significant minutes, we'll play him, but if he's limited, then it could be a redshirt year."
Harrell said Graham, a two-time all-stater, is naturally suited to play point guard, but his effectiveness shooting the ball will allow Harrell to slide him over to shooting guard.
Graham averaged 27 points, 9.7 rebounds, five assists and three steals per game last season for the Coyotes.
