A Welcome Addition

SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Former Shamokin Area High School standout guard Chris Zimmerman has transferred to Susquehanna University from Division I Bucknell University, announced Crusader head men's basketball coach Frank Marcinek.

Zimmerman, a 5-9, 170-pound point guard, received a medical redshirt during the 2000-01 season after suffering an ankle injury prior to the start of the season. He will have three seasons of eligibility at Susquehanna, where he will be reunited with high school teammate and current Crusader guard Nick Griffiths.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to have Chris in our program. He brings terrific credentials with him and he fills a huge void in our backcourt," said Marcinek, who has posted a record of 169-132 in his first 12 seasons at Susquehanna.

At Shamokin, Zimmerman scored over 2,000 points and dished out over 1,000 assists as the Indians won three Schuylkill League and PIAA District 4-AAA championships and posted a record of 107-15 in his four seasons.

"Chris is a true winner, and his desire and dedication to be a great player is as good as any athlete that I have ever seen," said Marcinek.

In his only season with Bucknell (1999-2000), Zimmerman averaged 0.9 points and 0.9 assists in 25 games, including a season-high eight points at Penn State on December 19, 1999.

Zimmerman will move into the starting point guard position with the Crusaders, with Griffiths moving to the shooting guard role. Last year, Griffiths averaged 9.4 points and 2.9 assists per game while starting 22 games at the point during his freshman year.

"Nick did a terrific job last season, but he is a natural two-guard while Chris is a natural point guard," said Marcinek. "I think having Chris at the point and Nick as the shooting guard will strengthen us at both spots."

Susquehanna finished the 2000-01 season with a 10-14 overall record and took eighth in the Commonwealth Conference with a 3-11 league mark.