WINTER HAVEN – Six Polk State Basketball players will continue their collegiate careers at four-year institutions, which includes four moving on to the highest level of college basketball.

Four former Eagles will be moving on to NCAA Division I schools, including two in-state. Two others will play collegiately at Division II programs.

"It shows that we're recruiting talented players," Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "It speaks to the overall talent, but it speaks to the relationships we have with coaches across the country. For every kid who goes to junior college and their parents, the biggest concern is moving on to four-year institutions."

The first to sign was guard Rod Jones. Jones announced his commitment to Alcorn State University, a Division I program in Mississippi, on April 29. Jones said he was leaning toward the University of North Texas prior to the start of the 2022-23 season, but coaching changes and injuries ultimately made him shift his focus.

"At the end of April, I went to a showcase and the head coach from Alcorn State sat in on one of my games and offered me immediately afterwards," Jones said. "He was recruiting me pretty hard every day and he just simply told me, 'You're D-I; you deserve to be D-I.' It made me realize all the battles I faced. I felt comfortable with the staff and the plans they have moving forward. I wanted to attend where I could come in and make an immediate impact and I feel like that's the place. They believed in me even when I thought it was all over."

A transfer from Central Georgia Technical College, another junior college, Jones earned second-team All-Central Conference honors in his lone season at Polk State. Jones averaged a team-best 3.5 assists per game while ranking second on the team in scoring (11.4 points per game) and steals (1.2 per contest).

"Polk prepared me by just letting me be me on and off the court," Jones reflected. "They didn't hold me back, so everything that occurred I had total control over. I thank them for that. Nobody promised me anything; I just had to earn everything."

Big man AJ Hamrick and guard George Pridgett each began their careers at Division I schools, and each will be headed back. Hamrick, who started his career at Charleston Southern University, plans on calling Jacksonville home over the next two seasons for the University of North Florida.

"I felt like the University of North Florida gave me the best chance to excel academically and athletically," he said. "I feel like North Florida has a winning culture. They don't accept mediocrity. They have a 'we get things done' culture and that pedigree is what attracted me to North Florida."

Hamrick earned second-team All-Central Conference honors during his lone season at Polk State. The 6-foot-9 Hamrick led the Eagles and ranked third in the FCSAA by averaging 1.9 blocks per game. He averaged 7.2 points per game on a team-best 48% shooting from the field to go with 5.2 rebounds per contest.

"Polk State definitely helped me with my transition back to Division I by showing me what it takes to be a D-I player and the work you have to put in, how much you have to grind out of practice, and time management," Hamrick said. "Being at junior college, it's on you to get the job done. I feel like I was lacking in that area."

Formerly at Jacksonville University, Pridgett will be heading south to play at Florida International University, a Conference USA program in Miami. The Boston native earned first-team All-Suncoast and All-FCSAA accolades in his lone season at Polk State.

"I chose FIU because, honestly, they were the only school that believed in my talents," Pridgett noted. "With that said, I also believe God has placed this university in my life for a reason and that reason will soon be determined."

Pridgett ranked in the top five in the FCSAA in points per game (19.6) and 3-point percentage (.411) during the 2022-23 season. Pridgett also ranked ninth in the state, averaging 1.9 steals per game. He led the Eagles in all three categories and the FCSAA in made 3-pointers per game (3.3).

"Polk helped me get my special sauce back," Pridgett recalled. "After leaving Jacksonville, I felt I lost what made me special and that is my confidence and joy. Polk gave me an opportunity to find out more about myself and I'm forever grateful."

The latest to sign was guard Alex Vertus. Vertus will be playing at Louisiana Tech University, an NCAA Division I program in Ruston – also in Conference USA.

"The choice was simple to me," Vertus said. "From the day Coach (Talvin) Hester reached out, I felt the family culture they embody in Ruston. I knew that Louisiana Tech was a great program and that I would be a great fit for their system. Their business and marketing programs were also major factors. Every box checked off."

A transfer from Malcolm X College in Chicago, Vertus spent just one season at Polk State. Last season, Vertus averaged 6.6 points per game and ranked second on the team with 34 made 3-pointers. He shot a team-best 80% from the free throw line.

"Polk State prepared me to take this leap by teaching me how important it is to keep your mental health up to par," Vertus noted. "I've always set high goals for myself; the quotes pinned in the locker room reminded me daily to stay disciplined. Discipline is the key factor to reach the heights you want to achieve – no matter where your journey takes you."

Making the furthest trip will be forward Ashton Howard. A native of Dallas, Howard will be heading to San Francisco to play Division II basketball at Academy of Art University.

"I chose the Academy of Art University because of the culture of basketball the school brings along with the great city atmosphere," he said. "The coaches also believed in me and recruited me hard."

A transfer from Tyler Junior College in Texas, Howard led Polk State in rebounding in his lone season with the Eagles, averaging 7.3 boards per game to go with 7.1 points per contest. The 6-foot-8 sophomore also ranked second on the team, averaging 1.4 blocked shots per game.

"Polk State prepared me to be mentally strong when fighting adversity and when in the heat of the moment," Howard added. "I really learned how to focus."

After beginning his collegiate career at Kennesaw State University, guard Kenny Burns will return to the Peach State. Burns has signed to play at Clark Atlanta University, an NCAA Division II school in Georgia.

An FCSAA All-Academic Team selection for 2022-23, Burns' lone season at Polk State was cut short by injury. Limited to nine games, Burns averaged 5.7 points for the Eagles last season.

With a rich basketball tradition, Polk State has long prided itself on having players go on to play at four-year schools, including many Division I institutions over the years. Referred to as "Polk Products" by Giles, the Eagles have several alumni playing professionally across the globe.

"Seeing players go on to continue their careers at four-year schools is extremely important to me," Giles added. "Impacting the lives of those around me is part of my 'why.' It brings joy and fulfillment and gives me satisfaction that we're doing things right."