>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Twenty-six victories. Cascade Conference Champions. NAIA National Tournament attendee.

All of this was accomplished by EOU men’s basketball coach Ryan Looney in 2007-08, thanks to bringing quality student-athletes into the program, turning it into a near-instant success in four short seasons.

And now, Looney has received commitments from three standout recruits, hoping to build this program even further, perhaps taking it to another level.

Mountain View High (Bend) product Sean Dart decided to don the Mountie Blue and Gold in September, signing a letter of intent.

This 6-foot-7 forward averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game last season, earning an OSAA 5A All-State selection.

“We felt early on in the recruiting process that Sean was someone (who) we needed in our program,” Looney said in an EOU athletics press release.

“Sean is tough, team oriented, plays with an enormous amount of energy and has achieved some academic success in high school.”

Then there is Jordan Gregg.

This 6-foot-6, 200 pound forward decided this past fall to migrate from Spokane Community College to La Grande for the upcoming season.

Gregg averaged 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last season, earning a spot on the All-Northwest Athletic Association Community College (NWAACC) Eastern Region Second Team.

 “He is tough, rebounds very well, can play inside and outside and works defensively,” Looney said. “It is evident that he knows how to compete.”

As does Kris Groce.

This 5-foot-10 guard last played in 2006-07 at NCAA Division I Sacramento State University, and signed with EOU in December.

At Sacramento State, Groce, who started the second half of the season, averaged 10.8 points per game along with 4.2 assists. And when he played at Columbia Basin College his freshman year, he was named Most Valuable Player of the NWAACC Eastern Region.

“We are excited that Kris has decided to join our program,” Looney said. “His speed and ability to make plays will help us stay successful in the Cascade Collegiate Conference.”

These three recruits look to bolster a program coming off a record 2007-08 season — one that involved the most wins in school history, and first-ever trip to the NAIA National Tournament.

Said Looney: “We’re pretty fortunate to get all three of them.”