ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Brock University men's basketball coach Brad Rootes is pleased to announce the addition of Niagara Falls native Greg Newton to the Badgers coaching staff for this upcoming season.  Also joining the staff this season will be former Badgers Joel Whitty and Mike Cruickshank. 

Newton, one of Canada's all-time best big men, attended A.N. Myer High School before going south to play for coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke University from 1994-97. While with the Blue Devils, the 6-foot-11 center appeared in 105 career games averaging 7.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest.

In his senior season, he captained the Blue Devils to a 24-9 overall record. As a junior in 1996, Newton posted career best for points (12.2 PPG) and rebounds 8.2 RPG) in 31 games.

He was a member of the Canadian National Team, that finished seventh in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. He also represented Canada at the 1998 FIBA World Championship where they placed 12th and at the 1999 Tournament of the Americas where they finished second.

Newton began his professional career with the USBL's Raleigh Cougars. He also played pro in Belgium, Israel, Brazil, Bulgaria, Italy, Bosnia, Russia, Spain and Serbia. 

"We are thrilled to have someone as accomplished and talented as Greg join our staff," said Brock men's basketball head coach Brad Rootes. "He is a great addition to the overall team and will serve as mentor and leader for our young big men. His experience and knowledge that he has gained throughout his career and that he will be able to pass on to our players and coaching staff will be an invaluable asset, that will help us develop and grow as a team."

Whitty played the past three seasons with the Badgers. In his career he played in 66 games registering 564 points (8.5 PPG), 229 rebounds (3.5 RPG), 196 assists (3.0 APG) and 81 steals. He had a career 33.4 FG% (172-for-515), 33.3 3PT% (107-for-321) and 73.4 FT% (113-for-154). In his rookie season he was named to the OUA All-Rookie Team.

"It is with great honour that I take my basketball knowledge and transfer it to other players by becoming an assistant coach," said Joel Whitty. "I know this transition will be a challenging and very difficult one for me however with a great coaching staff and with the support of my family and close friends I'm sure it will become much easier. Although this is not the way I had planned for my basketball career to pan out I now have the opportunity to brighten my future with many other new opportunities I might not have had. I look forward to this upcoming season and to learning the game I love from a different perspective."

"We are very happy to have Joel join our coaching staff this year," said Rootes. "Although it is bittersweet because his bright playing career was cut short, we are excited to be able to continue to have Joel's smarts and passion for the game continue to help our team in his new role as an assistant coach.  I think he will make a great coach, and I believe he will really help us achieve our goals as a team this season."

Cruickshank, who joined the Badgers in 2009, played in 47 career games finishing with 617 points (13.1 PPG), 199 rebounds (4.2 RPG), 176 assists (3.7 APG) and 82 steals. At Brock, he had a career 37.0 FG% (203-for-548), 33.9 3PT% (86-for-254) and 79.1 FT% (125-for-158).

Mike joined the Badgers in 2009 following stints at Humber College and Cape Breton University. His impact was immediately felt on the team by adding a veteran presence to the young and rebuilding Badgers squad. In his two years with the Badgers, through hard work and dedication Mike developed his skills to become one of the team leaders. In his final season, Mike led the team in scoring, assists and steals, and was the second leading rebounder.  He was also one of the best defensive players in the CIS.  

"I would like to thank Coach Rootes for this tremendous opportunity," said Mike Cruickshank. "I am excited and thrilled to work with the team this year as a coach. I look forward to developing each players' confidence and skills to maximize their performance on the court."

"We are excited that Mike has decided to stay with the program as an assistant coach this year," said Rootes. "Mike has a great competitive spirit and work ethic that I know will rub off on our players.  We look forward to and trust that his work with the players will positively contribute to their overall individual development and on court performance."

The Badgers open their 2011-12 season in early August with pre-season games against NCAA Division I opponents Murray State (Aug. 5) and North Florida (Aug. 9). Both games are scheduled for 7pm at the Bob Davis Gymnasium.

The Brock Boy's Basketball camp, the No. 1 Basketball camp in Niagara Region, is scheduled for two weeks this year. Week One goes from August 2-5 (4 Days) and Week Two August 8-12. The cost for Week One is $160 and Week Two is $200. 

Register today by calling 905-688-5550 x4060 or visit gobadgers.ca for more information.