Rock Hill, S.C. – Winthrop men's basketball added three transfers and a freshman to help make up a competitive roster for the 2023-24 season.
Head coach Mark Prosser announced the addition of transfers Alex Timmerman, K.J. Doucet, Nick Johnson and freshman Noah Van Bibber. The trio of Timmerman/Doucet/Johnson combined with the return of
Sin'Cere McMahon,
Kelton Talford,
Micheal Anumba,
Kasen Harrison,
Isaiah Wilson and
Chase Claxton will give the Eagles a very talented, veteran roster. The Eagles also return
Xavier McKelvy,
Clay Howard,
Yoro Diallo and
Michael Moore.
Prosser's thoughts on the newcomers - "We feel very fortunate to welcome Alex, KJ, Nick, and Noah to Rock Hill. They all carry traits that will ensure that they will be tremendous representatives of Winthrop University, and our basketball program. Each possesses a unique basketball skill set that will fit seamlessly into our style of play. They have all been highly decorated, and bring with them an extensive body of work at their previous academic institution. I think that all of Eagle Nation will really enjoy cheering these young men on the court, and getting to know them off of it!"
Alex Timmerman | 6-10 | 277 | Center | Graduate Senior | Crystal Lake, Ill. | Bucknell University
Timmerman comes to Winthrop after a four-year career with Bucknell. He played in 88 games for the Bison, averaging 7.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg over the four years (42 starts). He was a co-captain and started all 32 games in 2022-23, posting career-best numbers with 11.4 ppg and 7.2 rpg. Timmerman shot 52 percent from the floor and 74 percent at the foul line (83-of-112). Last season he scored in double-figures 17 times, including a career-high 27 points on Jan. 5 vs. Lehigh. Timmerman recorded four double-doubles and had 10 games of nine or more rebounds.
Early in the 2022-23 season Timmerman helped Bucknell capture the Ocean Bracket of the Sunshine Slam and was named All-Tournament for his efforts that included a 23-point performance in a win over Austin Peay.
Over his last two seasons with Bucknell he played in 64 games with 42 starts and averaged 9.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg while shooting 55 percent from the floor and 75 percent at the foul line.
K.J. Doucet | 6-7 | 210 | Forward | Junior | Austell, Ga. | Fort Valley State
Doucet comes to the Eagles after a two-year stint at Fort Valley State where he averaged 15.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.7 apg and 1.1 spg. He started all 57 games he played over the first two season. In 2022-23 he had his best season with 16.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 2.0 apg and was voted the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year. The accolades continued to role in as he was named D2 Conference Commissioner's Assocation All-South Region Second Team and eventually earned D2 HBCU All-America First Team honors. In 2021-22 he was named the SIAC Freshman of the Year.
In 2022-23, Doucet was in double-figures in 27-of-29 games played with nine or more games with 20 or more points. He posted a career-high 31 points in his final game with Fort Valley State and finished the game with a double-double hauling in 10 boards. As a freshman he was in double-figures in 24-of-28 games.
Nick Johnson | 6-4 | 200 | Guard | Senior | Bronx, N.Y. | New Hampshire
Johnson spent his first three seasons at the University of New Hampshire where he averaged 9.9 ppg and 4.6 rpg in 72 games. As a freshman he started 11-of-19 games and then over the last two seasons started 50-of-53 games. Johnson is coming off his best season at 12.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 1.4 spg. In 2022-23 he was in double-figures in 19 times, including five games with 20 or more. Scored a career-high 21 points at UMASS Lowell in his final game as a Wildcat. For his efforts he was named to the America East All-Conference Third Team and the All-Defensive Team.
The 12.8 ppg last season was second on the team and ranked 12
th in the America East. Johnson also finished third in the America East at 1.4 spg, finishing the season with nine games of three or more steals. Johnson was also voted the 2020-21 America East Freshman of the Year. That year he 7.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg.
Johnson also posted two double-doubles that included a 16 point, 16 rebound performance against Vermont. Over the last two years Johnson has 245 rebounds, 170 of which came on the offensive glass.
Noah Van Bibber | 6-4 | 170 | Guard | Freshman | Concord, N.C. | Concord Academy
Van Bibber is the only true freshman among the newcomers as he is coming off a successful season at Concord Academy. He earned Metro Athletic Conference All-Conference honors and was named to the NCISAA 3A All-State Team.
