(Editor's note: Carroll College athletics release)
HELENA -- Carroll College men's basketball coach Kurt Paulson announced the commitment of three student-athletes to his 2020 recruiting class.
The Fighting Saints added Luke Heaphy, Murat Can Guzelocak and Charlie Barnes.
"All three of these players are exceptional students, as well as basketball players," Paulson said. "We look forward to having them join our older kids and start to develop some chemistry."
Heaphy comes to the Saints out of Butte Central. He helped the Maroons reach the Class A state championship game in March before the tournament was canceled due to COVID-19 health concerns. Heaphy plans on studying biochemistry and minoring in business.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to further my education and play college basketball at Carroll College," Heaphy said. "Playing college basketball has always been a lifetime goal of mine. The Carroll basketball program is one that is very well respected and has had great success. I feel blessed to be a part of the Carroll College community and their team."
Paulson added: "Luke Heaphy is a tough competitor and winner, he can really shoot the ball and we love his attitude and willingness to do whatever is asked of him."
Guzelocak joins the Saints after prepping in Turkey. The 6-foot-7 forward studied at Tarsus American College. He looks to become another great Turkish player for the Saints.
"I want to thank Coach Paulson and the coaching staff for giving me a life-changing opportunity to play college level basketball at Carroll," Guzelocak said. "I believe that Carroll is going to help me to achieve my basketball goals as well as my academic goals. I would like to also thank my brothers and coaches at Tarsus American College for helping me to get better every day as a student-athlete and giving me unforgettable high school memories. Lastly, I want to thank Necati Guler and Sinan Guler for their guidance on my road to college. I am very excited to start my new journey at Carroll."
"Murat is a big body, he is all of 6-7 and about 225 pounds," said Paulson. "He is skilled as well and can shoot and pass."
Barnes is a 5-foot-10 guard out of Clovis, California. He prepped at Buchanan High. The Californian ball handler will add to a talented guard rotation.
"I want to thank Coach Paulson for giving me this opportunity to play the game I love at the next level," Barnes said. "Carroll is a perfect fit for me and will allow me to achieve both my goals on the court and off the court. I would also like to thank Coach Malm and my teammates at Buchanan High school for pushing me in practice every day and getting me ready for the next level. I can't wait for this journey to begin."
Added Paulson: "Charlie is a leader. He is a point guard who can make plays for his teammates. Our guys will love his hustle and unselfishness."
