MEN'S BASKETBALL: Three Owls Commit to Four-Year Schools

Three Citrus College men's basketball players have committed to playing at the next level. Toby Okwuokei, James Williams and Alex Cartwright will all continue their collegiate careers at four-year schools next year.

Okwuokei heads north to San Francisco State after finishing the year averaging 17.6 points per game and shooting at a 42.3-percent clip. The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. native was named to the All-California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association team and earned All-Western State Conference South Division first team honors following the season.

"Looking back at my two years at Citrus, I can say that I grew and matured as a person in many aspects," said Okwuokei. "My coaches, teammates, and faculty helped me tremendously in growing not just as a leader on the court, but as a leader and well rounded person off the court as well. Being at Citrus also taught me that when you put forth the time and effort into something that you want, you will be able to reap the rewards. I am grateful for the friends I made during my time here."

Williams stays fairly local, playing at Cal State San Bernardino next season. He finished the year averaging 8.0 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game. Following the season, the Sacramento native earned All-Western State Conference South Division Honorable Mention distinction.

"Citrus was more than just an athletic program, it was a family and a brotherhood," said Williams. "I learned things from my coaches, teammates, and professors that I will not just be able to use on the basketball court, but be able to take with me in life. I want to thank my teammates for accepting me in this year and going to battle with me."

Williams wasn't sure if he would be able to play this year, but he is grateful Coach Brett Lauer and his staff worked with him and believed in him.

"My coaches practiced what they preached and taught me what it means to be a man on and off the court," said Williams. "I will always be grateful that my coaches and teammates really believed in me when no one else did. I am excited to move on to the next chapter in my life. I'm looking forward to continuing playing basketball and attending school. I would like to thank God and my parents for blessing me to make it this far as well as my teammates and the coaching staff at Cal State San Bernardino."

Cartwright travels to Colorado for Regis University after a solid year with the Owls. He finished the season with 5.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

"My experience was really great at Citrus," said Cartwright, a Murrieta, Calif. native. "When I was being recruited, I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of this team. The coaching staff and players at Citrus were really special and we formed relationships that will last years. Deciding to play basketball and go to school at Citrus was one of my best decisions. What I am looking forward to the most at the next level is being able to continue to grow as a basketball player and take what I learned at Citrus and apply it at Regis. I'm very excited to play for Regis and can't wait to get to Colorado and meet the team and to start playing again."