The influx of new players continues for the University of Maine men’s basketball program.
Coach Bob Walsh has received verbal commitments from two in-state prep school standouts, Walter King of Lee Academy and Dennis Ashley of Bridgton Academy.
Ashley, a 6-foot shooting guard from Santa Monica, California, announced his decision Thursday on his Instagram account.
“I’m excited,” Ashley said. “I really like the coaches and I feel like they’re building something there. I just felt comfortable with them.”
King, a 5-foot-11 point guard out of Archbishop Stepanic High School in White Plains, New York, recently publicized his decision via Twitter.
“Committed to play basketball and study at UMaine for the next 4 years. Thanks For all the love and support,” he said.
Walsh is prohibited by NCAA rules from commenting on recruits at this time.
Ashley said he is a preferred walk-on, which means he will not receive a scholarship initially but is guaranteed a spot on the UMaine roster. King also is believed to be a non-scholarship player.
“It’s always been my goal,” Ashley said. “Me and my dad (Dennis) have been working very hard to get to the Division I level. I still have a lot of work to do to succeed at the Division I level.”
Ashley said he also had been considering Dartmouth College but was not accepted.
“It’s a tough process to get into an Ivy League (school),” he said.
As a senior at Santa Monica Catholic High School during 2013-2014, Ashley averaged 13.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals on his way to Southern Section All-League honors.
Last winter, Ashley was part of a Bridgton Academy ballclub that posted a 14-18 record. He said he shot 42 percent from the 3-point arc for coach Whit Lesure.
“This year, I really stepped into a role as a knock-down shooter. That’s what Maine wants me at, to be a shooter there,” Ashley said.
Ashley explained he also had significant responsibility at the defensive end for the Wolverines.
“When we played other teams in our league, I had to guard their best players,” he said.
King averaged 15.9 points per game, 10th in the Catholic High School Athletic Association, during 2013-2014. He was named a second-team Daily News All Manhattan/Westchester pick.
He appears to have honed a reputation as a defensive stopper, an element Walsh values above all other skills, and reportedly is a slick ballhandler.
The participation of King and Ashley at UMaine is contingent upon their acceptance by the university and compliance with NCAA rules.