Northwest University’s Division II Men’s Basketball program announced April 28 three transfers to take them to the next level. Eagles head coach John Van Dyke announced the signing of the community college students – all from the Pacific Northwest – in anticipation of the upcoming 2009-10 basketball season.

“We are pleased and excited about adding these three outstanding young men to our basketball family here at NU,” commented Van Dyke. “They are all outstanding athletes who will also fit in well at the university and be a great addition to the student body.”

The Northwest University Eagles, competing in the Cascade Collegiate Conference, finished last season with a 13-16 mark overall.

Tyson Christie, a 6-4, 215 lb. wing from Sherwood, Ore. is a junior-year transfer from Linn Benton Community College. The dual-sport athlete led Sherwood High School to a state 3A tournament berth in 2006 before heading to Oregon State and playing baseball. After a transfer to Linn Benton CC for basketball last season, Christie averaged 14.7 points per game and 5 rebounds per contest, garnering First Team All-Conference honors.

Also joining the Eagles from Everett Community College is Steven Waltman of Monroe. Older brother of sophomore forward Jason Waltman, Steven is a 6-8, 230 lb. forward who averaged 16 points and 9 rebounds per game last season as a freshman and earned 2nd team All-League recognition. Like Christie, he’s also a versatile athlete and former track and field team member at Monroe High.

The third transfer, Stedman Richardson of Federal Way is a 6-2 guard from Highline Community College. Playing as a starter last season as a sophomore, Stedman helped lead them to a 22-9 season record and 15-1 in league play and the Northwest Athletic Association of Community College (NWAACC) tournament. The Decatur High graduate averaged 8.44 points, 2.32 assists and 5 rebounds per game for the Highline Thunderbirds this past season.