SouthArk making additions to roster

Jonesboro's Phillip Tillman (5) lays in a shot over Springdale's Isaiah Sealy (30) during the fourth quarter of Jonesboro's 48-43 win in the Class 6A state championship game on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs. Tillman is one of three players to sign with South Arkansas College this offseason so far. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Thomas Metthe)
Jonesboro's Phillip Tillman (5) lays in a shot over Springdale's Isaiah Sealy (30) during the fourth quarter of Jonesboro's 48-43 win in the Class 6A state championship game on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs. Tillman is one of three players to sign with South Arkansas College this offseason so far. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Thomas Metthe)

With only a handful of players returning from last year’s squad, South Arkansas College men’s basketball coach Cam Robinson has plenty of work in front of him to build the roster for the 2023-24 season.

Robinson has recently starting adding pieces to the puzzle, signing a trio of players.

His first signee comes from one of the most successful high school programs in Arkansas.

Phillip Tillman, who won three state championships at Jonesboro, signed with the Stars.

An All-Conference selection, Tillman averaged 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2 steals a game for the Hurricane.

He scored 11 points in Jonesboro’s 48-43 win over Springdale in the 6A state title game in Hot Springs.

A combo guard, Tillman was a member of three conference champions and had a career record of 82-9 at Jonesboro.

“Phil is a great kid with a lot of upside,” Robinson said. “He’s going to bring an athletic scoring punch and a dog defensively at the guard position. 

“Most importantly, he has a championship pedigree, playing a big role on a championship program that just won their third straight state title.” 

Robinson has also landed forward Jamarian Cato, a transfer from Western Oklahoma State.

Cato averaged 6.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in 29 contests for the Pioneers.

He shot 47.6% from the floor, including 39.5% from 3-point range.

“A big pick up, very versatile,” Robinson said. “He can shoot the three-ball and is an athletic rim attacker. 

“He can guard two through five, brings in experience playing at a higher level and having a role on a 20-win team.”

SouthArk has also signed Tae Henyard, a 6-7 forward from Shaun Dumas Academy in New Orleans.

“A strong big that we needed bad,” Robinson said. “He prides himself on the defensive end and rebounding the ball. 

“He finishes strong and is athletic around the rim. He’s going to anchor the inside for us.”



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