LAKE CHARLES – New McNeese men's basketball coach Heath Schroyer has announced the signing of center Malik Hines who is a graduate transfer out of the University of Massachusetts.
 
The Jackson, Mississippi native, who stands 6-foot-10 and weighs 255-pounds, averaged nine points and six rebounds in 27 minutes per game this past season, all career highs.
 
He scored in double-digits in three of his final five games including a career-high 20 points against Duquesne.
 
"Malik is a big, physical kid who has played against great competition for three years," said Schroyer. "He and our staff have had a long relationship. I recruited him when he was in high school and the rest of our staff had built a relationship with him during his high school days as well.
 
"He's a talented kid who will make an immediate impact on our team."
 
Hines appeared in 80 games in his three seasons at UMass including making 37 starts, 32 of those last season.
 
"I chose McNeese because it's closer to home and because of the bond I've built with the coaching staff," said Hines. "Coach Schroyer recruited me out of high school and Coach (John) Aiken coached me in AAU ball. I'm excited to get to Lake Charles and be a part of something special."
 
During his UMass career, Hines pulled down 333 total rebounds, 119 of those on the offensive glass.
 
"I feel I'll be able to bring some experience and leadership to the team," he said. "I also feel I'll be able to finish things underneath the goal and bring a physical presence."
 
Hines led the Atlantic 10 in field goal percentage last season, hitting 65.8 percent of his shots (121-184).
 
Hines attended Murrah High School in Jackson, and the Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J., for his senior year after he studied and competed at Cordia High School in Hazard, Kentucky. He received interest from Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Ohio State, and UNLV, among others.
 
He's the eighth player Schroyer has signed since being named the Cowboys' new coach in March.