By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – In it's second of three signings for the Class of 2014, the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team has announced the signing of Christian Brothers High School guard Josh Bougher. The Memphis, Tenn. native joins Savonte Frazier in the newest signing class for the Golden Eagles.
"Josh is dealing with some injuries, but we're looking for him to back strong. We've liked him throughout his entire playing career at Christian Brothers. We love his ability to get to the rim and make plays. He's a good perimeter shooter and we're just looking for him to continue to develop and get better as he gets healthy. He plays for a great team coached by Bubba Luckett, who's done a great job in helping Josh develop his game and stay positive throughout his rehab. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do next year when he's healthy."
Josh Bougher
6-2 – 185 – Guard – Memphis, Tenn. – Christian Brothers HS
A three-year letter winner from Memphis, Tenn., Bougher will bring a strong background of shooting to the table for the Golden Eagles in 2014. As a junior, the Christian Brothers High School standout averaged 16 points per game on his way to garnering First-Team All-Region honors as well as a spot on the TSWA All-State Division II First Team. Bougher, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained over the summer (he is due to return to the hardwood within the next week), was named the MVP of the Penny Hardaway Classic in 2012-13.
Bougher on why he chose Tech:
I felt really comfortable at Tech. It just felt like home when I was on my visit. One of my former teammates is a video manager on staff now and knowing someone there just made it all that much easier to make my decision. My brother played at Jacksonville State, so I kind of had a feel for the conference. I also went to his games when he played at Tech and being there again just brought back fond memories. It just felt right.
Bougher on the coaching staff:
I love the coaching staff. Coach Payne really just seems like a family-oriented guy, and I really like that. It's meant so much to me that he's stuck with me after my knee injury. I've also grown very close with [Assistant] Coach Kloman. He's been great to talk to and has a lot of faith in me.
Bougher on his future teammates:
I haven't gotten to speak to most of the guys yet, but the few I've met seem really cool. I can't wait to get to know each of them and become a part of the family they've built there. I truly excited about next year.
Bougher on what he brings to the table:
My biggest strength is shooting. I've always been pretty good at finding ways to score, especially from outside the paint. I think I can provide some scoring right away and I'm working really hard right now on my strength and conditioning and recovering from my injury. I think right away I can be a high-energy guy for the offense.
High school coach Bubba Luckett on Bougher:
I've been coaching for over 30 years and Josh is one of the top five most versatile players I've ever coached. He can beat you off the the dribble and is always a 3-point threat. He has a great mid-range game and is extremely difficult to defend. He's the leading scorer returning to our league, as well as the preseason Player of the Year, and is one of the most competitive people I've ever met. He's a very determined, hard-working young man that doctors have been marveled by. He tore his ACL earlier this year and one doctor went as far to say as he's never seen a young man come back that quickly from that type of injury.
Outside of just his skill level, Josh is a hard-nosed competitor who loves to be challenged. Every once in awhile I will intentionally not put him on our opponents best player and it won't take long for him to tell me that he can get the job done. He always rises to the challenge and does whatever it takes to win. I remember his first career game on the varsity team. We were bringing him up from JV and he had just scored 30 points that night in their game. He dressed for the varsity game that same night and came off the bench and dropped 28 points. He's been a starter ever since.
