Following the announcement of three freshmen in the 2024-25 recruiting class in the fall, Ashland University head men's basketball coach
John Ellenwood has announced the addition of four more players to the roster for the upcoming season.
Gbolahan Adio – 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard – Richmond Heights High School / International Sports Academy / Notre Dame College (one season of eligibility remaining)
Stats and honors: During the 2023-24 season, Adio started and appeared in 29 games for the Falcons, averaging 10.4 points per game while shooting 39.3 percent from 3-point range. He collected 3.2 rebounds and dished out 2.5 assists per game. He had a season-high 33 points against Pitt-Johnstown last year. Appeared in 84 games at NDC, and has scored 499 career points.
High school: Was first-team All-Ohio in Division IV, and the Northeast Ohio Division IV Player of the Year. Attended prep school at the International Sports Academy.
Ellenwood: "GB is an exciting and explosive player. Fans are going to love his intensity."
Jaron Crews – 6-foot-0, 200-pound guard – Centennial High School (Iowa) / Don Bosco Prep / Des Moines Area Community College / Ellsworth Community College (two seasons of eligibility remaining)
Stats and honors: During the 2023-24 season, appeared in 34 games for Ellsworth, averaging 12.1 points per game and shooting 36.5 percent from 3-point range. He averaged 4.3 assists per game and shot 80.7 percent from the free-throw line. He earned second-team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Region XI honors.
Ellenwood: "An accomplished college player who has led his team to new heights. He can play both ends of the court, and has a great feel for the game. He will put his teammates in great situations."
Anthony Januzzi – 6-foot-0, 170-pound guard – Open Door Christian High School
Stats and honors: During 2023-24, he averaged 17.8 points per game, handed out 6.3 assists per game and shot 44.6 percent from 3-point range. He collected Special Mention Division IV All-Ohio honors, and was first-team All-Northeast Lakes District and Lorain County Player of the Year (Division IV). He scored over 1,000 points for his career, playing for his father, Alan.
AAU organization: TNBA Ohio.
Ellenwood: "Anthony is a high IQ floor general that has great vision and shooting ability. He is a gym rat and the son of a coach. He is a great addition to our team and will bring a competitive attitude every day."
Casey Lantz – 6-foot-5, 185-pound wing – Shelby High School
Stats and honors: In 2023-24, he led Shelby to its first state tournament appearance (Division II) in school history, averaging 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. He collected Special Mention Division II All-Ohio honors, and was second-team All-Northwest District, first-team Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association (OHSBCA) District 6, and second-team Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference.
AAU organization: Ohio Buckets
Ellenwood: "We have watched Casey for a few years and love his energy on both ends of the floor. He is a winner and a great teammate. He is coach's son and loves to be in the gym."
In the fall, the Eagles added the following incoming freshman recruits - Willard guard
Max Dawson, Big Walnut wing/forward
Trenton Minor and Marysville forward
Jason Moore.
Ashland's men were 17-11 overall and 11-9 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference in 2023-24, qualifying for the league tournament for a third consecutive season. Over the last decade, the Eagle men have won 195 games, earned two conference tournament titles, and reached the NCAA Division II postseason four times.
