Nov. 8, 2006

Santa Clara, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's basketball program announced today the signing of three players to national letters of intent in the early signing period. The Broncos signed junior college transfer Zac Tiedeman and high school seniors Scott Thompson and Andrew Zimmermann. Thompson and Zimmermann will enter SCU as freshmen next fall, while Tiedeman will be a sophomore.

"We feel that we have signed three very good players," said head coach Dick Davey. "This group has the potential to be one of the best recruiting classes that we have had during my time here. They also fill some needs for us at the power forward spot as well as at point guard and small forward."

Tiedeman will come to Santa Clara after playing one year at Santa Rosa Junior College where he will play under head coach Craig McMillan. The 6-1, 170 pound point guard played at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa and was named Division II All-State by Calhighsports.com as a senior when he helped the team to the North Coast Section Division II Championship and a 24-7 record. He played for head coach Tom Fitchie at Montgomery. His older brother, Tyler, plays for Boise State. Tiedeman was also named All-Metro Third Team by the San Francisco Chronicle as a senior.

"Zac is a very good shooter and should be ready to contribute after one year in junior college," said Davey. "He is a smart player who does not turn the ball over very much and really gets his teammates involved."

The Broncos will add size next season as well in the form of Thompson, a 6-11, 215 pound center from Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho. Ranked among Hoop Scoop's top seniors for 2007, Thompson averaged 14 points, eight rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game as a junior. He also shot .590 from the field while earning All-Southern Idaho Conference honors. He was one of the top scorers and rebounders in the state last season. Thompson, who plays for head coach Jon Nettleton at Mountain View, led his league in blocks, while placing second in rebounding and third in scoring.

"We are excited to bring Scott to Santa Clara," said Davey. "He can run very well for his size and he has shown that he is a good medium-range shooter and can finish around the basket. We think that he will fit right in for us and give us another strong player inside."

Rounding out the highly-touted class is the 6-9 Zimmermann, who plays his high school basketball under Kevin Bruggink at Oostburg High School in Oostburg, Wis. Last season as a junior, Zimmermann led his team to a 23-4 record and a spot in the section finals while earning first-team all-conference and first-team all-area accolades. He averaged 16.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game and received all-state honorable mention recognition.

"Andrew is a good athlete with excellent ball skills for a player his size," said Davey. "He is developed physically so he should be able to make an immediate impact in our program."

Santa Clara National Letter of Intent Signees At A Glance

Zac Tiedeman - PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 170
Hometown: Santa Rosa, Calif.

Scott Thompson - PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 215
Hometown: Meridian, Idaho

Andrew Zimmermann - PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 210
Hometown: Oostbug, Wis.