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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Head men's basketball coach Burt Paddock is pleased to announce one final addition to the 2012-13 squad as he recently welcomed Ryan Dame back to the Panthers. Dame originally signed with Davenport out of high school in 2008-09 but has spent the last three years helping cross-town foe Grace Bible College claim three straight NCCAA DII national championships.  Dame will have one year of eligibility remaining while he completes his undergraduate degree at Davenport.

The DU men's basketball staff welcomes Ryan Dame from 3-time National Champion Grace Bible College.  Ryan is no stranger to the staff or Davenport University as he attended DU in 2008-2009 and was forced to red-shirt due to a season ending knee injury. 

”That particular season/year was a very tough time for Ryan, said Paddock.  At the end of the school year, Ryan and I spoke and he felt the best thing for him at that time was to transfer cross town and play with his older brother Dan and play for Coach Gary Bailey at Grace Bible.  Although we were disappointed we'd not get to coach Ryan, it turned out to be a great three years for him at Grace.”

Ryan played an integral part in helping the Tigers to three consecutive NCCAA DII National Championships and this past year posted averages of 11 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per night. He led the Tigers in both rebounds and blocks during his junior year.

“We are very excited to get Ryan back for his senior season, added Paddock.  He has been taught by one of the best coaches in the college game in Gary Bailey.  Although Grace Bible College is a small institution, their basketball program has become synonymous with success and much of it has to do with the coaching they get from Coach Bailey and his staff.  I know when we get Ryan into the fold he will hit the ground running.”

Ryan is a 6'8 forward who prepped at Wayland Union High School where he was named All-Conference, All-Area and All-County as a senior during the 2007-08 campaign.    “Ryan is an incredibly athletic 6'8 forward who can really run and get off the floor.  He will be a significant presence at the rim much like James Humphrey was for us last season. While at Grace he led his team in blocks and defensive rebounding which are two categories that are incredibly important to our program as we strive to maintain our focus as one of the best defensive teams in the country.”


2012-13 Davenport Men's Basketball Recruiting Class

Kevin Rich - Northview High School
Tre Tigner - Detroit Consortium
Juwan Loudermill - Muskegon High School
Derek Brooks - Northview High School/Grand Rapids CC
Dominez Burnett - Lansing Summitt Christian Academy
Sean Hill - Malcolm X Community College
Kyle Stidom - Greenwood Christian Academy
Ryan Dame - Grace Bible College