The Bishop's University men's basketball team announced today that Mike Andrews from St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School in Oakville, Ontario has committed to the Gaiters, and will be joining the team for the 2010-11 season.

Andrews, a 6' 10" centre, won a silver medal in the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAAA) Class "AAA" championship, as Loyola fell to Toronto Martingrove 56-54 on a last-second shot in the provincial championship game. Loyola posted a 52-5 record in 2009-10 and won seven tournaments.

"Mike really addresses a major need for us upfront," said Gaiters' Head Coach Rod Gilpin. "He is a long and physical player whose shot blocking and passing ability really make him special. He has good instincts for the game and has the potential to develop into one of the better post players ever to play at BU."

Andrews scored 15 points and grabbed 13 points per game this season with Loyola, and is currently a member of the Burlington Panthers, one of the top-ranked club teams in Ontario.

"I really like the idea of a small school," said Andrews. "There was a great vibe on campus, the education program is excellent and I'm excited about the direction that the direction the basketball program is headed."

The Gaiters finished 2009-10 with a 12-17 record (7-9 QUBL) - their highest win total in the past five years - and made their first postseason appearance in four years.

Tags: Gaiters Bishop , Mike Andrews , Rod Gilpin