UE Men’s basketball announces the signing of Battle and Berridge

Duo set to join the program in 2024 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Continuing an impressive recruiting trend since he first stepped foot on the University of Evansville campus, men’s basketball coach David Ragland has announced the signing of Kaia Berridge and Ramondo Battle.  Both will join the Purple Aces in 2024.

“We are extremely excited to add two skilled and talented players to our roster for the 2024-25 season.  Adding both Berridge and Battle will add to our roster size, skill and shooting ability,” Ragland stated.  “Both young men come from wonderful families who have instilled great qualities into each of these young men. Recruiting quality people from quality families and basketball programs continues to be a huge focus of our coaching staff as we continue to build a culture for long-term success on and off the floor.”

KAIA BERRIDGE

Kaia Berridge is a 6-foot-4 guard who is entering his final high school season at Archbishop Riordan in San Francisco.  As a junior Berridge helped his team to a 23-7 mark, including a 12-2 record in league competition.

“Arriving in Evansville reminded me so much of New Zealand. The weather, the landscape. And then arriving on campus, and meeting the staff, the people reminded me of home too,” Berridge said.  “Everyone is super friendly and embracing. I immediately felt comfortable. The facilities at Evansville are amazing for a student-athlete.”

Berridge represented New Zealand U17 World Cup Team in 2022.  During the event, he played in six contests for an average of 17.7 minutes per game.  He posted 4.3 points, 2.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds per contest.

“The ability to have everything at your fingertips, living quarters, training facilities, classes and the home court arena- made the decision of attending this school so much easier,” he added. “With peace of my mind for my family back in New Zealand, too.”

Coach Ragland on Berridge:

“We had an opportunity to follow Kaia as he was playing last summer in the NBA Academy.

Kaia’s ability to run a team as a lead guard was the first thing that jumped out to us as a staff.

He plays with very good offensive pace and rarely gets sped up or makes an incorrect read.

Kaia is a very good athlete with an ability to play above the rim.  He always can shoot from behind the 3-point line while also being a willing passer.  We have been focused on adding positional size and Kaia embodies that with his 6’4 height as a lead guard.”

RAMONDO BATTLE

Ramondo Battle is set to join the Purple Aces from Walters State Community College in Tennessee.  The 6-foot-8 forward played at Weatherford College last season where he saw action in 30 games and chipped in an average of 11.7 points.  Battle was a 45.1% shooter from the field and knocked down 74.3% of his free throw tries.  He put up solid numbers on the glass, recording 6.1 rebounds per contest.

“Evansville is a perfect fit for so many reasons.  I had a great campus visit and really enjoyed the opportunity to speak with Prez. P. (UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz) and the AD (Director of Athletics Ziggy Siegfried),” Battle exclaimed.  “Evansville is the perfect size for me and seeing the support the program receives from the community was impressive. I was also a big fan of the Ford Center!”

The McKinney, Texas native earned North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Honorable Mention accolades to wrap up his freshman campaign.  Prior to his college career, Battle completed high school at United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

“After seeing the system that Evansville runs, I knew that it was a situation where I could be successful,” Battle continued.  “They run a very similar system to what I am accustomed to and that will allow me to make a more immediate impact on the court.”

With three games in the books this season, Battle ranks second on the team with 13.7 points per game.  He has also registered 8.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per contest.

Coach Ragland on Battle:

“We have been focused on size, skill and shooting as a staff since we arrived at UE. Ramondo embodies all those characteristics.  He is 6’8 and shoots the ball with ease from beyond the 3-point line.  He also plays high above the rim and has the ability to drive to a shot or pass to a teammate.  Ramondo will also add collegiate level experience as he has played the last 2 years at the junior college level.”