VINCENNES, Ind. – Trailblazer Damarien Yates (Somerville, Tenn.) announced earlier this week his plans to continue his basketball career in the fall by committing to play at the University of Memphis.
“Memphis is home,” Yates said. “I think this is the perfect fit both academically and athletically. This Memphis team is special and I think it’s going to be a fun ride. Lastly, it’s the legendary Coach Penny Hardaway.”
Yates burst onto the scene last season as a freshman for the Blazers, scoring in double figures in two of his first three collegiate games.
Yates’ best scoring stretch with the Blue and Gold came with a four game streak of scoring in double figures which began when he scored 23 points, including hitting a buzzer beater to give VU a win over Sauk Valley Community College in Iowa.
Yates set his Vincennes career-high in points in February after scoring 24, including hitting six of 10 from three-point range in VU’s win over Southwestern Illinois College.
Yates would save his best for last however, showing up on the big stage to score 22 points and grab seven rebounds in VU’s NJCAA Division I National Tournament game vs. Odessa College.
Yates would close out his Vincennes career with 245 points, 156 rebounds, 37 assists and 24 blocks, for an average of 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Yates was one of only three Trailblazers last season to play in all 34 games, along with sophomore Karyiek Dixon (Enfield, London, UK), who signed with NCAA Division II Emporia State University last month and freshman Lebron Thomas (Bishopville, S.C), who will be returning to VU for his sophomore season this year.
Yates is the sixth Trailblazer to announce their plans for the upcoming season with NJCAA All-American Michael Osei-Bonsu (Bolingbrook, Ill.) headed to Missouri State University, Victor Lado (Louisville, Ky.) signing with Colorado State-Pueblo, Karyiek Dixon heading to Emporia State University and Kris and Kent King (Washington, D.C.) signing to play at Chaminade University.
Together, this group helped guide the Trailblazers to a 30-4 record last season, including winning the NJCAA Division I Region 24 Championship and earning a spot in the NJCAA Division I National Tournament.
“My favorite moments at Vincennes were spent with my teammates,” Yates added. “Talking, laughing and learning together.”
“Vincennes University taught me mental toughness on and off the court,” Yates said. “I matured quickly and had to learn to do things on my own. I learned how to manage time, communicate effectively and network appropriately.”
Yates will be joining a Memphis Tigers squad coming off of a 22-10 season last year, including an 11-7 record in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) under Head Coach and former NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway.
The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Damarien Yates on his commitment to continuing his education at the University of Memphis and wishes him good luck as he continues his basketball career next season.
