RICHMOND, Ky. – Russhard Cruickshank – a 6-0 guard from Garden City Community College (Kansas) – has signed to play basketball at Eastern Kentucky University, head coach A.W. Hamilton announced on Friday.
 
Cruickshank was one of the top outside shooters in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) the last two seasons. He made 162 three-pointers in his two-year JUCO career.
 
In 2017-18, Cruickshank averaged 12.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists-per-game while shooting 36.9 percent from long range and 81.3 percent from the free throw line. He connected on 87 three-pointers that season.
 
In 2018-19, Cruickshank improved his scoring average to 13.4 points-per-game, while pulling down 2.3 rebounds-per-game and dishing 2.4 assists-per-game. He shot 34 percent from three-point range and 90.9 percent from the foul line as a sophomore.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Russhard into our basketball family here at EKU," Hamilton said. "Russhard is a difference-making two-way player who made more than 160 threes in two seasons at Garden City Community College. He is extremely tough and will bolster our lineup right away with his ability to make shots and make plays in the press."
 
Cruickshank is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Cedar Hill High School in Cedar Hill, Texas.
 
Crucikshank joins graduate transfer guard Ty Taylor and prep school guard Curt Lewis in Hamilton's 2019 signing class.
 
In Hamilton's first season as head coach, EKU ranked 13^th in the country in scoring offense (82.6 points-per-game) and second in the country in both steals-per-game (10.2) and turnovers forced-per-game (18.3).
 
Fans can get a head start on the 2019-20 season by placing a non-refundable $50 deposit on season tickets that will be included in the overall price of the package.  For questions or to place your deposit, call the EKUSports ticket office at 844-3-GOBIGE.