Men's Basketball | 7/25/2018 9:30:00 AM

MONMOUTH, Ore.—Western Oregon University head men's basketball coach Jim Shaw has announced the signing of Erik Poulsen and Dalven Brushier for the upcoming season.

Poulsen, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound center from Santa Rosa, California, will arrive at Western Oregon via NCAA Division I University of San Francisco. Brushier is a 6-2 guard originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, who played two seasons at Salt Lake Community College

Both Poulsen and Brushier will begin their WOU careers as juniors with two years of eligibility.

Poulsen played in 25 games for the 22-17 Dons that placed fourth in the West Coast Conference and advanced to the championship game of the College Basketball Invitational. Poulsen averaged 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds while playing 10 minutes per game as a sophomore. He scored a season-high 14 points and grabbed six rebounds versus Sonoma State on Nov. 21 and had 14 points and five boards at the University of Portland on Dec. 30.

Before USF Poulsen spent a year at Santa Rosa Junior College where he led the team to a conference championship while averaging 17.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. For his efforts he was named Big 8 Conference Player of the Year, as well as earning all-state honors.

"Erik and I have known each other for five years. He is a versatile 'five' who can post up as well as shoot the 3-pointer," Shaw said. "He plays hard and has played for outstanding coaches throughout his career. He is an excellent young man, a solid student and comes from a great family."

Brushier helped lead Salt Lake Community College to 51 wins over the past two seasons, including a 30-4 team last season that captured a Scenic West Conference title and advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament where they fell by a single point to eventual national champion from South Plains College (Texas).

Brushier led his team in minutes played (25.2 mpg), assists (134), and free throws (82-of-105). For the season, Brushier averaged 9.2 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game.

"Dalven is an extremely well-rounded guard," Shaw said. "I've gotten to know him well this year and he possesses a lot of toughness and leadership qualities. He's a winner and competitor who excels at both ends of the court. He comes from a great program at Salt Lake and is an excellent student who comes from a good family."

"We're excited about both Erik and Dalven's future with the Wolves," Shaw said.