HICKORY, NC - Chris Crudup, a 6-3 guard out of Southern Wake Academy, will join the Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Basketball team this upcoming season, as announced by Head Coach Brent Owen on Thursday.

"Recruiting North Carolina will be paramount to our success," said Coach Owen. "I'm thankful to be able to add an in-state player of Chris' caliber to our first recruiting class. Chris is a great young man who will bring athleticism, physicality, and playmaking to our roster."

As a senior, Crudup averaged 18.1 ppg, 3.8 apg, 5.8 rpg, and 2.5 spg. Efficient near the rim, he scored a total of 544 points last year on 63% shooting from two and 33% from three. Crudup was a key piece for Southern Wake, as he helped turn them around from a three-win team in 2022-23 to a 23-win team this past season. That included a trip to the NCHSAA state quarterfinals, where they eventually fell 54-52 to the eventual state champion Wilson Prep Tigers. In Southern Wake's round of 32 game vs. Northampton County, Crudup scored a team-high 35 points to lead the Lions to a big 76-73 victory. 

"Having a 6'3 PG who can finish above the rim and make shots from the outside is a great asset at our level. We look forward to watching him grow as a player and as a man through his four years in Hickory."