Nov. 20, 2002

Pittsburgh, PA -- - Duquesne University head men's basketball coach Danny Nee today announced the signing of forward Sean McKeon (Phoenixville, Pa. / Phoenixville), forward/center Kieron Achara (Stirling, Scotland / Stirling HS / Maine Central Institute) to national letters of intent.

"We've signed two quality big men we think can play for us," said Nee. "Size is difficult to recruit. To get two quality big men in one year is a real bonus. They represent what we want. They are good students and good players."

The 6-9, 230-pound Achara, who played for the Scottish National Team at the European Promotion Cup in Malta last June 11-16, is currently enrolled at Maine Central Institute. He is a past member of both the Scottish junior and senior national teams. In 1999 - at age 16 - he was the youngest member of the senior national team. He was the Scottish junior player of the year in 2000 and 2001.

Achara, who has a 7-foot-3 wingspan, attended Stirling High School in Stirling, Scotland before attending MCI.

"Kieron is good defender and excellent rebounder," said Nee. "He is improving every day."

McKeon a 6-9, 230-pound forward, was a reserve last year at Philadelphia Archbishop Carroll before enrolling at Phoenixville High School this fall. He attended Phoenixville Area Middle School before transferring to Devon Prep and then Archbishop Carroll. He excelled this summer as a member of the Mustang Basketball AAU team where he averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds per game.

"Sean can really shoot the ball," said Nee. "He also handles the ball well and is a very good passer. He can play both inside and outside."

The two signees leave Duquesne with one remaining scholarship to offer for 2003-04.

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL 2003-2004 SIGNEES

Pronunciation guide:
Sean McKeon Shawn Mc-KEY-in
Kieron Achara KEER-in a-CHAR-a