CULLOWHEE, N.C. - Western Carolina men's basketball head coach Justin Gray announced today the addition of Lucas Kroft for the 2022-23 season. A 6-5 guard, Kroft joins the Catamounts following a season at Independence (Kan.) Community College.

"Lucas is another young man that really exemplifies the ABC's (Academics, Basketball, and Character)", said Gray. "On the court, he is someone that can make shots from all three levels. He has a really good basketball body and loves to put his athleticism on display.  Lucas is a gym guy, always wanting to work and get better. I love that about Lucas! It has been really fun getting to know him throughout this recruiting process and I'm looking forward to having him join our Catamount family."

During the 2021-22 season, Kroft averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists at Independence. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native recorded double figures in 10 contests including a season-best 21 points against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, and posted a double-double against Eastern Oklahoma State with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Before attending Independence, Kroft played at Western Texas College during the 2020-21 season, seeing action in 23 games and averaging 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. He turned in 14 double-digit scoring games, surpassing the 20-point milestone at South Plains College.

Kroft began his collegiate career at Ball State in 2019-20, seeing action in 14 games off the bench as he helped lead the Cardinals to a share of the MAC West Division title. Kroft tallied a season-best six points against Defiance and snagged a season-best three rebounds along with two assists against Howard.

As a prep player, Kroft was a 1,000-career point scorer and averaged 21.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists as a senior at Richmond High School where he was lauded with honorable mention All-State honors. He played AAU basketball for 1Nation in the Under Armour Association.

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