NORFOLK – Two members of the Northeast Community College men’s basketball team are headed to California to continue their collegiate careers at NCAA Division I universities.

Sophomores Buay Tuach, Omaha, has signed with Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles, while Chima Moneke, Canberra, Australia, will play for the University of California, Davis (UC Davis).

Both players contributed to Northeast’s 25-7 season. The Hawks were also nationally ranked.

The 6’ 6” Tuach averaged 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Hawks this past season. He was named to the Omaha World Herald’s All-Nebraska Junior College Team and to the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) Second Team.

“Buay is a very athletic, talented shooter who saw a huge improvement in his game under head coach Dan Anderson and assistant coach Adam Blaylock at Northeast,” said Mike Dunlap, Loyola Marymount coach. ”He got better each season and we are excited that he is a part of this year’s incoming class.”

Tuach said he feels great about his selection.

“I feel like LMU is where I really belong out of all my other schools. I choose the school because they have a great coaching staff and the head coach coached in the NBA and is also a development coach. He has worked with a lot of pro players. My plan is to get better and I feel that he is the best person to get me to be my best.”

Tuach is looking forward to moving to Southern California.

“I love the LA area because I think of it as having an opportunity to have something to do other than play basketball. I can have a lot of connections over there and have a better opportunity to find a job that I will enjoy. I fell in love with the school and everyone on campus.”

Tuach will major in sociology at LMU. He was also recruited by West Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth, St. Bonaventure, Middle Tennessee State, Norfolk State, Portland State and the University of Washington.

Tuach said his experience at Northeast Community College has prepared him for what lies ahead.

“My experience at Northeast has been great! I enjoyed my two years here and the biggest part is the coaches. We have a great bond and they pushed me to do my best on and off the court. The lessons I learned from Coaches Anderson, Blaylock and (Zach) Towle will always be with me and will take me further into my basketball career.”

The 6’ 7” Moneke averaged 17 points and 12.1 rebounds per game for Northeast. He was named to the Omaha World Herald’s All-Nebraska Junior College Team and the ICCAC’s Second Team.

“It feels amazing to be signed to a great program like UC Davis,“ Moneke said. “I can’t wait to get on campus and to be a part of something very special. I chose them because of their coaching staff, teammates, and the fact that they gave me an offer way before anybody else. They believe in their ability to develop and they have great chemistry on their team. Also, the weather isn’t too bad up there.”

Moneke was recruited by a number schools. In addition to UC Davis, his final choices were between the University of San Diego, Fresno State and Oral Roberts University. He will major in psychology.

Moneke appreciates the opportunity to attend Northeast and play for the Hawks.

“I’ve matured a lot and my game has expanded so much. It’s time to make the move to expand my game even more. I am thankful for the two years I’ve put in here and I can’t wait to develop into a much better player at Davis.”

Both players are going to be missed by their head coach at Northeast.

“Both Buay and Chima work hard on the court as well as off the court. They brought a lot of fans to their feet with their spectacular play,” Anderson said. “Chima came up with so many big time rebounds and blocked shots. Buay would knock big three’s, but then would drive around and dunk on somebody. When we as coaches discuss recruits, we will ask, ‘Are they like Buay and Chima?’ They will be missed. We will surely be following them at their next schools.”

Tuach and Moneke become the second and third members of this year’s Hawks basketball team to sign with a Division I school. Jalen Bradley, Norfolk, will play at Oral Roberts University this fall.