Former Eagles Okoth, Maxtion Selected to Play for USA Select Team

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Playing professionally is not a goal every college basketball player can reach, but former Carson-Newman forwards Tray Okoth (Richmond, Va.) and Darron Maxtion (Huntsville, Ala.) are one step closer to taking their game to the next level.

After going through an extensive invitation only tryout in Charlotte, N.C., from June 11-13, both Okoth and Maxtion were chosen to be a part of the 2010 USA Select team. The team will tour Europe to take on some of the continent's top squads in exhibition games in hopes of helping its players find professional contract opportunities.

"We are very excited for both Tray and Darron," C-N head coach Chuck Benson said. "They are outstanding young men that will represent C-N and our program in a very positive way."

Okoth, who was named to the All-Star team after his tryout, was a key contributor during both of his seasons with the Eagles after transferring from Cleveland State Community College. He averaged 7.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest during his junior campaign and closed out his career by averaging 9.8 points and 5.1 rebounds this past season.

"This is just the next chapter in my book of life," Okoth said. "I have had great coaches and teammates at C-N that have prepared me both mentally and physically for my new endeavor. This is truly an exciting opportunity and I plan on seizing the moment with hard work and integrity."

Maxtion was a two-year starter during his time at Mossy Creek after playing his first two seasons at East Central Community College. He scored 8.9 points and grabbed 4.6 rebounds per game and shot 60 percent from the floor to rank third in the South Atlantic Conference during his junior year. He started all but one of C-N's games in 2009-10, averaging 11.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest. He also shot 55.6 percent from the field to rank sixth in the conference.

"I look forward to the opportunity to play at the next level," Maxtion said. "It's always been a dream of mine. I want to thank the C-N coaching staff for their support."

Okoth and Maxtion will travel with the USA Select team in September to being play on the 2010 European Exposure Tour.

The USA Select team is comprised of athletes that have completed their college eligibility and are looking for professional contracts internationally.