BRIEF

UCI MEN ADD TWO

Derrick Strings, a high-scoring 6-foot-2 guard out of Leuzinger High, and Adam Rodenberg, a 6-6, 235-pound forward out of Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, have signed letters of intent to play men’s basketball at UC Irvine, the school announced Friday.

Strings averaged 19.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists as a senior, helping the Olympians finish 18-10.

As a junior at Marshall High in Pasadena, Strings’ 33.1 points per game led the state. He was named All-State in Division III and was an All-CIF Southern Section honoree in his division as well.

Rodenberg, who attended Clayton Ridge High in Garnavillo, Iowa, averaged 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds at Kirkwood, last season, when he shot 55% from the field. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Rodenberg helped Kirkwood win its conference and finish 26-6. The Eagles finished with the No. 7 national ranking.

Rodenberg was named All-Region XI by the National Junior College Athletic Assn. He also was selected to the All-Tournament team in Region XI.

A two-year starter for the Eagles, he averaged 12.6 points and 6.8 boards as a freshman, helping the Cedar Rapids-based school reach the national title game. He was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament team as a freshman and was a two-time member of the Region XI all-academic team.

In high school, he earned all-state honors and was a three-time first-team all-league performer.

Strings, who scored at least 20 points in 10 games as a senior, including a high of 39, had at least three three-pointers in 12 games last season. He should bolster a backcourt led by returning starters Michael Hunter and Chuma Awaji.

Rodenberg figures to add muscle to a frontcourt that includes returning starters Patrick Sanders and Darren Fells , as well as Kevin Bland, who redshirted last season.

Strings’ twin sister, Desiree, a 5-9 guard out of Leuzinger, has signed with the UCI women’s basketball program. She averaged 15.4 points and 6.4 rebounds last season for the Olympians, who finished 19-7.