Two players who University of Evansville basketball coach Marty Simmons expects to make an immediate impact next season have signed national letters of intent with UE. Colt Ryan is a 6-foot 4-inch guard from Batesville, Ind. and Derek Johnson is a 6-foot 7-inch guard/forward from The Woodlands, Texas.

"Both of these players are complete players who can dribble, pass and shoot," Simmons said. "Colt and Derek can both really shoot the three, and they know how to play."

Ryan averaged 16 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists last season at Batesville High School, and led his team to sectional and regional championships. He was chosen for the Indiana Junior All-Stars. Ryan also played for the Indiana Elite AAU team.

"Colt is one of the better guards in the state and comes from a program at Batesville that has been very successful," according to Simmons. "His vision and passing ability allow him to make those around him better."

Added Ryan, in a previous interview with Steve Ford of the Evansville Courier & Press, "I really liked the coaches and it was evident they cared about the players. I got to hang out with the team, and I really liked them on a personal level and their work ethic. They worked hard. But I'm also from a small town and I liked the size of the campus and the fact I'll be able to get personal attention in the classroom. I really liked what I saw academically. It was the right fit for me."

Johnson also brings versatility to Evansville's program, with the ability to play inside or step outside and shoot. He helped lead The Woodlands Christian High School to the 3A state championship as a junior. Johnson averaged 18 points and eight rebounds. Derek's father, Darrel, is his high school coach and also serves as a scout for the NBA Charlotte Bobcats.

"Derek is a very versatile player who can score inside and out," Simmons said. "Derek really has a passion for the game, and a desire to keep improving."

"I didn't know what to expect (when visiting the University of Evansville), but one I got there and met the players and coaches, I realized I fit right in," Johnson told TexasHoops.com. "The atmosphere is great there. Evansville is a school of about 2,500 students but the basketball games average over 5,000, and they had a losing record. That goes to show how much the people of Evansville support and believe in Coach Simmons' ability to turn the program into a winning one. I can only imagine what it will be like when things are turned around."

Evansville will be replacing three seniors on this season's team–-Shy Ely, Jason Holsinger and Nate Garner. The Aces begin their second season under Simmons on Saturday in the season opener at Roberts Stadium against Austin Peay.