(LEBANON, Ill., April 14)—McKendree University men's basketball coach Harry Statham has announced that Gianni Otto of Remseck, Germany, has signed to play for the Bearcats in 2016-17.
 
Otto, a 6-foot-1 guard, spent the last two seasons playing at Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, Ill. As a sophomore this past year for the Falcons, Otto averaged 7.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per contest. Otto led Southeastern Illinois with 110 assists and 47 steals. A starter in 20 games in 2015-16, Otto shot 87.5 percent from the free throw line and just over 38 percent from three-point range.
 
Prior to his arrival at Southeastern Illinois, Otto starred overseas at Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium High School, where he played for coach Ross Jorgusen. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining at McKendree.
 
"Gianni is going to be a key player for us," said Statham, who completed his 50^th season as the head coach for the Bearcats in 2015-16. "He is a very intelligent player as well as an excellent floor leader, defender and scorer. Gianni makes good decisions and is a lethal shooter from the line and from three-point range. His high-level achievement on the court also carries over into the classroom. Gianni should be a natural in our system."
 
The McKendree University men's basketball team wrapped up its 2015-16 season with an overall record of 13-14. The Bearcats were 6-12 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play, and reached the GLVC Tournament for the first time since joining the league in 2012-13.