The Duquesne men's basketball program signed two players today, the first day players from the high school class of 2010 were eligible to sign binding National Letters of Intent.

Chartiers Valley High School 6-foot guard T.J. McConnell, who verbally committed to the Dukes prior to his sophomore season, signed with coach Ron Everrhart's program along with Mike Talley, a 5-11 guard from Melvindale (Mich.) Academy for Business and Technology in the Detroit area.

McConnell, the son of Chartiers Valley coach Tim McConnell and nephew of Duquesne women's coach Suzie McConnell Serio, averaged 22.1 points, 5.7 assists and 5.9 steals last season for the Colts.

"In my 16 years as a head coach, I don't know if I've ever see a young player with a better understanding of the game," Everhart said of T.J. McConnell.

Talley averaged 25 points, 9 assists and 6 steals last year, while also being coached by his father.

"Mike has a tremendously high motor," Everhart said. "I expect him to make a great impact with the way he guards the ball on defense and the way he distributes it on offense."

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