Lawrence, Karena ink National Letters of Intent

LEVELLAND – South Plains College Texan sophomore basketball players Roderick Lawrence (SO/Orlando, Fla.) and Michael Karena (SO/Christchurch, New Zealand) announced where they will be attending school and playing basketball during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon in the T-Club lounge.

Lawrence will be a Rebel and play for the University of Mississippi while Karena will head north to Dayton, Ohio where he will play for the Raiders of Wright State. 

Over the last two years, Lawrence and Karena have helped the Texans to a record of 51-14, including a trip to the NJCAA Elite Eight this season. 

Ole Miss head coach Andy Kennedy is excited to welcome Lawrence to his team. 

"Rod is an athletic wing who possesses a skill-set that will add versatility to our returning backcourt," said Kennedy. "We needed to get more athletic on our wings and Rod will bring a play-making ability to our team. He showed tremendous leadership in helping guide his junior college team to the quarterfinals of the National Tournament." 

Lawrence also considered Rhode Island, Bradley, Creighton, and Gonzaga before ultimately making the decision to make the move to Oxford, Miss. 

Ole Miss finished this past season with an overall record of 19-14 and were 9-9 in Southeastern Conference action. 

Karena had other options on the table but was convinced Wright State was the place he needed to be after taking only one of his allotted visits. 

"I definitely picked it because it seemed like the best situation for me," Karena said and also added the university reminded him of his home. 

The Texans ended the season with eight sophomores on the roster and, therefore, should have additional signings between now and the end of the semester.