High School: Willard comes to Stockton from T. F. Riggs High School in Pierre, S.D. ... He was an "AA" all-state first team selection last year, after averaging 15.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game ... He led the Governors to a fifth place finish in the state tournament in 2006-07 ... As a junior, Sam led his team to a 20-4 overall record and to a second place finish in the state tournament ... During the 2005-06 season Willard recorded 14.4 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game and 2.0 blocks per game, earning First Team All-Eastern South Dakota Conference and second team all-state honors ... Willard is currently fourth on the career rebounding list at T. J. Riggs HS.

Personal: Samuel Steven Willard was born in Elyria, Ohio ... He is the son of Steve and Marle Willard ... Sam is an exploratory major in his first year at Pacific ... When not playing basketball, he enjoys golf.

Coach Thomason on Willard: "Sam has all the tools to be an exceptional player. He is going through the process of learning a new system. The biggest problem he has had is guarding bigger, stronger guys. I know he'll contribute to our posts. He is very coachable and plays the game the right way."