Sellars headed to UAPB after strong season for Raiders

Anthony Sellars was a bright spot in what was long season for the Three Rivers College men’s basketball team — and now he has found his next collegiate destination.

Sellars recently signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff next season. The Golden Lions finished 13-18 this past season, but played a rugged schedule which featured two-time national champion UConn and also faced Gonzaga, Oklahoma (Big 12), Missouri (SEC) and Minnesota (Big Ten).

Sellars said he was pleased with the love UAPB “showed him from the jump.”

“They texted me one day, then they came to see me the next day and we had breakfast together,” Sellars said. “We sat down and they told me how it was going to be from the jump. They said they were going to get after it — and I felt like I just need to be in a program like that, where I (will be) pushed to the limits to where I haven’t been.

“Everybody around this just made me feel welcomed when I took the visit. I just feel like it’d be the best fit for me developing as a player and as a man.”

Sellars had a strong sophomore season for Three Rivers after transferring in this summer from Colby Community College in northwest Kansas and led the Raiders in scoring (13.1 points per game), rebounding (5.5 rebounds per game) and 3-point shooting (34-for-73, 46.6%).

He capped his season by earning first-team all-Region 16 honors — the only TRC player to do so this season.

“What a good season he had,” Three Rivers coach Brian Bess said. “He had a really good year.”

Bess lauded Sellars for his versatility this season, adding he was happy to see him “get to go Division I and compete at a higher level.

“He could really shoot it and he could battle on the rebounding — he led us in rebounding in several games,” Bess said. “He just did a good job overall (with his) all-around game. He did a good job finishing around the basket too.”

Sellars praised Three Rivers for the Gene Bess legacy and for pushing him hard, especially in the weight room and in practice. He also had words of praise for assistant coach Trey Rakes.

“Rakes got in the gym with me when I needed to,” Sellars said. “He helped me go from 27% from (behind the 3-point line) to (almost) 50%. That was a big jump in my game. They helped me build my confidence and I feel like it’s just going to keep elevating wherever I go.”

Sellars is looking to major in sports medicine or a similar field at UAPB and also wants to help the Golden Lions win a Southwestern Athletic Conference title.

“We’re trying to hang up some banners,” Sellars said. “That’s what I want to do. That’s my plan.”