The newest NIU men’s basketball recruit is not bashful.

Quintan Lipkins, a 5-foot-9 point guard from Sharpstown High in Houston, averaged 24.5 points and 9.9 assists a game last season and is confident that success in both scoring and passing will follow him to DeKalb.

“I will bring that package,” Lipkins said.

Lipkins also received recruiting interest from Tulsa, Illinois-Chicago and Oklahoma State. He said first-year NIU assistant coach Rick Ray played a big role in his decision to commit to NIU.

“We have a real good relationship,” Lipkins said of Ray. “I’ve gotten real close with him. He made me feel like the team really wanted me.”

Big Ben

Ben Rand will have to sit out this season after transferring from Iowa because of NCAA rules.

NIU coach Rob Judson said Rand can be a force on both ends of the court when he can finally take the floor for the Huskies.

Rand is a 6-foot-6 guard who attended Rochelle High School. He played in 19 games for the Hawkeyes last season before transferring for more playing time.

“He’s a very athletic wing player,” Judson said. “He can attack the basket but keeps you honest with a good perimeter jump shot. That athleticism should translate into him being a top defender.”

Paradise lost

NIU sophomore guard Ryan Paradise still has not participated in team workouts and conditioning after having a second wrist surgery in the summer.

Judson said he did not know when Paradise would be able to play again.

“We’re waiting for the doctor’s clearance,” Judson said. “It’s on a day-by-day and week-by-week basis.”

Hoop time

This season will kick off at 11:45 p.m. Friday when the Huskies host “Huskie Hoop Time” at the Convocation Center’s Victor E. Court. The event is free and attendees will be able to win prizes and watch the team scrimmage.