By Patrick Hayes

The Davenport basketball program hoped to have Wayland Union grad Ryan Dame for four years after recruiting him out of high school. Instead, Dame chose to attend Grace Bible, where he played the last three seasons. Davenport announced this month that Dame will play his senior season with the Panthers, however:

Dame originally signed with Davenport out of high school in 2008-09 but has spent the last three years helping cross-town foe Grace Bible College claim three straight NCCAA DII national championships.  Dame will have one year of eligibility remaining while he completes his undergraduate degree at Davenport.

The DU men’s basketball staff welcomes Ryan Dame from 3-time National Champion Grace Bible College. Ryan is no stranger to the staff or Davenport University as he attended DU in 2008-2009 and was forced to red-shirt due to a season ending knee injury.

“That particular season/year was a very tough time for Ryan, said (Burt) Paddock.  At the end of the school year, Ryan and I spoke and he felt the best thing for him at that time was to transfer cross town and play with his older brother Dan and play for Coach Gary Bailey at Grace Bible.  Although we were disappointed we’d not get to coach Ryan, it turned out to be a great three years for him at Grace.”

Dame, a 6-foot-8 forward, is an athletic defensive presence who led Grace Bible in rebounding and blocked shots last season.