SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Shippensburg men's basketball head coach Dave Springer announced on Monday that Division I transfer Will Royal has joined the program and will be eligible to play next season. Royal, a native of Harrisburg, most recently competed for Division I Robert Morris during the 2007-2008 season as a freshman.

A 6-foot, 7-inch forward, Royal signed a scholarship with Robert Morris in 2007 and appeared in 10 games during the season, scoring six points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He appeared in 10 games with the Colonials before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Royal will begin his Raider career this fall as a sophomore.
 
Prior to Robert Morris, Royal played at Harmony Community Prep School and at Harrisburg High School. Witrh the Canes, Royal averaged 17 points and nine rebounds per game as his squad went 40-4 and won the Prep School National Championship in Washington, D.C.

While at Harrisburg, Royal averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game and was named a Pennsylvania All-State First Team selection. He was also named to the Big 15 Team that season.

The Red Raiders will tip off the 2009-2010 season on Sunday, Nov. 15 with a 3 p.m. contest at Lock Haven.