OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Mid-America Christian University men's basketball program has landed Division I transfer Luke Mergerson for the upcoming 2013-14 season.  

Mergerson comes to MACU after competing at Division I Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.  He played there during the 2011-12 season and saw action in nine games for the Bobcats.  

He prepped at Duncanville (Texas) High School, where he was a teammate of MACU guard Jarius Wilson and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Perry Jones III.  

Mergerson helped the Duncanville Panthers capture the 2008-09 district championship and was a first-team All-District performer. He also earned a Defensive Player of the Year award.  

"We're excited about having a player of Luke's ability and talent," head coach Willie Holley said.  "I expect him to give us the inside presence we need around the basket that's been missing from our program."

He is the son of Laramie and Loretta Mergerson and plans to major in Marketing at MACU.    

Mergerson is joining a program coming off its best season since joining the NAIA.  

The Evangels achieved their first-ever NAIA Top 25 national ranking in 2012-13 and their highest finish in the Sooner Athletic Conference, coming in tied for third with USAO with a 9-7 conference record.

MACU also made its 22nd appearance in the NCCAA National Tournament after capturing their 20th NCCAA Central Regional championship.