Newly appointed Virginia Union University basketball Coach Jay Butler has landed his first recruit, and he didn’t have to go far to find him.

Tavon Mealy led Richard Bland College to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II title this past season. He has signed a full scholarship offer from VUU.

The powerfully built 6-foot-3 Mealy averaged 17.2 points and 8.3 rebounds this past season, while hitting 64.4 percent from the field.

Mealy, who had more than 1,000 points in two seasons at Richard Bland, scored in double figures in 35 of 36 games this season and accumulated 12 double-doubles for points and rebounds.

The former Armstrong High School All-Capital District player will travel to Las Vegas for the May 9 NJCAA All-Star game at Orleans Arena.

Mealy gives Butler’s VUU Panthers two former Armstrong Wildcats. Robert Valentine will be a sophomore guard next season.