FAIRBORN — Billy Donlon’s two newest recruits, Joe Bramanti and Antonio “Bobo” Drummond, who signed national letters of intent Saturday to play basketball at Wright State, have talent. Just as important, in the coach’s mind, is their background.

Bramanti, a 6-foot-2 guard, attended a prep school in New Hampshire, Brewster Academy, for a year after he graduated from high school in Andover, Mass.

Drummond, a 5-10 guard, played two seasons at La Lumiere, a prep school in Indiana, after leaving his hometown of Peoria, Ill.

That kind of experience gives them a head start on the average freshman.

“It’s more mental than physical, making the jump from high school to college,” Donlon said. “I believe with the programs these kids have come from, they’ll be able to make it.”

Donlon believes both have shown a passion for basketball with their decisions off the court.

That will help them, he said, during the grind of a season in Division I.

“Bobo left Peoria (Ill.) to go to a place, Lumiere, and that helps in all aspects of his life,” Donlon said. “I have a great appreciation for that. Joe graduated from high school, was an outstanding student and wanted to see what was out there.”

“He went to Brewster, probably the best prep school team in the country, and improved himself,” Donlon continued.

Bramanti verbally committed in April, and Drummond announced his decision Wednesday.

Bramanti averaged 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists as a senior in high school.

“I think he’ll turn 20 during his freshman year, so you’re not getting an 18-year-old freshman,” Donlon said. “He’s more developed physically. He can play multiple positions, which is important. Joe had a role at Brewster to facilitate and help some of the other guys be a little more unselfish, but he also has the ability to score the ball.”

Drummond averaged 13.3 points and 4.9 assists last season.

“Bobo brings more depth,” Donlon said, “and he has a very good court sense.”

Bramanti and Drummond join a freshman class that also includes J.T. Yoho, a 6-foot-6 guard/forward, and Jacoby Roddy, a 6-5 forward. Both signed last November.

Roddy, who grew up with Drummond in Peoria, also signed last week with Vincennes University, a junior college. That is a fallback option if he fails to qualify academically, Donlon said.

“It looks very good that he’s going to make it,” Donlon said. “He needed to make sure he had another option.”

Joe Thomasson, a senior at Thurgood Marshall, has also signed with Wright State, but he failed to qualify academically, so he will attend Wright State this year but not play basketball, joining the team for the 2013-14 season.

Donlon expects more recruiting announcements soon, saying, “We’re rounding out the class.”

Jerran Young, a 6-5 forward from McLennan Community College in Texas, verbally committed in April but has yet to sign his letter of intent.