WSU gets new LOI

[Snapshot9]

Ejike Hart from Hillsborough Community College near Tampa, Florida has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at WSU. Hart is 6' 7 1/2", 210 lbs, and ripped. He received National honorable mention for Jucos in 05-06, and was the 68th rated player for Jucos in 06-07. He averaged 12 points and 9 rebounds, but was coming back from an ankle injury earlier.

He is listed as a Liberian (half-Liberian and half-Nigerian).

[SalukiSpike]

I bet WSU fans are Ejikeulating over this news.

[shockerfan13]

I bet WSU fans are Ejikeulating over this news.

LOL niiiiicccee.

At this point, any news of a signee is pretty exciting LOL. At first I wasn't totally sold on this kid as it sounds to me like he is pretty terrible shooting. But from what I hear his defense is tremendous, so for that reason I'm excited. Our post defense could be as good as it's been in a LONG time. So that's exciting to think of.

[ShockBand]

Despite all the unknown factors, I'm getting pretty jazzed about the upcoming season. I have no idea how many wins and losses there will be, where we will end up in the standings, but I'm getting one big hunch that...

IT ISN'T GOING TO BE BORING! Shocker basketball is going to look a LOT different I think...

[Maggie]

I have been out of the country so I am a little behind on the news. Obviously, I know about Sampay – a great sign for ISU, I really wanted to see him and Clemente on the block at WSU next year. Oh well.

What is this kid's story? Can he play the 5? I am guessing he is more of a 4 – which WSU doesn't really need with PT, Durley (who probably can play the 5, if healthy) and R. Clemente. I, for one, am not that excited about WSU's front court for next season. They still lack size. Is there anyone left on the roster 6'8" or over? What they need is experienced size and I don't think they are going to get it at this late date.

Am I wrong to be this concerned?

[ShockBand]

No, Maggie, concerns and questions abound, but I still think it will be a very exciting season if the up tempo offense and hard nosed defensive style truly does surface. 2007-08 will be a year where my expectations aren't super lofty, aside from seeing mass improvement over the course of the season.

[shockerfan13]

I have been out of the country so I am a little behind on the news. Obviously, I know about Sampay – a great sign for ISU, I really wanted to see him and Clemente on the block at WSU next year. Oh well.

What is this kid's story? Can he play the 5? I am guessing he is more of a 4 – which WSU doesn't really need with PT, Durley (who probably can play the 5, if healthy) and R. Clemente. I, for one, am not that excited about WSU's front court for next season. They still lack size. Is there anyone left on the roster 6'8" or over? What they need is experienced size and I don't think they are going to get it at this late date.

Am I wrong to be this concerned?

Hate to go with the SIU comparisons...again...but they have lacked "size" but it doesn't stop them as they sign guys that can play defense the way they want it played. That's what Marshall is doing and he is known for putting good defenses on the floor as well. So I won't be too hyped or too down until I see what happens on the court. But with the types of post players he is signing, for the most part, are guys that thrive on defense, so I don't think it'll be THAT bad. Offensively...maybe some worry there but we'll see LOL.

[Snapshot9]

Ejike Hart:

http://www.a-hope.org/Ejike.jpg

:shockers: :shockers: :shockers:

[kyyle23]

Ejike Hart from Hillsborough Community College near Tampa, Florida has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at WSU. Hart is 6' 7 1/2", 210 lbs, and ripped. He received National honorable mention for Jucos in 05-06, and was the 68th rated player for Jucos in 06-07. He averaged 12 points and 9 rebounds, but was coming back from an ankle injury earlier.

He is listed as a Liberian (half-Liberian and half-Nigerian).

LMAO, how relevant.

[shockerfan13]

LMAO, how relevant.

He's only saying that because that is how Marshall described him because when you hear his weight it doesn't impress you, but evidently he's a pretty strong guy.

[kyyle23]

He's only saying that because that is how Marshall described him because when you hear his weight it doesn't impress you, but evidently he's a pretty strong guy.

Most basketball players are ripped. I just thought it was a funny add-in at the end of his description.

[shockerfan13]

Most basketball players are ripped. I just thought it was a funny add-in at the end of his description.


I don't know, Big Baby? Heck our own JT Durley...lol. Nah, I know what you are saying, just mentioning why he probably threw it in there because while he's not "heavy" for a post he isn't a "beanpole" either.

I figured someone would have some fun with that comment though :P

[XSaluki]

Look out for cold's second annual "shirtless shocker expose'".

Not that there is anything wrong with that.

[Maggie]

Hate to go with the SIU comparisons...again...but they have lacked "size" but it doesn't stop them as they sign guys that can play defense the way they want it played. That's what Marshall is doing and he is known for putting good defenses on the floor as well. So I won't be too hyped or too down until I see what happens on the court. But with the types of post players he is signing, for the most part, are guys that thrive on defense, so I don't think it'll be THAT bad. Offensively...maybe some worry there but we'll see LOL.


I don't think I would be so quick to make any sort of comparison to SIU. SIU's defense has as much to do with the pressure its guards put on the ball as it does with a player like Falkner, who is an undersized 5 – it is a team effort. I don't see any of WSU's players, except PJ, that have consistently applied that kind of pressure in the past. WSU has some good defenders not great defenders – PJ can't do it alone. Look I am not trying to be a "wet blanket" but after the problems WSU had last year with an undersized frontline – I just can't get that excited yet. Clemente was a step in the right direction – but no matter how tough of a player he might be (and I love his attitude – very X like) he is still only 6'6". PT has shown very little on defense and was very foul prone. Durley has talent, I think he could have made a difference last year, but he has to get into shape and stay healthy. Butler – provided he is gets it together – could be a shot blocker at the 4 or maybe 3 – which would be nice.
The problem is, in my opinion, a player like Sampay was the missing piece. Sampay is tough, rebounds well and can score inside.
WSU basketball will be different next year. I do think Marshall is a good coach but I also think he is in a difficult situation right now. Well like you wrote – we are just going to have to see what happens when they take the floor.

[Snapshot9]

You're right a tough 5 is hard to beat (People didn't give Paul Miller enough
credit, IMO), but I do think our 3 & 4 spots are going to be bigger, much more athletic, and good rebounders. Even the best 5's have trouble if 2 athletic
3's or 4's are going for the ball too, because the 3's and 4's have better verticals than 5's usually do. Graham Hatch is suppose to be a tenacious defender also.
We will be generally bigger at the 2 also. Griskenas is a good rebounder.

But you are right, like I said on SN, 6'8" is tall enough to be a contender, but not a champion down the NCAA road.

It's been months and months and months for Durley, so if he is finally healed, he
needs to run about 6 miles a day maybe 3-4 times a week.

One last thing - Creighton took SIU's game to them in the tourney this year, and beat them at their own game. Other than Tatum, the other players had minor breakdowns along the way.

[Aargh]

WSU's apparent main frontcourt players:

Phil Thomasson - Sr - 6'7". Had a good start last year, then mostly disappeared. Never saw a head fake that didn't get him off his feet.

Mantas Griskenas - JuCo Jr - 6'7". Very good shooter. Probably a 3/4 combo player. Probably the best "all-around" player in this group.

Ramon Clemente - JuCo Jr - 6'6". Rebounder with attitude. Will drive to the hoop. Will post up. Will get his share of points. No outside shot.

Ejike Hart - JuCo Jr - 6'7-1/2". Will get his share of boards and defend aggressively. No shooting range. 55% FT shooter.

J.T. Durley - (RS) Fr - 6'7". Still slowed by knee injury, which is interfering with conditioning work.

There better be a "sleeper" or 2 in there or that doesn't look like an upper-tier Valley frontcourt. There are enough rebounders and defenders to fit Marshall's transition game.

Backcourt:

Matt Braeuer - Sr - 5'10". Well-suited for a transition/secondary break game.

Gal Mekel - So - 6'4". Possible candidate for "Most Improved Player" in Marshall's system, but it's hard to get assists if the frontcourt guys are clanking shots.

P.J. Couisnard - Sr - 6'4". Could challenge Falker for POY.

Wendell Preadom - Jr - 6'1". Good defender.

Looks like an upper-tier Valley backcourt.

While I am excited to see the Shockers new lineup, I'm less excited about the realistic possibilities of the Shox finish in the league. I think Marshall is a very good coach, but it's going to take more than a "very good" coach to get that lineup to even a sniff of the NIT's.

If Marshall can take that lineup to a top-4 finish in the Valley and be an NCAA bubble team, it would be an amazing coaching job.

[Maggie]

WSU's apparent main frontcourt players:

Phil Thomasson - Sr - 6'7". Had a good start last year, then mostly disappeared. Never saw a head fake that didn't get him off his feet.

Mantas Griskenas - JuCo Jr - 6'7". Very good shooter. Probably a 3/4 combo player. Probably the best "all-around" player in this group.

Ramon Clemente - JuCo Jr - 6'6". Rebounder with attitude. Will drive to the hoop. Will post up. Will get his share of points. No outside shot.

Ejike Hart - JuCo Jr - 6'7-1/2". Will get his share of boards and defend aggressively. No shooting range. 55% FT shooter.

J.T. Durley - (RS) Fr - 6'7". Still slowed by knee injury, which is interfering with conditioning work.

There better be a "sleeper" or 2 in there or that doesn't look like an upper-tier Valley frontcourt. There are enough rebounders and defenders to fit Marshall's transition game.

Backcourt:

Matt Braeuer - Sr - 5'10". Well-suited for a transition/secondary break game.

Gal Mekel - So - 6'4". Possible candidate for "Most Improved Player" in Marshall's system, but it's hard to get assists if the frontcourt guys are clanking shots.

P.J. Couisnard - Sr - 6'4". Could challenge Falker for POY.

Wendell Preadom - Jr - 6'1". Good defender.

Looks like an upper-tier Valley backcourt.

While I am excited to see the Shockers new lineup, I'm less excited about the realistic possibilities of the Shox finish in the league. I think Marshall is a very good coach, but it's going to take more than a "very good" coach to get that lineup to even a sniff of the NIT's.

If Marshall can take that lineup to a top-4 finish in the Valley and be an NCAA bubble team, it would be an amazing coaching job.

I agree.

With regard to the backcourt: You left out Hatch who I believe is 6'4" – that guy will be a 20 yr. old freshman – he might surprise some people. If Hatch can contribute – WSU will have nice size at the 1, 2, and 3 spots if Mekel, PJ/Hatch and Griskenas are in the game at the same time.

[Saluki4life]

One last thing - Creighton took SIU's game to them in the tourney this year, and beat them at their own game. Other than Tatum, the other players had minor breakdowns along the way.

Creighton played a great game, but SIU pressure D was weakened by the fact of 3 games in 3 days. CU played 3 as well in 3 days. But SIU pressure against CU was decrease after the Bradley game.

I would rather have an undersized 5 that is athletic, basketball smart, and quick then a tall, big, fat and slow. If his hands are quick enough, being undersized won't hurt him if teammates deny ball entry and assist when down low. Most players I have seen watching in college until upperclassmen years if that bring the ball down when they get it deep inside instead of taking it up and keeping the ball up. When the ball is down, a quick hand can knock it away.

[LincolnJay]

Isn't "juco" and "defense" an oxymoron? :banana:

[Carrcar]

Creighton played a great game, but SIU pressure D was weakened by the fact of 3 games in 3 days. CU played 3 as well in 3 days. But SIU pressure against CU was decrease after the Bradley game.

Hey, did I miss the game? CU played 3 games, too. We got beat by CU plain and simple. They made their shots, we didn't. It's not always about us, dontchaknow?

[Woodbox Gang]

Ejike Hart from Hillsborough Community College near Tampa, Florida has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at WSU. Hart is 6' 7 1/2", 210 lbs, and ripped. He received National honorable mention for Jucos in 05-06, and was the 68th rated player for Jucos in 06-07. He averaged 12 points and 9 rebounds, but was coming back from an ankle injury earlier.

He is listed as a Liberian (half-Liberian and half-Nigerian).

It's good that WSU has signed a Librarian. It's nice to see kids who know what they want to be when they are finished with college.

[DJShocker10]

I've heard that we're supposed to hear within a few days on another player that we're signing. ShockerNetters seem to think that it will be another foreign guy, I believe from Nigeria, and I won't even try to put his name on here because I'm too lazy to look it up.

[SubGod22]

Ehimen Orupke

[DJShocker10]

Ehimen Orupke

Thank you.

[SubGod22]

I do what I can :grin:

[Little Eddie]

Ehimen Orupke


"Orupke backwards is Ekpuro..."

http://www.powermaxconsulting.com/harry_caray_sings.jpg

[SubGod22]

"Orupke backwards is Ekpuro..."

http://www.powermaxconsulting.com/harry_caray_sings.jpg

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[MikeKennedyRulz]

I have been out of the country so I am a little behind on the news. Obviously, I know about Sampay – a great sign for ISU, I really wanted to see him and Clemente on the block at WSU next year. Oh well.

What is this kid's story? Can he play the 5? I am guessing he is more of a 4 – which WSU doesn't really need with PT, Durley (who probably can play the 5, if healthy) and R. Clemente. I, for one, am not that excited about WSU's front court for next season. They still lack size. Is there anyone left on the roster 6'8" or over? What they need is experienced size and I don't think they are going to get it at this late date.

Am I wrong to be this concerned?

My crystal ball tells me your concerns will be eased in the next few days. Just call it a hunch. :naughty: :innocent:

[MikeKennedyRulz]

Isn't "juco" and "defense" an oxymoron? :banana:

Yeah, just like LincolnJay and humorous.

[shockerfan13]

My crystal ball tells me your concerns will be eased in the next few days. Just call it a hunch. :naughty: :innocent:

Actually they might not be eased. Maggie said "experienced" size...so I am sure Maggie will still be concerned. Now the size part...they don't get a whole lot taller...especially in the Valley LOL.

[SubGod22]

I don't think we'll have any more experience joining the team this year. Another JUCO at any position doesn't make much sense. Now a nice 7 foot freshman who can move very well, rebound and block shots, will be a nice addition. The only way it could be better than that is if it were the other rumored Nigerian..........which sadly I don't think is going to happen :sad:

[MoValley John]

It's good that WSU has signed a Librarian. It's nice to see kids who know what they want to be when they are finished with college.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Now that was funny.
http://www.dougquick.com/nbc_SNL_radner.jpg
Meant to paste Emily Letella. Best I could find was Rosanne Rosanna Danna. Sorry.

[LincolnJay]

Yeah, just like LincolnJay and humorous.

More like MikeKenndyRulz and brain matter. You really are kindofa dick aren't you?

[DUBulldog]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Now that was funny.
http://www.dougquick.com/nbc_SNL_radner.jpg
Meant to paste Emily Letella. Best I could find was Rosanne Rosanna Danna. Sorry.

http://blatherreview.mu.nu/archives/Litella1.jpg

[SubGod22]

More like MikeKenndyRulz and brain matter. You really are kindofa dick aren't you?

In this case he was just telling it like it is.

[mproviz]

I don't think we'll have any more experience joining the team this year. Another JUCO at any position doesn't make much sense. Now a nice 7 foot freshman who can move very well, rebound and block shots, will be a nice addition. The only way it could be better than that is if it were the other rumored Nigerian..........which sadly I don't think is going to happen :sad:

what do you know, subby? Everyone I've heard talk thinks that the nigerian is a done deal...:noexpression:

[SubGod22]

I think it will be Orupke. The 7 footer from Nigeria and I'll be very happy with that. The only way I'd be more happy is if it were Frank Benjamin-Eze, the 7'1" Nigerian who played on thier under 18 National team last summer and from what I understand was pretty impressive.

[MoValley John]

http://blatherreview.mu.nu/archives/Litella1.jpg

As this is a recruiting thread and I couldn't find the picture, all I can say to you DU is, nice get. Too bad the 20 somethings have no idea.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

I agree with sub as usual haha

I think we have a better shot at Orupke.

Eze - B would be money in the bank though.:grin:

[Snapshot9]

"I like to win. I want to be where I can win." - Ejike Hart via Wichita Eagle on May 10th, 2007.

[MoValley John]

"I like to win. I want to be where I can win." - Ejike Hart via Wichita Eagle on May 10th, 2007.

What a great quote! It's so much better than what Sampay said:

"I like to lose. I want to go where I can lose." - Brandon Sampay via Wichita Eagle on April 28th, 2007.

[Maggie]

Actually they might not be eased. Maggie said "experienced" size...so I am sure Maggie will still be concerned. Now the size part...they don't get a whole lot taller...especially in the Valley LOL.

That is correct – the front line will remain a concern of mine even if WSU signs Orupke All signs seem to indicate that he is a bit of a project – which is not what WSU really needs right now. Don't get me wrong, I am fine with him coming to WSU I just think it is a stretch to say at this point that he will have any sort of immediate impact. Benjamin-Eze would be another matter, he may not be "experienced size" but that kid can play and if he signed with WSU I have a feeling he wouldn't be in college very long.

I agree with SubGod22 – getting 4th Juco player probably wouldn't be a good idea. Besides, there probably is not much unsigned talent out there anyway. The frontline players that WSU has now are probably going to be getting the lion's share of playing time. The only thing that makes me feel a little better is the fact that Marshall has shown, in the past, the ability to adapt to his player's strong suits. In short, I don't think he is as "rigid" as Turgeon (and I am not bashing Turgeon).

[Snapshot9]

Part of this mindset that Orupke is a project is mere speculation. There is no reference on the net as to his performance stats, where for Frank, there is.
Frank has been heralded in a couple of articles, as has his potential, but
the lack of information on Orupke has led a few people to believe he is a project, which may or may not be the case.

I am saying there is not enough information either way to make the determination that he is, indeed, a project.

[RoyalShock]

Actually, snap, I think the idea he is a project came from a post on the Liberty board from someone who, I think, has contact with their previous head coach. The report was that, besides his dunking ability, he is a project on the offensive end.

[NewEra]

Actually, snap, I think the idea he is a project came from a post on the Liberty board from someone who, I think, has contact with their previous head coach. The report was that, besides his dunking ability, he is a project on the offensive end.

Also noted though that he is a great shot blocker

[MikeKennedyRulz]

Actually, snap, I think the idea he is a project came from a post on the Liberty board from someone who, I think, has contact with their previous head coach. The report was that, besides his dunking ability, he is a project on the offensive end.

Another 7'er that played in the valley and recently was a lottery pick in the NBA was labeled a project as well. I am fine with any "project" that coach Marshall feels is worthy of a scholarship.

[Snapshot9]

I googled all over the place, and I could not find under 'Ehimen Orupke' or
'Randy Dunton' (former coach of Liberty) a reference to where he is said to be a project.

And, he never played at Liberty.

I think most 7 footers dunk, they lay it up over someone (which I am sure he can do), and they need to develop a baby hook. Other than that, they rebound, shot block, and try to maintain the right position.

Other than maybe the baby hook, I don't see where the offensive project comes from? He may need some work, but I don't think enough to where he has to be redshirted.

[SubGod22]

The only way he'd be redshirted is if GM would think he wouldn't get much or any playing time. I think a guy as athletic as he's supposed to be would find the court.