Ashaolu finds new home
Once committed to attend Rutgers as a 2008 prospect, Olu Ashaolu is taking a different career path. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward from Humble (Texas) Christian Life Center is now headed to Louisiana Tech as a 2007 prospect.
"Olu has been playing varsity basketball since eighth grade and he was able to wrap up his core curriculum," said Ashaolu's brother John Ashaolu. "It didn't make sense anymore to play in high school."
Advertisement
Due to head coach Kerry Rupp's reputation for skill development, Ashaolu might wait a year before suiting up.
"As of now Olu is planning to redshirt," said John. "They want to make him more of a wing player, but he is not just going to hang out on the perimeter. He still has the size to take advantage of mismatches inside.
"We've heard great things about Coach Rupp's player development and want Olu to have a year to work with him. It also doesn't hurt that Karl Malone is on the staff. He wants to help out Olu and has a vision for what Olu can become."
John Ashaolu also noted that the family felt that Olu rushed into his decision to commit to Rutgers and never gave longtime family friend and Louisiana Tech assistant Nikita Johnson a chance to recruit him.
"Coach Johnson actually recruited me out of high school," said John. "He has known Olu since he was a child, and there is a great trust factor with our family and Coach Johnson.
"At Louisiana Tech, Olu has a chance to play in the WAC and be an impact player."
Ashaolu is coming off a strong summer where he had some terrific performances at the Reebok U Camp.