Azubuike closing in on decision
Advertisement
FORT MEYERS, Fla. -- Five-star center Udoka Azubuike of Potter's House Christian Academy (Fla.) has been one of the nation's top prospects for some time, and Rivals.com learned he is closing in on a decision.
I spoke to five-star big man Udoka Azubuike tonight at the #CityOfPalms he said he is closing in on a decision.- Russ Wood (@RussHoops) December 21, 2015
"Soon, that's all I'm going to say," Azubuike said following a loss to Athlete Institute (Can.) at the City of Palms Classic in Fort Meyers, Fla.
One of the most powerful big men in the 2016, or any, class is focused on four schools -- Florida State, Kansas, North Carolina and N.C. State. The No. 27 ranked player in the Rivals150 would be a huge pickup for any of those programs and provide them with a true back-to-the-basket post player. Azubuike gave brief thoughts about each program.
FSU: They have been on me from the very beginning. Coach Ham (Leonard Hamilton) is a very good coach. There is a family atmosphere and it's close to home.
Kansas: I pretty much like Kansas. Their big men, the way they play and the physicality and Bill Self.
UNC: The same thing. Roy Williams, ever since we've been talking, I like the family atmosphere at North Carolina. Each time I talk to him, the way he approaches me and talks to me, I have a good feeling.
Azubuike went on to tell us that N.C. State is still involved and comes to watch him. Each of the four schools Azubuike listed had a coach at his game Sunday night.
Azubuike made it clear that the recruiting process has begun to wear on him.
"It's been stressful a little bit," he said. "But I've been truly happy with my host dad. He's been able to keep (my recruitment) compact."
Once considered a virtual lock to end his recruitment before his senior season began and sign in the early period last month, Azubuike kept a low profile and delayed his decision.
"It was a lot of schools, it was a lot of stuff going on," he said. "It was a lot of pressure going on that's why I didn't really sign then."
In the game against Athlete Institute, foul trouble limited Azubuike to just 19 minutes of playing time. The 6-foot-11, 260-pounder scored just nine points, grabbed two rebounds and blocked two shots.
"I got some quick fouls. I could have done better," said Azubuike. "I know my capacity in the game, but I could have done better."
IN THE WORDS OF POTTER'S HOUSE COACH STEVE MCLAUGHLIN: "People forget he's just 16 years old. People say he just dunks all the time, but that's not the case. You can't find a kid in high school that seals better than him, that gets in position better than him. That's why he dunks all the time. He's always sealing and pinning guys in. We didn't say anything when Shaq was doing that. Why say something now? If he can seal and get a guy on his back, give it to him."
RIVALS REACTION: For much of his recruitment, Leonard Hamilton and Florida State were considered to be the leader. The Seminoles are in a dog fight with two ACC rivals and the program that has won 11 consecutive Big 12 conference championships.
Russ Wood is a basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com and Inside the Gators. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.