Azubuike proving he belongs
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- The quick ascension of 2016 big man Udoka Azubuike to the level of elite prospect has been impressive to watch. At the NBPA Top 100 camp, the five-star big man talked about his rise in the high school basketball world.
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Originally from Nigeria, the 6-foot-9 and 260-pound big man arrived in the States just a few years ago and has quickly made a name for himself with his play at Jacksonville Potter's Christian, Nike Team Florida on the grassroots circuit and at camps like NBPA.
"I came to my school through getting noticed at camps back home two years ago," Azubuike said.
Big, strong and punishing around the rim, Azubuike plays grown man basketball around the rim. He rebounds, has pretty good touch to 10 feet and says that he has really learned to appreciate basketball since arriving in Jacksonville.
"At home I have a coach who gave me the basics when I was young," said Azubuike. "When I came here, I started to play fundamental basketball. Now I have a passion for it and I like the excitement and competition."
Understandably, Azubuike isn't all that familiar with college basketball and he said that the didn't really start watching closely until the 2014 Final Four. Now, with the likes of Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Georgetown, Florida, Florida State, Connecticut, Maryland and more he plans to pay much closer attention. He'll also lean on coaches and family for help.
"I like there to be people to help me," said Azubuike of the recruiting process. "I'm going to make my own decision but it is good to have coaches and my family to help because I don't know a lot about the recruiting process."
Given his recent rise to stardom and relative unfamiliarity with college basketball, Azubuike says that he is in no rush to make any type of decision. When he does, though, one thing will be very important.
"I like a system that will pass it to the post players," said Azubuike. "I don't want to go to a school that doesn't think about passing it to the bigs."
Eric Bossi is the national basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
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