BF Dokes Says Yes to Duquesne

Ronald Dokes, a 6-8, 240 pound power forward from Lincoln Trail Community College in Illinois verballly committed to Duquesne on Thursday. According to sources close to the player, Dokes called DU's first year head coach Danny Nee (right) and told him he will be signing a national letter of intent during the spring signing period.

Dokes, a native of South Bend, IN, prepped at Riley High School where he averaged 12 points and nine rebounds as a senior. He signed with Ball State out of high school but did not qualfy academically.

He averaged nine points and 5.5 rebounds per game as a freshman for Lincoln Trail Head Coach Rick Arp. So far this season, he's averaging 12.6 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the floor for the 11-5 LTCC.

Dokes choose Duquesne over La Salle, Illinois-Chicago, Southern Illinois and Western Michigan.

Ron Dokes Sr. told Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Dave Mackall that the younger Dokes, "...got a 3.0 right now."

Nee, who has a 5-8, 0-2 Atlantic 10 season underway in his first year on the sidelines at Duquesne, is without the services of the Dukes' top recruit, 6-10, 225 pound inside power Simplice Njoya. The NCAA suspended Njoya, a native of Younde, Cameroon, for 19 games for receiving impermissable financial assistance while in high school.

But Nee will be bringing in six new players for the 2002-03 season. In addition to Dokes, four players signed NLIs this past fall and there's one transfer, sharpshooter and talented ballhandler Jimmy Tricco. The 6-8, 180 pounder transferred to Duquesne from Gonzaga this fall and is sitting out this year under NCAA transfer rules. Tricco was recruited as a point guard and grew over four inches while a reserve for two seasons with the Zags.

The four players who signed NLIs are:

Bryant McAllister, a 6-3, 180 pound point guard from West Mifflin High School in the Pittsburgh area -- McAllister is the best prospect in Western Pennsylvania this year. Last season, he was the only underclassmen named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Fabulous Five and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Terrific 10.

Lijer Kamdem, a 6-6, 250 pound power forward -- Kamdem is playing this season at Elizabeth-Forward High School, also in the Pittsburgh area. Like Njoya, he is a native of Younde, Cameroon. He is a raw athlete with a linebacker's physique. (more below)

Derek Ahern, a 6-11, 260 center from Peach Beach Community College in Florida -- Ahern, from Andrews Air Force Base in suburban Washington, D.C., prepped at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD. He signed with nearby American University but left after his freshman year following a coaching change. Ahern, who was injured during that season and has received a medical redshirt for that year, sat out last season at PBCC. DeMatha Head Coach, Morgan Wootten, told this reporter that, "His best year's are ahead of him."

Elijiah Palmer, a 6-7, 200 pound swingman from Kennedy-King Junior College in Illinois -- Palmer prepped at Marshall (MO) High School. Kennedy-King is 12-4 this season but had some tough issues to deal with recently. On Sunday, Kennedy King's Head Coach, Willie Little, died of an apparent heart attack after this past Sunday's game in Poplar Bluff, MO.

But Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo writes today that Duquesne is still recruiting. "Kamdem.... is a candidate for junior college because he is having trouble academically and has not assimilated well at Elizabeth Forward." This is Kamdem's first year in the United States. Among the players on Duquesne's radar is another juco big forward, Mory Correa from Pratt (KS) Junior College. The native of Fontenay LeFleury, France, had a strong showing at the Jayhawk Tournament in December, according to RivalsHoops.com reporter Russ Blake.

So Dukes fans, stay tuned. As many have said, including ex-DU coach Darelle Porter, 'you never stop recruiting.' And Russ Blake will have more on Dokes here at RivalsHoops.com later.