Igiehon aims to become second Ireland-born player to reach NBA
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. – The game of basketball has spread across the globe and while the countries of Spain, Australia, Germany and France have become known for producing premier college and NBA talent, Ireland now has its own response with top-35 junior Aidan Ighiehon.
Virginia, Stanford, Oregon, Georgetown, St. John’s, Gonzaga and Xavier are all in pursuit of the big man at one level or another.
A 6-foot-9 forward that suits up for Lawrence Woodmere (N.Y.) Prep, the high-end four-star prospect has all of the tools to make it at the highest of levels. He had 15 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks at the Empire Invitational on Sunday.
“Things are hot right now,” he said. “Pretty much every college in the country has been hitting me up.”
Pat Burke is the only Irish-born player to reach the NBA.
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IN HIS OWN WORDS
Xavier: “They have just been saying that I am atop of their list; they talk to me pretty much every day. Me and coach (Chris) Mack, and me and Luke (Murray), we are building a relationship.”
St. John’s: “They have been there since my ninth grade year. I have been to their camps and to some of their games; me and Chris Mullin, and me and Matt (Abdelmassih), we are always talking back and forth, sometimes three or four times a week.”
Virginia: “They have been to my school a lot. Their head coach, Tony Bennett and their assistant, Ron Sanchez, have been talking to me. Me and coach Bennett actually speak at length almost every day, so our relationship is pretty good.”
Stanford: “That’s a big one. High academics, they talk to me more than just about basketball but also about Silicon Valley and stuff that you can do after basketball, so it is always something good to look at.”
Oregon: “They are probably one of the schools recruiting me the hardest; they’re making a push. I have been in touch with two of their assistant coaches and with the head coach, so that is going well.”
Villanova: “They are still highly involved. I still talk to two or three of their coaches. Whenever they get a chance, they invite me to games.”
Georgetown: “Coach (Patrick) Ewing, that is a big part. They are really emphasizing things in the big man area; they really like my motor and how I can run the floor. I probably won’t be a five there but more of a motor guy and someone that can spread out the floor.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
While he has visited Georgetown and St. John’s in recent weeks, no other visits are planned as he completes his junior year.
“I am just focusing on my season right now so after the season ends, I am going to start to take some visits,” he said. “Official visits are going to come after I narrow it down to a final five, hopefully around September or October. I don’t want to wait too long to commit.
“Location isn’t going to matter much. I would definitely like to spread out to the West Coast and see some programs out there.”
RIVALS' REACTION
Igiehon is one of the more impressive big men in the 2019 class. A 15-foot-and-in producer that can play the four or the five, the top-35 junior boasts a steady motor, tremendous explosiveness, touch in the paint and an underrated feel from the high post setting.
A college commitment is distant as things are tracking toward a fall decision. While it is tough to even pick a top five at the moment, It does look as if St. John’s is in a good spot for the Irish big man. His recruitment will continue to remain a priority for some of the top name-brand programs nationally.