Samford Picks Up Big Commitment from Emeka Ikezu
by Garrett Tucker, Future150 (11:58 AM CT, Wed October 24, 2012)

Charlotte, NC (Future150) -- Two years removed from leaving his family and friends in Nigeria, Emeka Ikezu moved to the United States to pursue his dream and play high school basketball. But it won’t end there.

Ikezu, a 6-foot-9, 230-pound power forward out of Hargrave Military Academy (VA), recently accepted a scholarship offer from Samford University to continue to pursue his dreams.

“I like their new coaching staff,” Ikezu told Future150.com. “Coach [Jake] Headrick did a great job recruiting me.”

Ikezu is just the next big step for Samford’s basketball program under head coach Bennie Seltzer. With not even a year on the job, the new Bulldog staff is making splashes on the recruiting trail. This is only a positive after ending last year’s class very well with a nice class, headlined by Jaylen Beckham. Ikezu will give Seltzer a solid big man presence down low for the next four years.

“I’m a good rebounder. I play down low and good defense. I need to work on my jump shot, though,” Ikezu said when describing his game.

Tennessee State was the other main contender for Ikezu, amongst other top schools chasing him.

Ikezu joins Georgia guard Elijah Bryant as Samford’s current commitments.

Expect the Bulldogs to continue to make strides on the recruiting trail throughout the year, as well as over time under the command of Steltzer.