Four-star center Udoka Azubuike commits to Kansas
Four-star center Udoka Azubuike committed to Kansas on Thursday.
The 6'10", 275-pound Azubuike announced his commitment live on ESPNU. Scout.com ranks him the No. 7 in the 2016 class and 36th overall. He selected Kansas over North Carolina and Florida State.
A native of Nigeria, Azubuike arrived in the U.S. in 2012 and rose to prominence with Potter’s House Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Fla. Known for his rim-rattling, highlight dunks and blend of strength and athleticism, Azubuike turned just 16 years old in September, his high school coach told SI.com, although his developed physique has raised some questions about his age.
Azubuike was originally expected to announce a couple of weeks ago at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., but changed his mind. His skill set offensively needs work, and he may not be more than a garbage-man type beneath the basket when he arrives in college, but his physical package makes him a unique prospect. In terms of build and brawn, he’s more than ready for the next level of play.
“I think there’s certainly room for concern, because he really hasn’t developed all that much on the offensive end,” Scout.com recruiting analyst Evan Daniels told SI’s Chris Johnson. “He still brings value because he can rebound his area, he seals and he’ll get dunks and put-back opportunities, but you want to see him take that next step and add a little more to his offensive game.”
• JOHNSON: Azubuike’s coach discusses star big man’s growing game
Next season, Azubuike will join a Jayhawks front line set to lose seniors Perry Ellis, Jamari Traylor and Hunter Mickelson. Freshmen Cheick Diallo and Carlton Bragg could also potentially depart. Adding Azubuike, who was named a McDonald’s All-American earlier this week, should add important depth at the very least.
Kansas also holds a commitment from three-star 2016 forward Mitch Lightfoot. The team continues to court a number of prospects including five-star wing Josh Jackson.
