Negedu Makes Pick

June 18th, 2008
NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com

The second time was the charm for Bruce Pearl and the Tennessee Volunteers.  When Emmanuel Negedu went through the recruiting process the first time, Pearl n’company were the runners up to the University of Arizona.  This time around, they got their man.

Emmanuel Negedu is headed to the University of Tennessee.  Bruce Pearl secured the commitment from the nation’s best remaining player in the class of 2008 on Tuesday afternoon. 

Negedu selected Tennessee over Indiana, Memphis, and Georgia Tech. 

“Tennessee recruited him prior to his commitment to Arizona,” said Brewster Academy Head Coach Jason Smith, “so there was a certain level of familiarity there.” 

Negedu becomes the sixth member of the Volunteer’s recruiting joining 6’5” swingman Scotty Hopson, 6’11” center Philip Jurick, 6’8” combo-forward Renaldo Woolridge, 6’1” point guard Daniel West, and 6’3” guard Bobby Maze. 

When Negedu visited Tennessee last week, four of the five other incoming players were on campus. 

“Emmanuel liked the family atmosphere of the team and felt really comfortable on their campus,” said Smith. 

Negedu gives the class a different dimension as his combination of power and athleticism are virtually unmatched.  Because he is one of the best rebounders and finishers in the country, he should also be ideally suited for Tennessee’s fast paced style of play. 

This season he averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds as he led Brewster Academy to a 31-4 record including the NEPSAC Class A title and a trip to the semi-finals of the National Prep Championships.