One of the more confusing Saint Joseph's recruiting situations in recent memory is that of Florida forward Papa Samba Ndao. Ndao, originally a 2010 recruit to Boston College, reopened his recruitment when Boston College fired then-coach Al Skinner. Upon reopening his recruitment, Papa visited Hawk Hill in April. Shortly thereafter, rumors began swirling that the 6'8 Ndao had committed to Phil Martelli and the Hawks. Following a summer with no definitive answers and no appearances on campus, the specifics of Papa's recruitment were left open to much speculation. Finally, today, news broke concerning Papa's college future.
According to a number of written reports, including ESPN.com and the Philadelphia Inquirer (both of which are linked below), Papa will be eligible to play the second semester of this year, but will likely redshirt.
SJUHawks.com, also linked at the end of my article, had this to say: Ndao will begin practicing with the Hawks after Christmas and will be eligible immediately, although he could redshirt the season. A 6-8, 215-pound forward from the Senegal, Ndao (pronounced NON-doe) attended scholastic power Montverde (Fla.) Academy. He had originally signed a letter of intent to attend Boston College, but was released from that commitment because of a coaching change there."
If he redshirts, he will become the second member of the Hawks' 2011 recruiting class, alongside 6'3 guard Chris Wilson. Earlier this week, I provided a link to an article stating that Wilson was scheduled to sign his National Letter of Intent this past Monday. As of now, I have not heard anything to substantiate a claim that Wilson actually signed his LOI. There has been nothing officially released through Saint Joseph's and nothing in local North Carolina newspapers.
The fact that Papa is listed at 6'8 and 215 pounds means that the Hawks will be adding some size to the frontcourt next year. While they will lose senior Idris Hilliard, they gain Papa and also 6'8 245 pound Hofstra transfer Halil Kanacevic.
Articles linked directly below:
SJU Hawks Press Release on Papa
Dick Jerardi Article
ESPN Article on Papa
Photo Courtesy of Rivals.com
No comments:
Post a Comment