Raphael Akpejiori-6-9, 225 lb power forward.

[Denny Crane]

In town at Sunrise Christian Academy via a recommendation from EO...Class of 2010...currently rehabbing an ankle this winter, but next year, look out....played in the Michael Jordan International All Star Classic in New York last year.

Needless to say, the Shocks are aware of him.

This has been breaking news from the Denny Crane Network.

[SubGod22]

I hope some of these kids at Sunrise end up being good enough. It's a quality school and I like the internationl flavor it brings. This could really benefit the Shox down the road.

[Txlen]

What more have you been able to find out through DCN (Denny Crane Network), regarding this player? Is his high school transcript in order? Are we starting to see the formation of a Nigerian pipeline for basketball players, hopefully going to WSU?

[tropicalshox]

Alright DCN! Keep the info coming.

[SubGod22]

I would assume this kid wouldn't be as much of a problem if he'd be attending Sunrise for a couple of years. I'd think that the school results there would be good enough.

[wu_shizzle]

Nigerian youngsters dominate NBA camp

In all, nine Nigerian kids made it to the All Star A list...

...Ehimen Orukpe, Godwin Okonji, Adeolu Ojo and Raphael Akpejiori.

[Denny Crane]

Played on the Ebun Comets with EO;

Played in the Jordan Classic in New York City;

Originally slated to go to Mt Zion Christian Academy in North Carolina;

Injured ankle playing in an AAU summer league against top flight college competition;

Mt Zion lost interest so he was referred here by EO;

Still rehabbing ankle but doing well;

Is a physical specimen the likes of which we don't have right now.

[WstateU]

Played on the Ebun Comets with EO;

Played in the Jordan Classic in New York City;

Originally slated to go to Mt Zion Christian Academy in North Carolina;

Injured ankle playing in an AAU summer league against top flight college competition;

Mt Zion lost interest so he was referred here by EO;

Still rehabbing ankle but doing well;

Is a physical specimen the likes of which we don't have right now.

Something like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNlTjXZIUQ4&feature=related

[SubGod22]

And to think that we could have two of the better Nigerian posts here at the same time. If this kid can in fact play and comes here.... :D

Garrett, Ehimen, Jerome and Raphael could make for some nice post action :yahoo:

[tropicalshox]

At one time he was listed in the class of 2009 and was going to Findlay Prep in Nevada for the 2007-08 season. However, something must of happened as he was not on their strong team last year.

[tropicalshox]

Nigerian youngsters dominate NBA camp

In all, nine Nigerian kids made it to the All Star A list...

...Ehimen Orukpe, Godwin Okonji, Adeolu Ojo and Raphael Akpejiori.

Godwin Okonji is in his second and senior year at Findlay Prep. He is scoring under 10 points a game and is having a hard time with free throws.

[Denny Crane]

Raphael was at the game tonight. That may be a good or bad think depending on your perspective.

[SubGod22]

Just like with Johnny. I say we NEED help. A big body like Raphael could probably come in and contribute early.

Post play would be nice his FR year.

Stutz - JR
Blair - SR
Orukpe - SO
Hamilton - FR/SO
Akpejiori - FR

I believe those are correct and would make me very happy.

[Txlen]

Has anyone seen him play, yet, in any kind of scrimmages, that would indicate the type and quality of player that he is?

Is the ankle injury still preventing him from practicing hard?

Thanks --

[wufan]

After reviewing the thread, not playing on the Findlay Varsity squad is not a bid deal (they whipped the team that whipped KJM's team) as they won the HS national championship on ESPN this year. That team can flat play and was filled with McD's AA's in the junior and senior class.

I saw Okonji play, and I don't recall where he is going, but he was a stud athlete off the bench. Had like 6 points, 5 boards, and a couple blocks.