Clemson basketball impresses Nigerian center Ejike Obinna
Clemson has made 6-foot-9 center Ejike Obinna of Nigeria a top target since first eyeballing him last August. Over the weekend Obinna and his host family in Ashburn, Va., made their official visit and Brad Brownell and staff made a strong impression according to Obinna’s host father Ray Matthews.
“Everything was outstanding, they couldn’t have done anything any better,” Matthews said. “He went to a class on Saturday with Legend (Robertin) and met with the (university) president. We were able to view their first workout in Littlejohn and it looks awesome. He was able to work out with the team after the coaches left. There was a gathering at coach Brownell’s house Saturday night. They made it very clear he was their priority for that position and we’re very appreciative of everything they’ve done.”
It was the first visit of four Obinna has scheduled. He will go to Florida on Sept. 2, Oklahoma on Sept. 16 and Vanderbilt on Sept. 23. Virginia Tech is also in the mix for an official visit.
“It’s the first visit and he has four set and really intends to go through those before making a decision,” Matthews said. “The visit itself, you couldn’t ask for anything better. The interaction, the contact, the observation, the relationship building has been very consistent since the first time they saw him.”
The Tigers have had recent success with players from Africa in Landry Nnoko of Cameroon and Sidy Djitte of Senegal. That fact hasn’t been lost on Obinna.
“It’s something they promote as far as their familiarity and experience with African players,” Matthews said. “He and Sidy talked and just (Sidy) being able to talk about his experience with the school, the program, the coaches and the development certainly are valued by Ejike and his perspective was appreciated.”
Texas A&M recently received a commitment for a player at Obinna’s position and is no longer under consideration.
Clemson is scheduled for its in home visit on Sept. 9, the first day coaches can go in the home.
This story was originally published August 22, 2016 at 1:55 PM with the headline "Clemson basketball impresses Nigerian center Ejike Obinna."