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Tonye Jekiri
Junior - C - 7'0 244 - Hialeah, Fl - (Originally Nigeria)
Last remaining member of the 2012 ACC Regular Season and Tournament Championship team.
Averaged 4.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, 0.7 assists and 0.6 steals and shot 45% from the floor, as a sophomore last season.
Is exceptionally fast and athletically gifted for a big man, also has a strong defensive presence, but remains very raw offensively and foul prone.
Summary: There's little doubt Jekiri can finish at the rim, and he has a world of potential as a rim protector. But he still lacks a back to the basket game, as well as a natural feel for the hardwood. These factors makes him sort of one-dimensional as a scorer and susceptible to foul trouble on the defensive end. Though he has shown the occasional ability to step out and hit 15 footers. This season UM has no shortage of offensive weapons to rely on, but is it critical that TJ play smarter and remain on the court, given the 'Canes lack of depth in the front court. In last season's ACC Tournament, Jekiri put together two solid performances in a row (5 points 12 rebounds Vs VT & 6 and 9 against NC State - 2 blocks in each contest) to close the season. If he can give UM those kind of performances on a consistent basis, Coach L and staff will be very happy.
Stay tuned for more player profiles as we count down to tip off.