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Tonye Jekiri
Senior C 7'0 248 Hileah, Fl (Nigeria)
2014-15 Stats: 8.6 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.3 blks, 50% FGs 73% FTs. 11 double-doubles, 9 in ACC play.
All-ACC Defensive Team.
Scouting Report:
- Hard working player, who continually improves all facets of his game each year in the program. Becoming a leader on the floor as well.
- Relentless on the glass, has the potential to average a double-double on the season. One of the best rebounders in not only the ACC, but the country.
- Well above average defensively. Good if not great shot blocker, excellent help defender as well.
- Sets good clean screens, gets open and finishes strong at the rim, improving jumper from 15 feet in, and a nice stroke from the FT line. Runs the floor exceptionally well.
- Back to the basket game still a work in progress, though improving. Could be much more of an offensive force if he plays with more consistent aggression/confidence.
- Needs to stay healthy. The team suffers minus his presence.
Summary: The MVP of the 2014-15 Miami Basketball Season was not Sheldon McClellan or Angel Rodriguez. It was Jekiri. If TJ doesn't miss time in the regular season match-up at Louisville, UM likely wins that game and gets an NCAA berth. If Jekiri doesn't get hurt before the NIT final, the 'Canes probably romp Stanford for the title. He's their most consistent and often most important player on the floor. Jekiri has turned into a beast on the glass, and his defensive prowess could be the key to a huge 2015-16 season for the program. He's getting better and better at passing and scoring, and when all is said and done the 7 footer from Nigeria has a chance to be an NBA 1st Round draft pick. Guys his size with his athleticism and work ethic are hard to find. For now he has a chance to be an All-ACC player, and help the Hurricanes reach the NCAA tournament for the first time since he was a freshman.