Arizona signee now looking at Vols

Emmanuel Negedu, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound power forward, has the Vols on the short-list of schools he’s considering attending, along with Memphis, Georgia Tech and Indiana.

Negedu originally signed with Arizona last fall, but because of turnover on the Wildcats’ assistant coaching staff, asked for and was recently granted a release.

The Vols have one scholarship left available in this recruiting class after the announcement that point guard Ramar Smith and power forward Duke Crews would not return to the team.

Jason Smith, who coached Negedu at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., said UT’s style fits Negedu’s abilities.

“Emmanuel, athletically, is affectionately described as `freakish,’ ‘’ Smith said. “He’s explosive; he plays a lot bigger than his size.’’

Smith said Negedu, a Nigerian native who came to the U.S. 3 ½ years ago, averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and nearly four blocks per game last season. He played in the New England Prep School League, which features teams with no less than five Division I signees apiece.

“We’re not playing the normal competition,’’ said Smith, who had eight players on last year’s team who signed with Division I teams. “Emmanuel can run and jump all day long. He could play the front or the back of the press.’’

Negedu is rated 40th overall in the Class of 2008 by Rivals.com and is the No. 13-ranked power forward.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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