Emmanuel Negedu loves to please people, and that means pleasing fans.
Negedu's basketball skills and athleticism will surely do that. Muscular at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, Negedu possesses a 40-inch standing vertical leap and can run a 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds.
And then there is his carnival-like soccer/basketball act - the one where Negedu alley-oop passes to himself for a dunk with a kick off the back of his foot or a bounce off the top of his head.
His personality makes him both pleasant and approachable, and the Tennessee freshman seems to truly enjoy interacting with fellow students and fans.
Negedu's English is somewhat broken (he's from Nigeria), but that doesn't dissuade him from striking up conversations or repeating himself when necessary.
As much as Negedu appreciates the opportunity he has found in America, UT fans will soon appreciate the value of having Negedu on their team.
Negedu left Kaduna (population: 1.6 million) four years ago. He moved from Nigerian Army barracks, where he lived with his father, a soldier, to New Hampshire's Brewster Prep Academy.
Question: What has been the best thing about coming to America?
Answer: It has been education. Before I came here, I never saw myself going to college. I learned to read very well and study. Before, I couldn't even write very well.
Q: What has been the biggest surprise at UT?
A: I thought I would get a scholarship to play ball, and that would be most all I would do. I didn't think it would be that hard, but my first day of school I realized I had to get myself straight. I have realized you have to work for everything.
Q: What would have become of you had you stayed in Nigeria?
A: I would have probably become a solider. My dad was a soldier and so are two of my brothers.
Q: What do you see yourself doing after basketball?
A: I will try to get myself with my people back home and help kids with basketball and soccer so they can come here and achieve an education. They can use their sports for that, and people will help them like people have helped me.
Q: How often do you see your parents?
A: They came for my graduation at Brewster in May. I don't know if they are going to be back up here. It costs a lot of money, and we are poor.
Q: What was Kaduna like?
A: It was Muslim and Christian, it is a violent city that you would be scared of. I lived in the barracks. There is a stereotype of 'Barrack Boys' in the city. You would not invite me over to your house because I lived in the barracks. That's the way it was.
(Editors note: Kaduna is a state capital that has been the scene of deadly religious battles between Muslims and Christians, particularly since 2001. At least 1,000 people were killed in a riot in February of 2000. The the city continues to be segregated.)
Q: What is your favorite food in America?
A: I don't have one. I just eat - the food is to survive. I don't really like the taste of the food in America. Our food in Nigeria was more natural. American food has more chemicals.
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Comments » 25
bugman (Inactive) writes:
We still have Basketball!! Woo Hoo!!
TooLegit2Quit writes:
I can't wait to watch the "E-man" play.
smashmouth98 writes:
he looks like a BEAST!!! He is HUGE. He will help on the blocks.
txvolsfan writes:
I'm ready for some basketball this year more than most!!!
dcvolfan98 writes:
Welcome Emmanuel. Good luck with everything you do here in America, and godspeed to your family back home. We look forward to seeing you on the court in two months.
By the way, can anyone picture him as a Tight End for the football team? He seems to have amazing athletic ability. Just a rogue thought.
Hunter writes:
Seems like Stanley Asumnu with more size. Stanley was the most personable athlete on campus during his time with the Vols.
I will now shift my focus to 90% Vol Basketball/10% Vol Football.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
I am glad to be a Tennessee Vol!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
E-man, one thing to be aware: college bball will be MUCH like soccer; people will grab your jersey, kick your ankles, hook your arms....
if you have a temper, just be ready to control it big time.
Good luck big man.
andefromtn#212139 writes:
Welcome to the University of Tennessee. Study hard and learn much so that when you return home others can benefit. You have been given a great opportunity and I hope you success.
yeavols#228407 writes:
ahhh finally, something good in the orange sports world
THE_VOL writes:
Great kid with a background no one should have to endure. And BTW Hunter - he's nothing like Asumnu - E actually has talent and a team first approach.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Don't know what level of basketball skill he has right now, but he should really scatter some bodies in the paint! He may be a foul-a-minute guy until he learns how to be physical without fouling, but I'm pretty sure we could use his toughness. Sounds like a fine young man, mature beyond his years. Somebody hook this guy up with some real Southern home cooking; I would hate for him to think ALL American food is full of chemicals!
HamptonsVol writes:
Thank God for basketball. Bruce please stop being friends with Fulmer, he may rub off on you. Not to mention you will be there when he is long gone (hopefully soon).
cdonsbach writes:
"Q: How often do you see your parents?
A: They came for my graduation at Brewster in May. I don't know if they are going to be back up here. It costs a lot of money, and we are poor.
Q: What was Kaduna like?
A: It was Muslim and Christian, it is a violent city that you would be scared of. I lived in the barracks. There is a stereotype of 'Barrack Boys' in the city. You would not invite me over to your house because I lived in the barracks. That's the way it was.
(Editors note: Kaduna is a state capital that has been the scene of deadly religious battles between Muslims and Christians, particularly since 2001. At least 1,000 people were killed in a riot in February of 2000. The the city continues to be segregated.)
Q: What is your favorite food in America?
A: I don't have one. I just eat - the food is to survive. I don't really like the taste of the food in America. Our food in Nigeria was more natural. American food has more chemicals."
This young man has probably seen things in his life that we only see in our worst nightmares. I hope Emmanuel can take this opportunity an turn it into something positive for himself and his family in Nigeria.
Emmanuel, I'll be cheering for you as loud as I can at every home game and it's a pleasure to welcome you to the Tennessee family.
It would be nice if UT could sell Emmanuel Negedu jerseys with a portion of the proceeds going to help this young man's parents come to Knoxville for a game this year.
GO VOLS!
threehundredbowler writes:
Hamptonsvol,Phillip Fulmer is a fine outstanding person and you would do well to copy your life after him.I am not talking about his coaching ,I am talking about him as a person.You can not take that away no matter how much you try.I know nothing about you but I would be willing to bet you do not come close to the man he is.Vent your anger about his coaching all you want , but stop short of makeing an arss of yourself.Would you want your character torn apart just because you may or are failing to be the best in your chosen profession?He may not be the coach you and I as well as a host of others want at this time,but leave his character in tact.
WVVOLFAN writes:
36 days ubti it's BB time in TN.
Can't get here quick enuf.
Good to have you here E Man.
300, very well said.
b_neas writes:
My god those stats are sick. The vertical and 40 time. We need an athlete like that.
bfrank78 writes:
I'm a proud Memphis fan, and I hate we lost this kid to you guys. He seems to have great character. I'm sure he will be a great 4 year player.
Someone mentioned putting him at tight end, 6'7 with a 4.4 40 no one could stop him.
shoalcreekvol writes:
Great article. Griff needs a promotion. He clearly knows what the readers are looking for in coverage of a sports program. Not orange-colored glasses, just solid informative articles that give us some insight into the players and the program. Unfortunately it's only the inciters of controversy that make it to the top in that business. I'm talking about you, JA.
Thanks Griff.
mempuss writes:
Welcome to the family E-Man! I too am proud to welcome you to the Big Orange Nation!
ChattVol2485 writes:
I just watched this kid's videos on youtube and all I can say is WOW! He is a monster. The dude is big, strong, and can jump out of the gym. I guess we'll see what he can really do here in a few months. I can't wait!
I hope we can find the 3 early on in the season. If we can then no one in the SEC will be able to stop the BIG ORANGE. I hope we kick the phooey out of those turds in Lexington and the nerds from Nashville.
Anyone thinking the '07-'08 NCAA Champs might get a run for their money come January 3rd?
GO VOLS!!!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Those videos were impressive. I also agree that if we can score the three consistently we will be great. As for the KU trip, it would be nice to win at such a prestigious place, but the only similarity between last year's KU team and this one is the name on the front of the jersey and Bill Self on the sidelines. I think they have one returning starter. Nevertheless, given the youth of our team, the game should give us a good idea of what we have this year.
DadwasaVol writes:
Yes, the chemicalized food is everywhere in our country and requires few, if any, poison control warnings. Natural food stores can be found in Knoxville, however.
fundamentals83 writes:
I am fairly sure that would be considered an NCAA rules infraction.
Urban_Weiner writes:
Can you say FINAL FOUR!
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