Sunday, April 22, 2001
[ BASKETBALL ]
The University of Hawaii men's basketball team received letters of intent today from forwards LucArthur Vebobe and Tony Akpan. Two recruits sign
letters for UH hoopsBy Dave Reardon
Star-BulletinVebobe, 6-foot-9, is a highly regarded junior college transfer from Foothill College (Los Altos, Calif.). He chose UH over Western Athletic Conference rival Nevada-Reno.
"It was rough, down to the wire," Wallace said of Vebobe's decision. "St. Mary's tried to jump in at the end, too."
Vebobe, considered a pro prospect by junior college expert Rick Ball, averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists at Foothill.
"He's a skilled perimeter player who can jump and is a good passer," Wallace said.
Akpan is 6-8 and 230 pounds, and averaged 17.5 points and 13.1 rebounds last season. Because Akpan will be a freshman (Central Park Christian, Birmingham, Ala.), Wallace is not expecting immediate impact.
"But we didn't expect Phil Martin to do anything right away, either," Wallace said. "(Akpan) is strong and will be a good rebounder, something we can always use."
Now that the Rainbows have secured some frontline help, they hope to pick up some point guard help with their two remaining scholarships. One candidate is in town right now -- Mark Campbell of Clackamas (Ore.) CC. He's reported to be a true point guard, with a pass-first mentality.
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
