Monday, April 30, 2001
Jesinskis signs The University of Hawaii men's basketball secured some frontcourt depth with the signing today of Paul Jesinskis.
with Rainbows
The 6-8 forward picks
By Dave Reardon
Hawaii over Rider
Star-BulletinJesinskis, a 6-8, 220-pound power forward from Skyline (San Bruno, Calif.) College, faxed his letter of intent to the Rainbows today.
He had visited UH over the weekend and quickly chose Hawaii over Rider. St. Mary's and Northwestern had also been in the mix earlier.
Jesinskis is originally from South Africa, but UH's Skyline connection played more into his decision than the fact that he will be joining seven other international players on the Rainbow roster.
Former UH players Seth Sundberg and Phil Handy also played for Skyline coach Pete Pontacq.
"Everybody he's recommended to us has done very well," UH recruiting coordinator Jackson Wheeler said. "Pete is one of my best friends."
"I think that helped," Pontacq said. "But I talked with (Jesinskis) a couple times while he was in Hawaii, and he liked everything about it. The coaches, the players, the place itself. He wants to major in international business and he liked the school opportunities."
Jesinskis averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds in 25 games for Skyline, before injuring his knee and missing Skyline's last 10 games. Pontacq said Jesinskis should be back to 100 percent by fall camp.
Jesinskis joins forwards LucArthur Vebobe and Tony Akpan, and point guard Mark Campbell in Hawaii's recruiting class.
"We met our recruiting priorities," Wheeler said. "We needed a point guard and some physical help up front. We're happy."
UH could possibly sign one more player, but that is pending the status of guards Ricky Terrell and Jeep Hilton. There is speculation that both won't return, but UH coaches decline to comment on the situation.
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu