VINCENNES, Ind. – The Trailblazers are still basking in winning the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball national title, but Vincennes University Coach Todd Franklin is working on solidifying the roster for next season and has signed Roseville (Michigan) High School’s John Ukomadu.

“He is a long combo forward,” Franklin said. “He can play a wing and a stretch forward. He’ll basically be a wing. He’s a very athletic wing.

“He can really get to the rim. He’s explosive at the rim. He does not have a bad jump shot. I think his jump shot will be pretty good with time and repetition in practice.”

Ukomadu averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks his senior season. He also helped lead Roseville to the state quarterfinals in Michigan’s largest class.

“He had a very good senior year in Michigan,” Franklin said. “He was rated as a top 15 senior in the state. He was highly recruited by a lot of junior colleges around the country. The upside is very much there.

“He’s a guy who made a big jump since this time last year. He’s just now coming in to his own.”

Ukomadu is 6-foot-6 with a 6-10 wingspan.

 “He’s a very young guy,” Franklin said. “He doesn’t turn 18 until October. He might have a couple more inches before he is done (growing). His body will keep getting stronger.

“I think his best basketball is in front of him. He is a guy who we hope will end up being a substantial player here. It’s always a guessing game at our level, but the talent is definitely there.”

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Vincennes University Newsroom
Vincennes University Trailblazer Athletics

MARCIA MARTINEZ, Sports Information Director & University Life Reporter
812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
 

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom