Eddie Ekiyor Commits to Carleton, High Major Talent Will Play in CIS
Eddie Ekiyor has committed to Carleton University–NPH #5-ranked prospect in the country has decided to remain in Canada.
The 6’9 power forward was previously committed to Xavier University (NCAA) and expected to debut this fall.
Several questions have been raised as to why Ekiyor would leave Xavier of the BIG East to remain in the CIS.
I caught up with Ravens Head Coach Dave Smart who expressed that Eddie and his family made a decision based on life and basketball.
Ekiyor received a conditional discharge based on a hit and run last summer.
Essentially, he received a second chance considering his history as a high character kid with a clean record.
With that second chance, the Ekiyor’s felt most comfortable to have their son remain close to home, according to Smart.
As for the basketball aspect, the Carleton Ravens are a well documented program as it pertains to high level basketball–a proven program at the highest of levels, consistently defeating NCAA D1 programs every summer ranging from high major to low major competition. Not to mention, Carleton has won 12 of the last 14 national titles in the CIS, including six straight.
Moreover, the development that Smart and the CU program bring to the table have proven second to none.
The Ravens currently boast six players competing professionally around the world including Phil, Thomas Scrubb and Aaron Doornekamp. In the last 12 years, the number of PROS that the program has produced hovers around 20, with three more expected this year according Smart.
As for Ekiyor, his goals haven’t changed. Just as any young student-athlete, the dream is to make it to the NBA.
Smart and co. will help support Ekiyor’s dream through skill and mental development–repetition.
“Our goal is to get him to the NBA,” Smart told NPH.
If that were to happen, Ekiyor would be the second player ever to be drafted in to the NBA in the modern era draft, since Will Njoku in 1994
Phil Scrubb who has had arguably the highest PRO stock in CIS history, was able to jump on a couple NBA Summer League teams (Memphis, Toronto) as a 6’3 point guard who went through the rigours of CU training, and now has pro experience under his belt in Greece and Germany.
Now, Smart has a 6’9 physical specimen to work with.
“Eddie is physically the best that we’ve ever had,” said Smart.
If you look at Carleton’s track record of development, you will see the growth, consistency and evolution.
The Ottawa, Ontario product will be surrounded by a winning culture and could help Carleton make history, yet again.
Ekiyor is the highest North Pole Hoops ranked (#5) prospect to ever commit to a Canadian University.
This news will bring a new level of excitement to the nation’s capital, Carleton University and CIS basketball.
