With the 2010 recruiting class already solidified as a Top-10 class, Coach Lowe reached a couple years into the future, and received a commitment from 7-foot center Joseph Uchebo in the 2012 class. Joseph Uchebo is a 7-foot, 220 pound sophomore center in the 2012 class. Originally from Nigeria, Uchebo played for Mt. Zion in Durham last season. Currently, he is at Oak Ridge Academy, but his transfer papers have been submitted, that could land him at Word of God Academy in the near future. Uchebo is supposed to be a tremendous soccer player, making him much more athletic and agile than most 7-footers. This young man's game is raw, but ESPN states that he has a skilled inside presence and quickness. Uchebo's ceiling is very high, and many believe he could end up being one of the top players in his class before it is all said and done.
Uchebo was at NC State's Red Rally at Reynolds and has been up to practice on numerous occasions. This coaching staff continues to show that they have an eye for talent early on in the recruiting process.
Uchebo is #25.
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81 Responses to "2012 Center Uchebo Commits To NC State!"Hot damn. I was hoping this was confirmed. This is great news. People that have seen him play say he has the chance to be special...like a top 10 kind of recruit before it's said and done. There aren't many super athletic 7-footers out there. Great pick-up.
Great Job Coach Lowe
Sidney Lowe is going to be the man that puts NC State basketball back on the map.
By 2011 we WILL make a deep tournament run Sweet 16 or better.
Just watch that video. This is a HUGE pick up!!! I am very impressed. They said he was raw, but he is not stiff and clumsy raw, he is just young raw. He will be an outstanding player by the time he gets here. And yes could potentially land in the top 10 in his class, but should easily be top 25.
His aau coach said hes one of the best players on the planet.
Sidney (early eye) Lowe does it agian. I'm gonna go put my shades on now.
I tell you what Sid is at his best when he can spot young talent, and lock them up!!! He found Wall, Leslie, Harrow, JJ and countless others so obviously he knows talent so who am I to argue with a freakishly athletic 7'0" AS A SOPHOMORE!! This kid is only going to get better. I remember when CJ committed originally I thought "whos this kid" and obviously he blew up nationally.
Cant wait to see him in person!!
Once again Sid shows the eye for talent and the ability to lock them up. The future is looking very promising.
People can stake claims about their own coaches but Sidney Lowe has proven once again he is one of the best, if not the best, coach when it comes to eyeing young talent. He was the first coach to spot John Wall when no other school wanted him. The same goes for Ryan Harrow who had been passed on by Paul Hewitt 3 times. Go Sidney Lowe and GO Wolfpack!!
I'd like to see this guy play soccer! I can't imagine him out there playing with other high schoolers who are 6'!
I am truly excited about Wolfpack basketball for the first time in a LONG time.
WPH's - what are your thoughts Uchebo? I'm assuming you guys have been tracking him for awhile.
I love what Sidney is doing on the recruiting trail! Incredible stuff
I just want to make a correction. Not to be a buzzkill, but the kid is not 7 feet tall, yet. I say yet because all indications say he is still growing, grew three inches last year. But let's not go around calling a 6-9 kid a 7 footer. But he has plenty of time to get there!
Speaking of soccer, I tried to find the teams record for this season and find this: http://www.eurosportscoreboard.com/cgi-bin/sicfrp.pl?Sport=s&div=p&Type=h&Gender=m&Season=09&Conference=tap&State=nc
From the looks of it, their was no results recorded for his school. this is strange since even the teams they would play do not list them. I was just curious because i found it interesting that he was a good soccer player with his body type.
if you click the ESPN link in the article, you'll see that they are listing him at 7-foot.
WPH, I don't want to get into a spat here, but people that have seen him in person and stood next to him say 6-9 or 10. I'm sure ESPN hasn't seen a second of film on him, definitely not before his commitment.
But I don't want to detract form the great news it is. Sidney Lowe is bringing is the talent necessary to put the Pack back on top!!
Yea, rivals lists him as 6'11. I think Scout is mistaken with their 6'9" description.
Lets hope this kid has the drive to be a great basketball player. Wonderful job Sid!
Um, fasten your seatbelts and hold on everybody!!! Sidney Lowe's incredible eye for talent has just put in position for yer another recruiting roller coaster ride.
redfred
Point taken Pack11. I also listed him at 7-foot b/c his local newspaper, the News-Herald listed him there as well. I could be wrong...I know he's listed at 6'9" as well. You are correct...either way it is a huge pick-up.
Maybe I'm just dumb, but WPH, could you possibly give the players number so I'll know exactly which player I'm looking from the start of the video?
Thanks, redfred
#25 Fred
WPH it'd be nice to get a little background on this young man (Uchebo). For 99.9% of us this commitment came outa nowhere, and most of us have not-so-fond memories of the hype/disappointment roller coaster around CJL.
Bottom line is that 3 years is a LONG way off, and I'd like to get an idea of why Uchebo committed so early. If he's dying to play for the Pack, great, but if major college programs haven't yet pursued him then the game is only just beginning. If he's half the player these articles claim he, then this could get interesting real quick.
Regardless, is then the game is only just beginning.
Redfred, He is number 25. They put the number, but it's just under the video
If Sid offered him and then I'm thinking he will be a STUD!
Sid is doing a great job recruiting and creating a national buzz for our program. The even more impressive thing about it, is that he is doing it when some "fair weather" fans have lost faith in our program and nationial "analysts" are placing him on the hot seat.
This type of stuff makes me that much more adament and supportive of our program.
Keep it up Sid!!! We are definitely going in the right direction...FAST!
I'm with Timothy. What is this kids background? Does he really love the Pack? or is he just being discovered? I have a feeling that this will be one of many recruiting battles to come. Which means we are on the right track!
6'9 on his hs team it does say
one word decommitted keep your pants on boy's
I think Uchebo is big on the Pack. His mother has been really adamant that she wanted Joseph playing for Coach Lowe.
While I haven't seen a ton of Uchebo, you better believe the staff thinks that he is special to offer him this early in the game. He has monstrous potential.
^ Sid must be a playa. All the moms love some them some Sid.
Great job Sid & Staff. Also, welcome to the Pack big man. You'll have the time of your life and we'll love you for it. Stay focused on your game and the classroom....the rest will take care of itself.
Straight from the Oak Ridge Military Academy website (7'0" 240)
Joseph Uchebu
Position: FORWARD/CENTER
Year: Soph
Joseph Uchebu - 7'0" 240 lb forward/center - Strong inside presence that can rebound, finish and block shots. Also has decent ballhandling skills and can run the floor. High Major Division I prospect.
what I find interesting about Uchebo is that it seems the local newspaper broke the story which seems very odd in the day of real time news. WPH - could you tell my why this was so under the radar?
I don't think this information came out in the way that the staff would have liked or at the time they would have liked. I think this does show their eagerness to express the commitment. With that being said, I'm sure the staff is glad to have the commitment from this young man.
Clarification from my 1st comment:
1) I'm in no way pessimistic about this commitment. This is GOOD news at the very least. I would settle for being "in the lead" for this kid at this stage of the game. Having a verbal already is awesome.
2) I'm confident that Lowe has once again "beaten his colleagues to the punch." If history repeats itself, then Uchebo will not disappoint when it comes to living up to expectations. Ryan Harrow and Scott Wood were unheralded 3-star recruits when Lowe secured their commitments. Now Harrow is a Top 25 player and Wood is in starting as a freshman.
On top of that, I think Lowe does not get enough credit for developing Javy Gonzalez into a respectable PG. The kid was clueless as a freshman, but his progress in 2 short years has been tremendous.
3) I have tremendous respect for Lowe, and one of the biggest reasons for that is his work ethic. He's had a rough time so far, but he's clearly hit his stride on the recruiting trail. God willing he'll get the program back on track real soon.
Outstanding! Way to spot that talent early, Sidney.
Welcome to the family, Mr. Uchebo.
I am hearing there is also another commit that has not made4 anything public yet. Is this true? I am not asking you to tell names I am just asking if this info is solid Wolfpackhoops?
Thanks as always you guys always do an outstanding job.
GO PACK
This cat has some serious raw athleticism and talent. If he works hard and puts his nose to the grindstone, he could be a manchild come his senior year.
Very happy to have you running with the Pack young man.
^^ LoneWolf
You hearing about another possible commit?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm
I'm hearing the same thing LoneWolf, one of the other sites says there could possibly be another LOI on the way for 2010.
What's the deal WPH?
Please tell me this is true and who we all hope it to be.
WPH are you hearing of ANOTHER prospect that may commit soon??? Apparently Sid dropped a hint on his radio show the other night about commits but not speaking of Uchebo....
I just talked to a source close to the program and He told me to expect another commit soon....
A simple yes or no will suffice no need to go into detail or drop names....
a yes or no and if yes, what year.
This is awesome stuff folks. I want to thank everyone for making not be able to get anything done at work but rather furiously scour the internet for the slightest bit of info on this "mysterious" commit. Ha.
Also, finally someone with sense acknowledges that Sidney Lowe is NOT on the "hotseat". Kudos to Andy Katz. In their updated class rankings ESPN ranked our 2010 class as #12 in which they don't even acknowledge Cothron as a commit yet b/c he didn't sign.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4670794&name=katz_andy
The early signing period has ended; even if there were another commit there he would be unable to sign until the spring.
Another prospect signing their LOI for 2010 soon?
That could be HUGE NEWS!
GET EM SID!
I'm a member of both sites and NO WHERE is their talk of another commitment? People just making stuff up?
Conspicuous silence, WPH.
Tashawn Mabry? Just a guess.
For all those talking that decommit mess "two words" Ryan Harrow . you feel me
I agree with the earlier comment... the early signing period is over so there certainly is not another LOI in the works.
I am thinking that this is just people dissecting Lowe's words and making too much of it.
With that said, I couldn't be more pumped about our recruiting prospects.
I agree with you Hoff, it's amazing to me how many "fans" have rushed to judgement as far as the coachES around here lately.
If that hasn't opened some eyes within the NC State fan base, and pointed out that certain people don't really know what they're talking about at all, then NOTHING will.
I don't think Mabry is in the mix.
I do think people are reading too much into Lowe's words at the radio show.
If someone were to commit soon, they wouldn't sign until the Spring.
My guess would also be Mabry, but I think there is only one guy out there that is worth taking in the 2010 class. ***CJ LESLIE***
BTW, the packpride recruiting board now shows Mabry with no offer. Now I am confused.
Probably somebody from the 2011 class.
Or probably just a baseless rumor.
I'm just happy w/ Uchebo's commit. Although I ain't getting too excited yet on that, that's a long way away.
Gravis said on the free board that there is a rumor of another commitment that would not sign until the spring so I would assume 2010 kid.
the quote i read from gravis just said he would not sign a LOI, not necessarily would sign in the spring and nothing said that it was a 2010 recruit. I think that its a 2012 recruit personally. Another one. not Uchebo.
To be brutally honest, I was wondering where the Sidney Lowe that I thought was coming back to NC State...really was. Well folks, it may have actually been more complicated than many people thought it should have been, and it may have taken some for a NEW master plan to begin to take hold and gain momentum. But it has.
Sidney Lowe IS doing EXACTLY what I thought he would from the very second that I first heard he was heading back to NC State to take the HC job!!! Admittedly, he still needs to pull it all together and start producing consistently, but just I've always said he would if given the proper amount of time, Coach Sidney Lowe is breathing new life into the NC State BB program regardless!!!
Let's not forget where we are right now, and remember that all of these young heads are being turned by a BB coach who hasn't exactly set the collegiate BB world on fire just YET. I'm getting pretty excited thinking about the day when Sidney Lowe has an entire stable of players who haven't been over-coached, and don't need their every move to be directed from the coach's box.
Coach Lowe is definitely moving in that direction, and whether you've been a fan of his up until this point or not, you need to start realizing that he is GREAT for the NC STATE BB PROGRAM, as well as NC State University in general!!!
Uchembo to WOG?
JerseyWolf
^Yup. He should be at WOG pretty soon.
will he play this season WPH?
JerseyWolf
I believe so.
WPH -
So are you guys hearing about another possible commitment coming soon? Just nod are blink twice if there's a good chance....PLEASE.
No seriously, is there something cooking here?
I went to see Luke play today and ran into Uchebo, I'm 6'5 ,and was looking into his chest the kid is huge. Luke got off to a slow start and got into a little foul trouble but with his team down at half he came out and took the game over. Derrick Martin also has a nice game especially with his shot blocking abilities. They were playing against Rodney Purvis's team and he is unreal, I could see John Wall all in his game. Quincy Miller was also on hand but I didn't get to stay and watch but I will go back out tomorrow. There are some pretty good teams on hand but when Uchebo came up to me in my state shirt and said I committed today the carolina and duke fans I was around dropped their heads and said what is Sidney Lowe tryin to do?
Glock
Glock, you gotta love that!
^ Nice info Glock.
Did you have the opportunity to speak to Uchebo at all?
Also, what was your opinion on Derrick Martin's game? I keep hearing that the staff is interested in him.
Also, why the hell are you hanging out with Dook and Hole fans?
Glock, It's also great that the kid came up to you with your STATE shirt on, and WANTED TO TELL YOU that he had committed. I'm loving the fact that Uchebo, and kids in general, are getting jazzed about commiting to the WOLFPACK of NC STATE once again.
Nice Job Glock!!!!!!!
I didn't really speak to him much, he was with the Word of God girls team, and a lady that may have been his mother. A guy from the wolfpacker was speaking with them but both seemed excited. Derrick really impressed me he hit a few deep shots and had a lot of blocks he's a little taller than Luke with a slender build but I think he could be a really good player.
Dare I suggest it? Uchebo sounds like he could be somewhat similar to Washburn, but hopefully with a few more sandwiches in the ol' picnic basket. Washburn was a BIG guy, fairly athletic, and could play like a guard. If he hadn't self-destructed, he could have been all-everything.
Is there any word on Bo Ingram?
Maybe that Derrick Martin kid is the other commit we've been hearing about...
Although I don't think we really need another low post player.
We want CJ.
Glock...thanks for the first hand info. I'm hopeful that everything will work out regarding this talented young man.
The vultures will be circling him for the next few years...I'm hopeful that Sidney & other coaches can keep this young man in the fold.
Welcome Joseph and family!
Wolfpack4Life
Raleigh, NC
Speaking of 2011 class, who do you guys think were after?? I know the staff has been high on Jacob Lawson in the past....you'd think wed go after a combo guard and then a versatile forward or post guy. And I'm just assuming the two guys from Mississippi are long shots....any word....???
We should be giving a lot of love to Luke Cothron and showing the amount of attention we have to CJ and Harrow. The guy is faithful to the pack and all we talk about is the possibility of another recruit committing, which is great, don't get me wrong, but he should get some love for the love he's shown us. There's a reason is was ranked top 20 previously and UCONN was all over him. The guy has a longer offer list than I do.
^if Luke would have signed his LOI and not waited, I don't think that we would be discussing that right now.
If Leslie is the "secret" commitment right now then he should have just signed an LOI this past week. Until he does that I'll consider him "wide open" as he consistantly states.
Surprised to see another 2010 recruit (Martin) on our radar. Should be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Wait, is Martin a 2010 recruit???
http://www.oakridgeathletics.org/index.cfm?action=main.team&ID=3840
Here is a link to Uchebo's high school schedule. If anyone can get out to some of these games, so we can get come feedback that would be GREAT!
Also make sure to Rock the Red and White apparel
If CJL or Cothron are the 'secret' commits, then they may well have signed LOIs before the deadline and are only now either: sending in the LOI (subject to a later deadline, 25th IIRC), or have submitted the LOIs to the school before the deadline and the announcement is being delayed for one reason or another.
Or it could be something or someone else entirely.
In any case, the conjecture is a bit pointless. While excited, we're all just just guessing.
Re: Martin, I thought TOS said he was a senior target.
What is Derrick Martin Rating?
From what I'm hearing, it sounds like B Knight, J Sullinger, J Selby, and T Harris, have all reconsidered, and they are all now fighting it out for the right to play for Sidney Lowe. ;)
redfred
I always hated playing against the soccer players when I was at State - damn quick feet.
Seems that the word has gotten out that Sidney seems to develop big men. This is great news - keeps the recruiting momentum going.
If Lowe doesn't do well in the next 2 years, we should still keep him involved with the program while we get another head coach since he's attracted so much talent. He must be amazingly charismatic.
Redfred, are you drunk already?
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