2011 PG Teddy Okereafor commits to Rams

BigShotBrad

BigShotBrad

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Just saw this reported via Dave Telep's twitter. Already cashin' in on the Final Four run. :D
 
Definitely scholarship. Kid can play. Has flown under the radar for a while. I know Virginia was high on him as well as some other CAA schools. Good get for us.
 
He'll be a scholarship. This was one we were hoping to keep quiet and stay under the radar until he signed. I haven't heard much, but have heard that we are very big on this kid.
 
Very nice.

Found this on twitter also:
@DaveTelep
Dave Telep

2011 PG Teddy Okereafor is the first signee for Shaka Smarts Rams post Final Four. Played last weekend with Boo Williams. Great add!
22 minutes ago via TweetDeck Favorite Retweet Reply

@DaveTelep Shaka has another in home visit with Jarred Guest (RNE/Charis Prep on Wednesday).
13 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
 
PS -

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Yes he is from Christchurch (via London). Not sure about his classification as either 2011 or 2012. I'd go with Telep on this one though.
 
VCU is Okereafor’s most notable scholarship offer, but that figures to change as he travels the circuit this spring and summer. Okereafor came to the United States in September from his native England and played for his homeland’s team in the Under 18 European championships last year.
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Hope he works out as well as our last 2 Brits. (George - 2000's and Henlen 1980s). BTW, Henlen's maybe best game as a Ram was our only V again UVA. Going off memory here but I remember him getting 14 pts and 14 rbs in the old RTD Tourny.
 
http://www.midnight-madness.com/#/teddy-o-wins-scholarship/4545888942

On paper, what Okereafor has achieved this year has been nothing short of remarkable. He was the starting point guard for the U18 English National Champions (Westminster Warriors), leading his team to a historic 24-0 undefeated league record, averaging 18ppg, 8.3agp and 6rpg in the process. He went off for 31 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds in the final of the EBL Final 4's saving perhaps his best game (31 points, 11 assists, 4 steals) for the National Final. He started as the lead guard for the 'MM Select' travelling team who flew out to the east coast of America in the spring. The team played a series of games against AAU teams in Washington, Connecticut and New Jersey with Okereafor impressing coaches at every stop. Okereafor then starred in the backcourt for the England U18 National team in the European Championships in Israel, then returned home to dominate the MM Summer League with his 'Greenlight' team mates. His strong play led to an easy selection for the MM U18 Showcase, in which he led his team to victory with 22 points, 12 assists, 8 rebounds, 5 steals while bagging the game MVP.
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Teddy Okereafor - remember the name, we expect you'll be hearing alot more from him in 2011.
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A lot of sites have him as a 2012 prospect, but then Dave Telep has him as 2011. Hmm. Definitely looks like a star prospect though.
 
Nice catch. Would like to have a good big one.... Martin Henlin had a huge rebounding game against Indiana. Correct me if I am wrong...
 
UVA writeup

Point guard Teddy Okereafor's character and game impressed Christchurch head coach Ben Thompson prior to this summer, when the England native transferred into the Virginia prep school. Now, the 6-3 junior is primed to show what he can do on the hardcourt as the Seahorses' starting point guard.

"Being in England, there are not many facilities for kids to get in on a regular basis," Thompson said. "Here, he can get in the gym and get in the weight room. Overall, he is starting to improve his strength and mobility. The basketball is different, too. He was labeled one of the best young point guards in Europe, but there were times when he clearly dominated the competition. He is looking for a greater challenge."

Coach Thompson said he "fell in love with" Okereafor's game after taking a look on tape.

"He's definitely a true point guard," Thompson said. "I call him 'Visionary Man.' He has a very good court sense. He's very savvy. He's very long. He has a 6-7 wing span, so he can really defend well. He's athletic and he can shoot the ball well. He doesn't look to score, but he can score. Whether he scores five points or 20, he can look like he's dominating the game.

"I took him to the Boo Williams facility and he dominated the competition there."

Virginia was the first major D1 program to take a close look at Okereafor, but the Cavaliers since have been followed by Clemson. And Georgetown was expected at Christchurch on Wednesday.

"I think he's a Division 1 player," Thompson said. "We'll see where he falls. Potentially, with his desire to work and the tools he already has, he could fall from mid to high major. He is definitely a Division 1 talent just with his size and ability to play the position. He can really find guys. He has got vision and he can handle the ball real well. There is a spot somewhere for someone like that."

Last Sunday, Okereafor was in Charlottesville on an unofficial visit to UVa. He met with coach Tony Bennett, who traveled to Christchurch last week to watch a workout. Assistant coach Jason Williford also has been by Christchurch.

"Coach Bennett and Coach Williford have come down to see him. They've seen him in a 3-on-3 setting. Now they want to see him in a 5-on-5 setting to see what he can do," Thompson said.

Asked how the visit went, Thompson answered, "He sat down and talked with Coach Bennett a little bit. He walked around that immaculate facility. I think Teddy fell in love with that for sure. It was a good visit. He walked around campus a little bit and got to see the sights. He really likes Coach Bennett and the staff. He has been invited to come back again."

Thompson is excited about his 2010/2011 squad. 6-8, 210-pound power forward Barrington Alston and 6-3, 180-pound guard James Ford, also members of the 2012 class, figure to have large roles as well if the team is to be successful.

"James Ford is more of a two-guard," Thompson said. "He will be our shooting guard. He has offers from Liberty and Georgia State. Barrington Alston has been offered by almost everyone in the CAA. He is a low post guy. Right now, I'd say he is a player with mid-major skills and high-major athleticism. He is really good off the ball as far as shot-blocking and rebounding. Offensively, he is a work in progress. He reminds me a lot of [former VCU star] Larry Sanders."
 
Just received the following press release via email.
OKEREAFOR INKS NLI TO JOIN RAMS NEXT SEASON

RICHMOND, Va. – Just weeks after Head Coach Shaka Smart guided VCU basketball into NCAA history, he and his staff have brightened the future of the program with the signing of Teddy Okereafor, a 6-4, 185-pound point guard out of Christchurch (Va.) School.

“The addition of Teddy is huge news to our program and vital to our future,” Smart said. “His biggest asset is making his teammates better, which is a trait that all winning players share.”

Originally from London, England, Okereafor came to the Commonwealth last fall to finish his high school career at Christchurch School under the guidance of Head Coach Ben Thompson. Since his arrival, he has become one of the top players in the state and helped his squad to one of its best seasons ever, reaching the state semifinals in March.

His ability to make an impact on the Rams immediately makes the point guard spot an extremely competitive position for the Black & Gold after the graduation of All-CAA performer, Joey Rodriguez.

“Teddy brings a tremendous basketball IQ to the game and plays with a terrific understanding of pace,” Smart said.

Okereafor was named Virginia Prep League Player of the Year and First-Team All-State after pouring in 13.1 points per game and dishing out 7.2 assists per game for the Seahorses. He led his school to a 23-6 overall mark and perfect 14-0 in the Virginia Prep League. Prior to coming to Virginia, he was a member of the U-18 England National Team.

He is described as an outstanding ball handler, who changes speeds well and excels using ball screens, a trademark of the Rams offensive attack. His ability to run and pass in transition makes him an ideal fit for Smart’s “HAVOC” style of play.

Okereafor’s skills are not limited to the hardwood as he is a terrific student with a 3.5 grade point average. He will plan on majoring in business this fall.

In only one season in the country, Okereafor became a hot recruiting target, drawing interest from Clemson and Virginia out of the ACC, as well as Georgetown out of the Big East.
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