VCU wraps up recruiting class with 2015 C Jonathan Nwankwo
Coach Will Wade finalized his first recruiting class with the addition of Jonathan Nwankwo on Friday night.
Coach Will Wade added his fifth recruit since April 23rd on Friday evening with the commitment of former Minnesota signee Jonathan Nwankwo. A 6-foot-10, 240-pound center out of Mount Vernon, New York, Nwankwo is considered a high three-star recruit with high upside. Before signing with the Golden Gophers he was offered by Boston College, Seton Hall, and Tennessee. After de-committing, he received interest from a host of high-major schools and added official visits to Georgia Tech and SMU.
Nwankwo’s initial contribution will be on the defensive end where he can block shots, rebound, and size up with almost anyone in college basketball. His body is college ready and he could see a small substitute role from day one. His post moves are limited and he doesn’t have midrange jumper, but he can catch the ball, finish through about anything, and clean up the offensive glass.
Under Coach Smart, VCU usually boasted rosters with eight guards, one swing-man (Bradford Burgess/Treveon Graham), and four big men. Coach Wade’s additions signal a strategic shift in roster construction. VCU has added two true centers to surround Mo Alie-Cox. Michael Gilmore and Justin Tillman, two of VCU’s most talented players, will likely see more time at their natural power forward position—and this will be effective because of how much work those two have put in to developing their shooting.
Nwankwo is VCU’s 13th and final scholarship for the 2015-16 season. VCU retained a strong core after adding Coach Wade, but the transfer of Terry Larrier and de-commitments of Tevin Mack, Jordan Murphy, and Kenny Williams III left quite a few holes. Coach Wade and his staff have done a remarkable job adding talent in short order. More importantly they’ve balanced out the classes and have put VCU in a position to be successful this season and in the future. October can’t come soon enough.
Related
- Scholarship Grid
- VCU adds 2015 SG Samir Doughty
- VCU adds point guard Korey Billbury
- Gerron Scissum signs with VCU
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Aaron Williams
Aaron Williams loves music, basketball (follow @rvaramnews!), family, learning, and barbecue sauce.
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