UM Hoops Inks Two Recruits
Dec. 21, 2001
Coral Gables, FL (hurricanesports.com) – Head coach Perry Clark announces the signing of 6-6, 190 pound swingman Ismael N’Diaye (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) and 6-3, 185 pound guard Eric Wilkins (Piscataway, NJ) to national letters of intent to attend the University of Miami next fall.
N’Diaye, who selected UM over Kansas State, averaged 6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game last season while coming off the bench for Homestead’s Berkshire School. Berkshire finished with a No. 4 national ranking last season.N’Diaye is starting at point guard this season but will play shooting guard and small forward for the Hurricanes.
“N’Diaye is one of the best defenders in the nation,” said Clark. “His athleticism and versatility will be a great asset for us next season. He is also a quality young man with a strong work ethic.”
Berkshire head coach Orlando De La Barerra agrees with Clark’s assessment.
“N’Diaye is a very athletic wing player who is definitely one of the best defenders at the high school level,” said De La Barerra. “He has unlimited potential because of his tenacity and work ethic. He is playing the point for us this season which has really helped him develop his perimeter game.”
Wilkins, the younger brother of Hurricane offensive lineman Ed Wilkins, averaged 8.7 points in 18 minutes per game last season for basketball power Oak Hill (VA) Academy. Oak Hill finished No. 1 in the nation last season with a perfect 33-0 record.
“Wilkins has a solid all around game and brings a lot of the intangibles needed to be successful in the BIG EAST Conference,” said Clark. “He is a leader on the floor who and has a very good basketball IQ. His ability to play either point guard or shooting guard will really help us.”
Wilkins, who chose Miami over a number of schools including Michigan, Boston College and San Diego State, showed impressive range last season connecting on 21-37 (.568) three-point attempts.
Wilkins and N’Diaye give the Hurricanes three commitments for next season. Robert Hite, a 6-2 guard from Cincinnati, OH also signed with Miami during the early signing period.
