Udoka Azubuike, Bill Self’s first 7-footer since Joel Embiid, officially signs with KU

The Kansas men’s basketball team has officially added a 7-footer to its front court.

Udoka Azubuike, who orally committed to KU on Jan. 28, signed this week and was announced as an addition to the Jayhawks roster by coach Bill Self on Friday.

Azubuike, who is 6 foot 11 on most of his bios, will be listed on KU’s roster at 7 feet and 275 pounds. The Jayhawks’ last 7-footer was Joel Embiid in 2013-14.

“We feel Udoka is as good a big-man prospect as there is in the country,” Self said. “He’s got size, strength, explosiveness, and is so young. Being only 16 years old, his best ball is well ahead of him.”

Azubuike (pronounced As-a-boo-key) will have to attend KU at least two seasons because of the NBA’s minimum age rule. A McDonald’s All-America selection, Azubuike was ranked 27th in his class by Rivals.com. Last season he averaged 16.9 points and 9.7 rebounds for Potter’s House Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Fla.

Self describes Azubuike, who is originally from Nigeria, as “an impact guy right off the bat with a high ceiling.”

“Being in the United States for a short period, we have seen so much development in his comfort level,” Self said, “not only with us but with the surroundings and everything that goes along with basketball in the States.”

Azubuike is KU’s third commit in the class. He joins top-ranked guard Josh Jackson, who signed Tuesday, and forward Mitch Lightfoot, who completed his letter of intent in November.

Self might not be done recruiting. KU still has two scholarships available, and that will become three if forward Cheick Diallo remains in the NBA draft, as expected.

Duke transfer Derryck Thornton visited Lawrence this week, with KU listed as one of his four finalists. The Jayhawks also are still recruiting Jarrett Allen, a forward out of St. Stephen's Episcopal in Austin, Texas, who is ranked 20th by Rivals, and they could sift through potential transfer options depending on what those two players decide.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 11:47 AM with the headline "Udoka Azubuike, Bill Self’s first 7-footer since Joel Embiid, officially signs with KU."