By ADAM ZAGORIA
Prince Oduro is headed to Starkeville.
The 6-foot-8, 260-pound Siena transfer chose Mississippi State on Saturday over South Florida and UMass. Oduro will sit the 2018-19 season per NCAA transfer rules and then have three years of eligibility.
“I just picked them because Ben Howland is obviously a proven, notable coach and I believe strongly in the plan that they have for me to be successful ,” he said by phone. “And I also believe in the direction the program is going in and I think we can do some big things over there in Starkville.”
The Toronto native averaged 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season at Siena, but opted to transfer during the coaching change there.
“I’m going to be a player that plays with a high motor,” he said. “I love to get after it on defense and rebound. I’m just going to be an energy guy for them and play the best basketball I can for them.”
Mississippi State also has commits in 2018 from small forwards Robert Woodard, Reggie Perry and D.J. Stewart.
“Prince has a lot of upside,” said Khayree Wilson, Oduro’s coach at First Love Christian (PA). “I believe once he puts in the work to change his body people will be able to see his true potential. He can switch screens and defend wing players; he has the ability to step out and hit jump shots and he’s a very physical player. Of course he has to get his free throw percentage up as well. Mississippi State is getting a good ball player but an even better kid.”
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