By ADAM ZAGORIA
New Iona coach Tobin Anderson continued to build his roster with two new additions and now has brought in 10 newcomers.
On Saturday, Sultan Adewale, a 6-foot-8 forward from Neumann-Goretti (PA), committed to the Gaels over Buffalo and Wichita State. A native of England, he is the No. 62-ranked power forward in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports.com. He averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks while shooting over 60% from the field this past season.
“They had plans for me and I watched coach Tobin coach for FDU this past March and it was great,” he told ZAGSBLOG. “My high school coach feels like I can fit in.”
As for his skillset, he said: “I describe myself as an inside-out guy, very versatile. Very long arms, can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor and I’m athletic, and a phenomenal rebounder.
“They think I can be a high-energy guy and a really valuable piece to what they are trying to become.”
Said Neumann-Goretti coach Carl Arrigale: “Heβs a super competitor with a great motor. A good rebounder with a great knack for hitting the offensive glass..
“His skill set is constantly improving and expanding.. He continues to get better and should have a great impact on Iona.. He was arguably our most important player on the team this past season. We would have been in trouble without him.
“As far as Iona I think it is a perfect match of player and coach. They fit each other very well. I’m excited to see Sultan grow as a person and player with the help of a great coaching staff.”
On Friday, Iona added Dartmouth grad transfer Cam Krystkowiak, the son of former Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak
The 6-9 forward averaged 4.9 points and 3.2 boards last season in the Ivy league.
.@IonaGaelsMBB adds Dartmouth transfer Cam Krystkowiak, son of Larry.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 6, 2023
Averaged 4.9 ppg and 3.2 rpg pic.twitter.com/awGR4bcLeA
Iona has also added Harvard transfer Idan Tretout, Southern transfer Terrell Williams Jr., Cal transfer Joel Brown and junior college transfer Greg Gordon along with Class of 2023 guards Jean Araguren and Jeremiah Quigley, wing Alex Bates IV and forward Dylan Saunders.
“One day at a time, we’re making progress,” Anderson told ZAGSBLOG this week. “We’re about two weeks away from almost being done, which will be great.”
ππππ ππππ πππ…
— Iona Menβs Basketball (@IonaGaelsMBB) May 4, 2023
The first half of Iona's largest recruiting class in program history.#GaelNation, please welcome Jean Aranguren, Alex Bates IV, Joel Brown, Jeremiah Quigley, Dylan Saunders and Idan Tretout!!!
π: https://t.co/ReBz0hZFah#MAACHoops pic.twitter.com/ObEGJlU4P7
Iona needs two more players.
“Once you get them here, then we start in June in summer school with summer practices and we’ll get it going,” Anderson said of the entire new group. “Once we get to that point, I’ll feel pretty good.”
The Gaels lost Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida), Daniss Jenkins (St. Johnβs), Nelly Junior Joseph (New Mexico), Silas Sunday (Hofstra) and Sadiku Ibine Ayo from last yearβs NCAA Tournament team under Rick Pitino, who is rebuilding a roster at St. John’s.
Osborn Shema, a 7-footer who averaged 7.0 points and 4.7 rebounds, is Ionaβs lone returning player.
“That’s a huge, he’s a 7-footer who can shoot and dribble and handle it,” Anderson said. “He has experience, he played there before so that’s a big piece.”
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