Columbia Brings In Five Newcomers for 2019-20
7/18/2019 11:52:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The class of 2023 is comprised of guards Jack Forrest and Eddie Turner and forwards Emmanuel Onuama, Cameron Shockley-Okeke and Asa Shannon.
"It's always an exciting time of year when you can officially welcome in an incoming class," said the fourth-year head coach of the Lions. "This group not only is going to provide us with added versatility and depth at each position, but I think they complement the guys we're bringing back. I'm looking forward to getting to work with our entire group in the fall and build off the strong finish we had at the end of last season."
Information on the men's basketball program's incoming class can be found below. Click here to access the complete 2019-20 roster.
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Forrest earned Central League MVP honors and was a third team All-Pennsylvania selection as a senior. He earned a trio of All-Main Line Team honors while helping Lower Merion, the same high school that future NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant attended, win three Central League Championships. For his career, Forrest racked up 1,209 points and shot 44 percent from 3-point range.
Engles on Forrest
"You can never have too many guys that can knock down three's and Jack can really shoot it, but he's not a one-dimensional player. We've seen him show the ability to get to the rim as well. He always seems to be under control and plays well within an offensive system and think he'll fit in very well with us here."
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A two-time first team All-Palm Beach County selection, Onuama registered 15 points, nine rebounds and four blocks per game as senior. During his junior campaign, he averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks per game. His top performance of the 2017-18 season was a 20-point, 20-rebound nine block effort against Kings Academy during junior campaign.
Engles on Onuama:"Emmanuel will give us another presence inside and can really affect the game with his rim protection and rebounding skills. He's a good finisher at the rim and has the potential to expand his offensive game as he continues to develop."
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Shannon earned two varsity letters for the at Episcopal, where he averaged 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists per game in 2018-19. He scored 17 points in the semifinals of the IAC Tournament to help the Maroons reach the conference title game.
Engles on Shannon:"Asa is a long, athletic wing that does a lot of good things on both sides of the court. He's really good at finding open spaces without the ball, does a nice job rebounding and shows really good anticipation on the defensive end."
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Shockley-Okeke completed a post-grad year at Phillips Exeter in New Hampshire in 2018-19, averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game. He helped his Exeter capture a 2019 NEPSAC Class A and was named All-NEPSAC First Team twice. At Milton Academy where he was a two-time All-ISL honoree, he guided his team to a 22-6 record while posting 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game in 2017-18.
Engles on Shockley-Okeke
"Cam's a guy that can get into the dirty areas, pick up loose balls and help us get some extra possessions. He's got good length and a versatile player at the wing that has nice potential."
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Basketball runs in the family as Turner's sisters Tireion and Donniesha Weber each played collegiately. Turner posted 17.3 points, 6.2 assists and 3.0 steals per game in his senior season. A second team All-Metro and PNBOA Player of the Year, Turner picked up a State Championship and was named tournament MVP.
Engles on Turner
"Eddie gives us another strong option at point guard. He can break down defenders off the dribble and does a good job through traffic in the lane. We also like his decision-making on offense and ability in the open floor."
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Your first chance at seeing Columbia men's basketball's newcomers is to purchase 2019-20 True Blue ticket packages, which includes a season ticket to Columbia football, men's basketball and women's basketball at a discounted rate. Click here or call 888-LIONS-11 to purchase your 2019 season tickets or True Blue package today!
For the latest on the Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on Twitter and Instagram, and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
