2012 HS - Valentine Izundu - 6'10" C (Houston)

TheTastyGreek · August 2, 2011

High School: Cypress Lakes

AAU: Houston Preps

ESPN listing: 2 star, 88 grade, 33rd ranked Center in the class of 2012 (August 2011)

Houston area recruiting site lists an offer from Houston, interest from Tulsa, North Texas, SMU, Colorado State, Marquette, Arkansas, and UALR.

From the Houston Preps article:

[H]is potential is limitless as he is only 16 years old and has only been playing basketball for two years.

Izundu earned stellar reviews on his summer AAU performances, particularly his play in June's "Rumble in the Bronx" event in New York City.

From NBE:

Izundu is a defensive force swatting 9 shots in this late evening game. He must have altered at least 9 more with the most impressive sequence taking place when an opposing guard drove into the lane, looked at Izundu, and turned around and dribbled back out behind the 3 point line. (...) Izundu has incredible length combined with very good timing and the result make him a truly elite shot blocker.

ESPN's Adam Finklestein tagged him as a "Breakout Performer" at the same event:

A long, 6-10 big man with terrific instincts on the defensive end, Izundu opened his weekend with nine blocked shots in Houston's Friday night win. While his offense is behind his defense right now, he had a couple of big-time finishes. However, he will need to soften his hands, strengthen his body and develop a go-to move in the post before becoming anything more than just a dunker on that end.

TheTastyGreek · August 2, 2011

Man... Raw doesn't even begin to describe his offensive skills. Watched some highlights on YouTube, and all the guy does is dunk and tip in loose balls.

But shot blocking and defensive instincts? Wow. WOW.

Watch this and tell me you wouldn't love to have him defending the paint for 3 or 4 years:

He's moving in the paint, taking away the lane, blocking shots on drives and pull up jumpers, reacting to fakes and adjusting his jump to block or disrupt... Very exciting stuff to watch. Especially what he did against Ridley. My favorite highlight comes at about the 4:36 mark, when the shooter launches with one foot on the 3-point line, and Izundu jumps from behind the free throw line and still blocks the shot.

It sucks that Ibeh and Rykhoek seem to be getting yanked out of our league... If we could get a guy like this as a Plan B, though... I'd take it and dance with joy.

And remember, he's still barely old enough to drive.

meangreenacct · August 26, 2011

Finally got around to watching video. Extremely impressive. I hope we have a real shot at him!

TheTastyGreek · August 27, 2011

Finally got around to watching video. Extremely impressive. I hope we have a real shot at him!

He finally has a Rivals page - 3 stars. I'll update further soon.

Cooley · August 27, 2011

He had been shopping for a new HS and ended up at Lamar Consolidated.

TheTastyGreek · August 27, 2011

He had been shopping for a new HS and ended up at Lamar Consolidated.

Have you seen him anywhere, Cooley?

If you have... How does he look on defense when he's not blocking shots? Solid across the board, or is he giving up easy post points when he's not swatting them away?

Cooley · August 29, 2011

Have you seen him anywhere, Cooley?

If you have... How does he look on defense when he's not blocking shots? Solid across the board, or is he giving up easy post points when he's not swatting them away?

Don't think I have seen him play. Was at the Duncanville GASO and saw several Houston area teams/players. For some reason, they don't provide programs (despite over 3,000 kids playing.