WALTERBORO, S.C. – Lengthy forward Leroy Ikejiaku from Aachen, North Rhine Westfalia, Germany has signed a letter of intent to play at two-time NJCAA Region 10 champion USC Salkehatchie for the 2023-2024 season.
Ikejiaku, a 6-foot, 10-inch, 200 pound forward, competed with Bayer Giants Leverkusen in the NBBL (Nachwuchs Basketball Bundesliga League). The NBBL is first league in Germany and top division for youth players. Throughout the last season Ikejiaku averaged 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while shooting 55% from the field.
"We've signed a diamond in the rough in Leroy," said Coach Lynch. "Leroy's only been playing basketball for about 3.5 years now, and its clear that his best basketball is still ahead of him. I think he addresses a big need for us, no pun intended. He has the ability to finish around the rim, rebound, and alter shots with his length. I think that Division I coaches will take a quick interest in him because of his mobility. It's rare for someone with his size to be able to move so well."
Ikejiaku played for Coach Jacques Schneider, who recently just signed with the Gladiators Trier. "Leroy is a highly talented basketball player and I’m happy that the Bayer Giants Leverkusen organization was able to help him while chasing his dreams," said Coach Schneider. "We will all cheer for him from home in Germany. Leroy has incredible character and will bring high standards to his new team."
Another coach and mentor for Leroy was Derek Moody of BG Aachen. "I'm proud to hear Leroy has taken the next step of his basketball journey with USC Salk. This will prove to be the perfect challenge in his career that I know he is ready to work extremely hard for," said Coach Moody. "It's exciting to see how much he'll develop as an athlete and a person. It is rare to find someone with his athleticism, IQ and mindset that applies it every time they step on the court. I'm looking forward to seeing his progress and how his hard work will pay off at USC Salk. I'm very proud of him and wish him continued success on his journey."
Ikejiaku becomes the tenth signee in the Coach Lynch era. This inaugural recruiting class is sure to be the most diverse roster in Region 10, and maybe all of junior college basketball. The roster features players from 5 different countries: Australia, the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Germany, and the United States.
Leroy plans to continue training with Coach Jacques throughout the summer before heading to the States in August. He intends to study communications.