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As expected, USC men's basketball signed another top Southern California talent in Chimezie Metu, the school announced on Friday.
Andy Enfield's rebuilding project at USC continues with the addition of Metu, a four-star power forward from Lawndale HS.
Can't wait to finally make it official this Friday and sign my NLI to the best school in the world! ❤ ✌ #FightOn pic.twitter.com/L0mM8KP9DX
— Chimezie Metu™ (@Chimezie_Metu) November 13, 2014
@Chimezie_Metu I can't believe this day is here finally success story in the making #USCbound ✌️ #lawndalewho pic.twitter.com/oXmLKQ1G4e
— Johnnie Parker (@Coach_Parker007) November 14, 2014
It's official! Please welcome Chimezie Metu (@Chimezie_Metu) to the #TrojanFamily. #SCigningDay2014 pic.twitter.com/z0snK7JtU1
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) November 14, 2014
Like the freshmen this season, the 6'9", 215-pound forward could have an immediate impact for the Trojans next season. Metu could immediately see time in USC's post rotation since the Trojans have just four post players this season.
"Chimezie has great size at 6-10 and is a high-level athlete that can affect the game at both ends of the floor," Andy Enfield said after the signing was announced by the school. "We expect Chimezie to have an immediate impact on our program as we continue to improve in all areas as a team."
Metu is a four-star prospect and a compositie top 50 recruit, sitting in the top 55 for Scout (43), Rivals (46) and ESPN (51) while sitting at No. 62 for 247sports.
From USC's blog post about Chimezie Metu signing during the early signing period:
Metu's athleticism and length make him a force on the defensive end of the court. Metu was named the Pioneer League MVP last season as he averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks per game and led his Lawndale High team to the CIF Southern Section quarterfinals.
Metu, originally from Nigeria, played at the 2014 NIKE Global Challenge for Nigeria and averaged 16 points and 9.8 rebounds, while recording seven assists and six blocks in the four games to earn All-Tournament selection. He had offers from schools all over the country including UConn, Oregon, Arizona State, Creighton and Harvard.
Fellow top 60 recruit Bennie Boatwright signed his National Letter of Intent with the Trojans on Wednesday. With the signing of Metu and Boatwright, USC has brought in SIX top 100 recruits after there had been only one four-star recruit (Bryce Dejean-Jones) since Demar DeRozan came to USC in 2008.
Here's what Andy Enfield had to say after Friday's practice:
Some quotes from @USC_Hoops HC Andy Enfield about his new signees Bennie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu to @mckenna_keil & @USC_Rivals....
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 14, 2014
Enfield: "We’re excited. Our focus of this program is to bring as many Southern California players. Keep them home."
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 14, 2014
Enfield (cont.): "To really have a sense of pride to be a USC Trojan. It means something to really build this program in their hometown."
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 14, 2014
Enfield: "Chimezie Metu and Bennie Boatwright are two exceptionally talented players that we think can impact our program next year."
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 14, 2014
Enfield: "We’re thrilled to have them as part of our building. But they’re going to be relied upon very quickly to help us."
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 14, 2014
Check out our commitment story on Chimezie Metu for more information and highlights of Metu's abilities.