By Gabrielle Mercer
Although born and raised in Sun Devil country one Arizona athlete is committed to be a Wildcat, but not down south.
Tri-City Christian Academy basketball player, Nigel Shadd is the second player in two years to commit to a Division I program. Shadd made his choice to commit to Kansas State after visiting the school over the weekend.
Wildcats head coach Bruce Weber spotted the 6-foot-9 and 225 pound early last week when attended one of his workouts.
Weber was so impressed with the young athlete, no time was wasted – an official visit was set up soon after.
The young athlete announced his decision on twitter, writing “I am proud to say I will continue my athletic and academic career at Kansas State University.”
Shadd’s coach at Tri-City, Paul Brown, said Shadd’s dad was unable to join him on his visit to Kansa State, so Coach Weber flew down last week just to meet with the family and make sure his dad knew how happy they are to have Nigel in the K-State family.
“I am so excited for Nigel and his family that he has chosen Kansas State,” Brown said. “If Nigel continues to improve each year as he had done for us, Kansas State is going to get a great player and an even better kid.”
Last season, Shadd averaged 18.5 points, 14 rebounds and 3.9 blocks.
“Nigel is a phenomenal defensive player and has really taken great strides on his offensive game,” Brown said. “If he continues to improve each year as he had done for us, Kansas State is going to get a great player and an even better kid.”
Rivals rates Shadd as a three-star prospect – he was also looked at by Cal State Fullerton, Pacific, Portland, Kensaw State, Washington State and Nevada.
