Cougs Make A Wave

This may not be a Mocs story, but it is one of the SoCon's most important basketball stories of the year.

Adjehi Baru is a 6'9 center from the Ivory Coast. He is the #46 player in the whole country. Maryland, Virginia Tech, and blue blood North Carolina were all hot on his trail. He scores a 95 on ESPN.com's ranking, which is considered a "high major prospect."

Today, his signing with College of Charleston was announced.

This is a major coup for the Cougars to sign a guy like Baru. He is big- although a little on the thin side. He should be able to add some muscle once he gets to college, though. By comparison, Emmanual "Manny" Ochenje that the Mocs just signed is the same height, but weighs 215, as compared to Baru's 225. Both are obviously on the thin side. Ochenje was the previous highest rated recruited signed in the SoCon so far this year- with a 90 score from ESPN.

These two guys should have some nice battles in the middle. It really comes down to who is better at developing them as to which one is better. Remember, Ochenje started off as a 94 score last year, before dropping to a 90. So they are pretty close talent-wise- with a slight edge to Baru. Coaching? Tough to know. Cremins is not exactly known for his player development. Then again- neither is Shulman (at this point).

Baru is a very good get for College of Charleston and instantly propels them to the top class in the SoCon. Georgia Southern is putting together a very nice class, and Chattanooga's class may not be too far off, mainly because of Ochenje.

GO MOCS!