ROCK HILL, SC--Winthrop University men's basketball head coach Randy Peele has announced that Julius Francis, a 6-11 native of Nigeria, has been signed to a scholarship to play for the Eagles in 2009-10.
Francis, who is just a fraction of an inch under 7-feet tall, has been a starter for coach Mike Hibbs at Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland since he first arrived in the United States two years ago. He becomes the tallest player on a Winthrop roster since the 7-foot twins, Ronnie and Donnie Creamer, played for the Eagles from 1978 to 1981.
“We are very excited to have Julius Francis join our basketball program. I am very proud of the way that Julius has matured over the past two and a half years. His commitment to excellence has resulted into tremendous growth academically, athletically and socially," said Peele, who first saw Francis during a recruiting trip to Lagos, Nigeria during the summer of 2006. Francis was attending a Big Man Camp run by former Eagle and fellow Nigerian Eyo Effiong.
"The faculty and staff at Good Counsel High School has given the best effort I have ever witnessed in the development of a young man. I personally believe that Julius has a tremendous upside as a player. He has played in a league that plays the toughest competition in America. Coach Hibbs has been wonderful to work with and he has really worked to develop Julius. Julius has the ability to impact the game especially from a defensive perspective because of his ability to change shots. He is improving everyday and no question his best basketball is ahead of him. This is a good day for Winthrop University and Julius Francis."
Francis originally signed a national letter of intent last November with Southern Methodist University, coached by Matt Doherty, the former North Carolina player and head coach. However, SMU withdrew the offer and gave Francis his release to sign with another school. When the scholarship offer from SMU was withdrawn, Francis said the first person he thought about was Coach Peele.
Francis helped lead Good Counsel to a 39-18 record during the past two seasons while averaging eight points and eight rebounds per game against top competition. Hibbs says Francis has improved dramatically and that he is still growing and learning. Despite his modest stats, Hibbs says Francis runs the floor well, has very good speed, good hands and scores a lot off offensive rebounds.
