Basketball Signs Three During Early Signing Period

by YSU

Sunday, Nov 17, 2013 10:55 am

Youngstown, Ohio – Ja'Christian Biles, Bryce Nickels, and Sidney Umude have signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period to join the Youngstown State men's basketball team, Head Coach Jerry Slocum announced on Fridday (Nov. 15).

Slocum said that there is a lot of excitement within the program regarding this recruiting class.

"This is one of the most talented recruiting classes we've had since I've been here in terms of needs," Slocum said. "We are very excited about this group being a part of YSU basketball."

Biles, a 6-foot-2 guard from Oak Park, Mich., was rated as the No. 12 player in Michigan's 2014 class and as the No. 3 shooting guard. He plays for Bryant Tipton.

"Ja'Christian is a really solid two guard that can score the ball and can guard," Slocum said.

Nickels, a 6-foot-8 center from Tampa, Fla., is coached by Renaldo Garcia at Sickles High School. He averaged 13.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game at Steinbrenner High School during his junior season. He led the Warriors to record of 13-11 last season.

"Bryce is a five-man that has good length and has good offensive skills." Slocum said.

"I felt like it was a perfect fit for me, from the practices, the team, the coaches, and the community," Nickels said. "The school is nice and all of the athletic facilities are centrally located. That really appealed to me."

Umude, a 6-foot-7 forward from San Antonio, Texas, is an ESPN 3-star recruit and averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game for St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Umude, who is coached by Steve Strand, was rated as the 56th best power forward by ESPN.com and the 33rd best senior prospect in Florida by Florida Hoops.

"Sid is a four that we like that can play on the perimeter, is athletic and can take you off the bounce and can guard," Slocum said.

"I really enjoyed the coaching staff and the players treated me like a family member," Umude said

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