July 5, 2011
NORFOLK, VA--Old Dominion University head men's basketball coach Blaine Taylor announced the signing of 6-7 1/2, 200-pound forward Nayquann Mitchell from Jamaica, NY and Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX.
"We believe Nayquann is a piece of our puzzle that will help push us into next season. We are obviouslytransitioning our roster, having lost some veteran players and looking for new sources of contributionsfrom many angles. Bringing a couple of years of college experience helps as Nayquann is more ready to compete, but also balances the distribution in our players classes. Nayquann was relatively new to basketball upon attending Lon Morris, and yet his ability to board, guard and block shots fits the way we play and some of our needs." - Head Coach Blaine Taylor, ODU's winningest basketball coach.
Mitchell averaged 12.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.4 blocked shots per game for head coach DaleDotson at Lon Morris, who went 26-6 as a freshman and reached the Junior College region tournamentboth years.
"I am very pleased that ODU has given me the opportunity to play basketball here and pursue a degreein business," said Mitchell. "I like everything about the University, the area and coaching staff and look forward to competing as part of the Monarch family."
The son of Delores Mitchell, Nayquan graduated from Bowne High School in Flushing, NY.
Mitchell joins newcomers Breon Key (6-2, G,) from Phoebus High School in Hampton, VA; Jason Pimentel(6-8, F) from Montverde Academy in Ocala, FL, and Donte Hill (6-4, So.,G) who transferred to ODU fromClemson and will be eligible at the end of the fall semester.
The two-time defending CAA champion Monarchs return two starters and six lettermen from last year's27-7 team.