NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion head men’s basketball coach Jeff Jones announced the addition of three highly touted recruits for the early signing period on Thursday afternoon. Jason Wade (Richmond, Va.), Kalu Ezikpe (Lawrenceville, Ga.) and Joseph Reece (St Louis, Mo.) will join the Monarchs roster as freshmen for the 2018-19 season.
“We are very excited about these three young men,” said ODU head coach Jeff Jones. “They each come from wonderful families and are determined to be the best basketball players possible at the collegiate level. Monarch fans will love these guys.”
JASON WADE
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6’5” / 190
Hometown: Richmond, Va.
High School: Trinity Episcopal
Notables:
-Rated the No. 9 player in Virginia by the recruiting website 247sports.com.
-Helped lead Trinity to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I state title last season.
-Averaged 16 points at Trinity Episcopal last season.
-Played for the Boo Williams team in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
-Son of former Old Dominion forward Ronnie Wade (1982-86).
Jeff Jones on Jason Wade:
“Jason is a throw back player. He is tough and makes winning basketball plays that makes his teammates better. His basketball IQ is off the charts; he probably gets that from his father. I can’t wait to see Jason in a Monarch jersey!”
KALU EZIKPE
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8” / 230
Hometown: Lawrenceville, Ga.
High School: Discovery
Notables:
-Rated the No. 7 ranked player in Georgia (per Hoopseen.com).
-Averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds per game last season.
-First Team All-Region as a junior.
-First Team All-Gwinnett County as a junior.
-GACA Junior All-Star Game selection.
-Named a Gwinnett Daily Post Super Six.
Jeff Jones on Kalu Ezikpe:
“Kalu is an intriguing prospect. At 6’8” and 230 pounds, he can bang inside while having the athleticism and skills to operate effectively on the perimeter. Kalu is very young for his grade, so he will continue to develop physically. His ceiling is extremely high.”
JOSEPH REECE
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9” / 200
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
High School: East St. Louis
Notables:
-Two-time Class 4A State Champion (2016 and 2017).
-Averaged 15 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game last season.
-2017 First Team All-Metro in St Louis.
-Four-time All-Academic Team (St. Louis Metro).
Jeff Jones on Joseph Reece:
“Joe is a skilled, athletic forward with great length and great potential. Not many 6’9” players move with and without the ball the way Joe can. His versatility will serve him well at the collegiate level.”