WKU Inks Anyigbo & Drane

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Western Kentucky University head men's basketball coach Ken McDonald has announced the signing of two incoming freshmen to National Letters of Intent (NLI's) on Friday.  Stephon Drane and Kene Anyigbo will enter WKU in the fall of 2010 and have four years of eligibility. 

"I am very pleased by the efforts of the assistant coaches with our second true class," said McDonald.  "I am pleased with the skill level and athleticism that the two bring.  We try to get as many guys with size and skill in our system that will do well.  They are terrific kids that do very well in school, and both these guys can play on the perimeter which I am happy about."

Drane is a 6-8, 182-pound forward out of Raleigh, N.C.  Rated as the 28th-best power forward in the country by ESPN and Scouts, Inc., Drane played at Word of God Christian Academy before transfering this summer to Garner High School.  As a junior this past season, Drane averaged approximately 6.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while playing for a loaded Word of God team that included Kentucky's John Wall. 

ESPN Scouts grade Drane at a 91 and write, "Stephon can play for a lot of people at the high-major level because of his athleticism and length.  He can guard any position on the court, one through five.  This player is a high-major sleeper."  Drane chose WKU over heavy interest from Virginia, George Mason, South Carolina, and Missouri State. 

Anyigbo is a 6-5, 220-pound forward from Belaire, Texas.  Rated as the 82nd-best power forward in the nation according to ESPN and Scouts, Inc., Anyigbo plays for Belaire High School where he guided the Cardinals to an 18-7 record as a junior last season.  In earning an ESPN Scouts grade of 87, they write, "Anyigbo is a strong, tough, and phyiscal combination forward that dominates games with his tremendous athletic ability.  He finishes with authority above the rim in a variety of ways. "

Anyigbo chose WKU over offers from Houston and Memphis. 

“Kene is a very strong kid, he’s about 230 already at 6-5," said McDonald.  "Stephon has got a little work to do with his body.  He’s thin, but has very broad shoulders and is very quick.  I love the talent level coming in and I think these guys are going to do really good things here."

Fresh off a 90-37 win over Xavier (La.) in its lone exhibition contest of the preseason, WKU will open its 91st season of college basketball on Monday, November 16 in the 25th Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off.  Competing in the South Region, hosted by LSU in Baton Rouge, La., the Hilltoppers will face Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 4:30 PM.