Top 2016 shot blocker Jethro Tshisumpa commits to ASU
Arizona State on Tuesday added a rim protector to its 2016 recruiting class.
Jethro Tshisumpa committed to the Sun Devils after a strong summer performance, one that had some recruiting analysts wondering if he was the nation's top high school shot blocker. Tshisumpa stands 6-9 and 260 pounds and has a reported 7-foot-6 wingspan. At the NBA Top 100 camp in June, he reportedly averaged 2.6 blocked shots per game, rejecting six shots in one.
"I liked the players, and I enjoyed the program and the new coaches," Tshisumpa said of his ASU commitment. "They don't have many bigs, so I think I could (join them) and be the man (inside)."
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The defensive-minded post player from Mountain Mission School in Virginia joins guard Sam Cunliffe of Blanchet High in Seattle in coach Bobby Hurley's 2016 recruiting class. According to Scout.com, both prospects rank among the top 100 prospects in the country -- Tshisumpa at 80 and Cunliffe at 87.
Scout.com and ESPN.com rank Tshisumpa as a four-star prospect, while Rivals considers him a three-star. Scout.com ranks him as the country's No. 21 2016 center, while ESPN has him at 24.
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Despite such lofty rankings, Tshisumpa still is learning the game. He grew up in the Congo and said he didn't start playing basketball until just a few years ago. Since coming to the U.S., he has tried to model his game after Clippers star DeAndre Jordan. Blocking shots, Tshisumpa said, is simply "going for the ball," but he admitted his offensive game needs work.
Tshisumpa checked out ASU on an unofficial visit in June. He also had a scholarship offer from SMU. All commitments are non-binding until players sign a national letter of intent.