SMU M-Basketball: Signs Stellar Recruiting Class
Nov 16 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 16, 2011
DALLAS (SMU) --- SMU Head Coach Matt Doherty announced that three student-athletes have signed a National Letter-of-Intent to play for the Mustangs beginning with the 2012-13 season. The class includes Brian Bernardi, a three-star 6-3 guard from Xaverian High School in New York, N.Y.; Blaise Mbargorba, a 7-0 center that is an ESPNU Top-100 signee from The Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey; and Uche Ofoegbu, a three-star 6-6 forward from John Paul Stevens in San Antonio.
"This is a fantastic recruiting class," says Doherty. "I am excited about the quality of these young men. This class will excel in our system and add to the foundation that we have built. This will translate into success for years to come."
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2012-13 SMU Men's Basketball Signees
Brian Bernardi G 6-3 180 New York, N.Y. (Xaverian HS)
Blaise Mbargorba C 7-0 230 Hightstown, N.J. (The Peddie School)
Uche Ofoegbu F 6-6 200 San Antonio, Texas (John Paul Stevens)
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Brian Bernardi (ber-nar-dee) (6-3, 180) is a guard for Coach Jack Alesi at Xavierian High School in New York, N.Y. Bernardi is a Rivals.com three-star signee that averaged 16 points and five assists as a junior. He was selected First-Team All-CHSAA New York City and Second-Team All-New York City.
"Brian is a fantastic shooter with a quick release. He has a great feel for the game. I believe the sky is the limit for him."
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Blaise Mbargorba (blaze bar-gor-ba) (7-0, 230) is a center for Coach Joe Rulewich at The Peddie School in Hightstown, N.J. He is an ESPNU four-star recruit that is ranked No. 98 nationally and No. 16 among centers. Mbargorba is also rated as high as No. 3 in the state of New Jersey.
"Blaise is long, athletic and skilled. He can pass, handle and shoot it as a 7-footer. As he gets stronger, he will become a great all-around player for us."
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Uche Ofoegbu (ooh-chay oh-fway-boo) (6-5, 200) is a forward for Coach Michael Raynes at Stevens High School in San Antonio. He is a Rivals.com three-star signee and TexPreps Preseason All-State selection. As a junior, Ofoegbu averaged 19.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.6 assists while hitting 53 percent from the field and 70 percent at the free throw line. Following last season, he was a unanimous First-Team All-District selection, a San Antonio Express News All-Area Team honoree and picked TABC All-Region. His brother, Ike Ofoegbu, also played for Coach Doherty at SMU and was a Third-Team All-C-USA honoree in 2006-07.
"Uche is a very versatile player that is physical and athletic. He is a strong driver and strong defender that is also a solid rebounder. I am excited to have him in our program."
