Simi Fajemisin, a 6-foot-9 senior at Lynnwood High School, verbally committed to play basketball for the University of San Diego.
Fajemisin, a center, committed to San Diego on Sept. 16. The Toreros are members of the NCAA Division-I West Coast Conference.
A 2008-09 All-Wesco South honorable mention, Fajemisin also received scholarship offers from Portland State University, Seattle University, St. Mary’s College, the University of California, Riverside, and California State University, Long Beach, Lynnwood High boys basketball coach Darrell McNeal said. Gonzaga University expressed interest but did not make an offer, McNeal said.
“I think it’s going to be a good fit. (San Diego’s) offense is more tailored for a big man’s inside game,” said McNeal.
But the main factor in Fajemisin’s decision was academics, the coach said. Fajemisin is an excellent student who wants to major in engineering. He preferred the education opportunities at San Diego, in addition to liking the coaches, campus and warm weather, McNeal said.
Fajemisin helped lead Lynnwood to the Class 3A state tournament last season. He is a gifted shot blocker and rebounder who can also score inside.
Fajemisin is working hard to refine his post moves and get in better shape, McNeal said. After weighing about 260 pounds at one point last season, he is down to around 250 pounds.
“He wants to have a good senior year,” McNeal said, “and he definitely wants to get ready for the next level.”
This past summer Fajemisin played for the Seattle-based Emerald City Basketball Academy.
Verbal commitments are non-binding. Fajemisin and other Class of 2010 basketball recruits can sign an NCAA National Letter of Intent on Nov. 11.
Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
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