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Kansas picks up a fifth 2013 recruit as 7-footer Joel Embiid commits

BillSelfSmile

7-foot center Joel Embiid was one of the most intriguing 2013 prospects on the recruiting trail this summer due in large part to his upside.

Embiid’s recruitment picked up as a result, and the native of Cameroon announced via Twitter this morning that he’s committed to attend Kansas.

Embiid, who attends The Rock School in Gainesville, Florida, chose the Jayhawks over Texas and Florida.

An AAU teammate of Florida commits Kasey Hill and Chris Walker (Florida Elite), Embiid had ample opportunities to display that upside in front of some of the nation’s best coaches and he took advantage.

Embiid’s commitment pushes the number of 2013 verbal commitments to five for Kansas, who already held pledges from three Top 100 prospects (Conner Frankamp, Brannen Greene and Wayne Selden) in addition to point guard Frank Mason.

The reason why so many are intrigued by Embiid’s upside? He’s only played organized basketball for a year, so while he’s extremely raw there’s also the ample room for growth with quality coaching.

It’s safe to say that he’ll receive such tutelage from Bill Self and his staff at Kansas, which has won or shared eight consecutive Big 12 regular season titles.

The Jayhawks don’t lack for young interior talent, considering the fact that Perry Ellis, Landen Lucas and Jamari Traylor are all freshmen (Traylor a redshirt).

But with starting center Jeff Withey and reserve forward Kevin Young both being seniors this season, Kansas needed a big man to close out their 2013 class.

And while it will take some time for Embiid to reach his full potential, consider this “mission accomplished” for the Jayhawks.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.