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In-state forward becomes Cleveland State’s first 2015 commitment

Gary Waters

Cleveland State coach Gary Waters smiles during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Vanderbilt on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. Cleveland State upset Vanderbilt 71-58. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

AP

Cleveland State landed its first commitment in the Class of 2015 Sunday and they didn’t have to leave the state to do so, with 6-foot-6 forward Jibri Blount verbally committing to Gary Waters’ program according to David Cassilo of Cleveland.com.

Blount is a native of Akron, where he currently attends St. Vincent-St. Mary HS and made a difference with his ability as a defender and rebounder during his junior season. Blount discussed his decision with Cassilo, commenting on his fit with the Cleveland State program.

“Cleveland State was the right fit for me because of the people there,” Blount said. “They have the same type of moral views that my parents raised me on.”

Cleveland State started recruiting Blount at the beginning of the summer and were able to gain a commitment shortly after his visit.

“They like the fact that I play hard and that I’m a good teammate,” Blount said. “If I’m down, I don’t let the rest of my team get down.”


The Vikings have just two seniors on this season’s roster, point guard Charlie Lee and forward Marlin Mason, with both players being returning starters from a team that won 21 games and finished second in the Horizon League a year ago. Cleveland State won’t lack for experience in the front court when Blount arrives either, with Anton Grady, junior college transfer Vinny Zollo and sophomore Demonte Flannigan among those who will have eligibility remaining at that time.

The Vikings also have two forwards among the five freshmen joining the program this season, 6-foot-5 Derek Sloan and 6-foot-9 Jonothan Janssen.

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