N.C. State recruit enrolls at Word of God

Raleigh's Word of God Christian Academy, which has produced two of the best high school basketball players in the country during the last two seasons, is expected to have N.C. State basketball recruit Joseph Uchebo on its roster next season.

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound center has enrolled at Word of God, the alma mater of John Wall, last year's top-ranked high school player in the country, and C.J. Leslie, a McDonald's all-American and an N.C. State recruit.

When Uchebo committed to State he was listed as a member of the Class of 2012, but he might be able to graduate next year.

"We have to assess his transcript and see which courses he has passed," said Dr. Frank Summerfield, the founder of the Word of God school and church in Raleigh. "We need to find out which courses he still needs. Just looking over his transcript, it would appear at first glance that he is at least a junior, perhaps a senior.

"We will examine his transcripts and together we will decide what is best for Joseph."

Uchebo played at Oak Ridge (N.C.) Military Academy last year and at Durham Mount Zion the year before. He is from Lagos, Nigeria and is playing for the CP3 All-Stars this summer.

Summerfield said he has not selected a coach to succeed Erasta Hatchett, who coached at the school one season after succeeding Levi Beckwith.

"We've not moved on that yet," Summerfield said. "We are taking our time.

"The decision is being spiritually driven. We would like to have someone who is a part of the church. We want someone who is going to be with us for years to come."

The church, which is 17 years old, currently has about 2,500 members.

-- Tim Stevens, (Raleigh) News & Observer