by Alex Schwartz

Miami Head Coach Frank Haith picked up a commitment from one of the standouts at Hoop Group Elite Camp Session One. Raphael Akpejiori '10, a 6'9 center out of Sunrise Christian Academy (KS), pledged to the Hurricanes today. Akpejiori, who came over to the United States from Africa in April of 2008, was a Top 20 All-Star at the Hoop Group event and was ranked as the #3 performer in camp by Northstar Basketball.

How did the big man decide on the ACC school? "They recruited me, I visited the school, [did] some research about the engineering program and basketball, and I liked it." Akpejiori informed me that before he selected Miami, his other finalists were South Florida, Central Florida, Columbia, and Texas A&M.

Raphael has yet to play a high school game in America, as he missed his junior year—his first in the US—due to injury. Despite that, he was able to draw a nice amount of college interest. Asked what he accredits that to, Akpejiori remarked, "I played in the Jordan Classic International Game [in 2008], so that gave me a lot of respect from people, and I also played for an elite AAU program this summer."

"Good, block a lot of shots, score effectively, and [be] a team player," is how the newest Hurricane describes his game. Akpejiori joins 6'5 SG Rion Brown of Liberty County (GA) in Miami's class of 2010. Brown is the #79 ranked player in Northstar Basketball's Class of 2010 Terrific 125.

The #12 ranked player in Northstar Basketball's list of New Jersey's Fab 45 Upperclassmen has made his college decision. Derrick Williams '10, a 6'7 power forward from St. Anthony's (NJ) committed to Richmond today, according to a source close to the situation. Williams confirmed the commitment when I caught up with him, but also let it be known that this does not mean he is done with the recruiting process.

Williams cited a number of different reasons for his pledge to the Spiders. "I took an official [visit] there [in the] beginning of September and I loved it off the [bat]. I was there for their elite camp and that's when they offered me. I love the academics, [and] also, this team has always been there at every game, every practice, the whole nine. I love the coaching staff, the players, and the overall style of play."

The Staten Island, New York native, who listed St. Bonaventure as his other finalist, feels that he made a sound choice. "I think it's a solid one. I can make an impact right away. I can help the team, and it's a good fit for me," replied Williams when I asked how it feels to have the decision behind him.

I inquired of Derrick if he plans to recruit others to join him at the Atlantic-10 school, and he answered, "Yes, I will, one of the players on my team now, Lucious Jones." Jones is a class of 2011 prospect who is at St. Anthony's with Williams.

Williams plans to sign "late" despite the fact that he has already committed and can sign a Letter of Intent in November. "I don't want to rush everything," responded Williams when I asked why that is. Does that mean he is not 100% committed to Richmond? "I'm not saying that. I think the decision I made is a solid one." He confirmed that this means he will remain open to other schools' recruiting pitches.

A standout this summer for Sports University, Williams is the third player to commit to Chris Mooney and Co. in the class of 2010. He joins 6'1 combo guard Cedrick Lindsay of Gonzaga (DC), who is ranked #121 in Northstar Basketball's Class of 2010, and Wayne Sparrow of St. Frances Academy (MD).

Note- photo is of Williams and is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/