Jude To Pen With UNC-Asheville
Citing the desire to play a meaningful role from the start and choosing a system which best aligns with his style, 6-foot-8 Class of 2018 forward Coty Jude has committed to UNC-Asheville.
Now doing a post-graduate season at Believe Prep Academy (TN), Jude averaged 21 points and nine boards at Tolsia High School in West Virginia last season.
“This was my first offer and it was special because you have to go where you are wanted and where you fit the style of play,” said Jude, a sharpshooter with considerable 3-point range.
“The fact that they are a pick and pop system and the fact that I could come in and contribute right away, that really appealed to me. I like the town, I like the basketball community they’ve established. They gave me an opportunity to not just be a guy there but to be a key guy. This was an important factor in my decision. I’m looking forward to it while continuing to work and really getting better here.”
For Jude, getting better entails becoming more of a presence on the boards. He’s made strides thus far, surfacing as a guy who could provide stickbacks and tip-ins.
While a primary scorer in high school, Jude has assimilated to a role player position.
He’s a deft passing big man who hits timely shots and creates matchup issues with his height.
He’s developed a quicker release and his size advantage enables him to have a veritable bird’s eye view of the rim.
Jude, who also took an unofficial visit to Marshall with highly-lauded Class of 2018 recruit Joel Ntambwe last month, visited Asheville two weeks ago.
Beyond the campus environment and the tight-knit brotherhood the team shared, Jude said there was an immediate and sustainable trust he felt with the coaching staff.
In finalizing his decision, Jude is the first among a talented core of low to high-major prospects under head coach Tyson Waterman.
The BPA post-graduate team also features 6-foot-5 wing Dexter Dennis, 6-foot-2 off guard Remy Robert, 6-foot-5 guard/forward Dame Tobler, 6-foot-8 forward Kimani Dunham, and a barrage of other unheralded recruits. The team got a taste of national competition this weekend in Baltimore, losing to Mount Zion (Md.) but defeating Scotland Campus Sports in a showcase event.