Welcome to the family Zimi Nwokeji

[Sea Bass]

Committed. Coming in January to play next year

[lhsgolf19]

Welcome to the Family!

“ It is with great pride that I announce; Zimi Nwokeji has decided to #JoinTheFight and has signed with @DaytonMBB ! Zimi will enroll in January and begin preparing for the 2020 season! Major thanks to @coachASlo & @CoachGrantUD 📸 x @hvdstudios @hvdsports”

Awesome, Awesome Get!
Posted via Mobile Device

[frisco flyer]

Holly molly!
How awesome is this?
Grant is hitting on all cylinders.

[Flyer Al]

So, that's it, right? Officially we are done? Or is there one more scholarship for '20 based upon the presumption that Obi is leaving early?

[frisco flyer]

At least one more (Obi’s)

[Monster Man]

We saw Zimi and his parents sitting behind the bench enjoying last night’s game. I had a good feeling that AG and staff would close the deal. #14, sold-out, lottery pick on the floor, and a 30 point butt kicking, what’s not to like? Great job by the coaching staff

[Jeff]

https://stockrisers.com/2019/11/21/z...hedule-visits/

Some info

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Grant and Solomon visited the parents in FL last week.

[GoFlyer]

Zimi Nwokeji , , , , This one will put Bucky over the edge . .

Zimi to Ibi to Obi . . . . . .oops, Obi won't be there to get the alley oop . . . .

[Viperstick]

Thought I saw someone who looked intriguing behind the bench on TV.


Great get from what I've read. I think AG is going to see an uptick in interest by some of the higher rated players going forward.

[The Fly]

Was a Rivals four-star junior year, though his stock may have dipped a bit afterward. They had him with early offers from Missouri, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Butler, St. John’s, Ohio State and, of course, Florida State:

https://n.rivals.com/news/four-star-...-hear-from-two

Some video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vzkVsp41s8E

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zyIE4OoQ0uw

[springborofan]

Bucky better have a few more Bud Lights.

What is especially awesome about this is he is going to enroll at UD for the spring semester. I assume he can practice with the team? Does that mean he will be considered a RS Freshman next year?

It is becoming common practice for football players to enroll in January and practice in the spring. I’ve never heard of a basketball prep school player join in January.

[Viperstick]

While looking up info on Zimi, I found this:


https://247sports.com/Player/Mady-Sissoko-46051902/


Moulaye's brother?

[1903 Flyer]

Originally Posted by GoFlyer Zimi Nwokeji , , , , This one will put Bucky over the edge . . . . .

God bless Bucky — Zimi’s full name is Chukwuzimife Nwokeji
Posted via Mobile Device

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Not according to Moulaye's bio on the Flyers website.
"• Siblings: Aminata, Siga, Kadidiatou, Lissa and Youssouf Sissoko, and Papa Oumar Sangaré"

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by GoFlyer Zimi Nwokeji , , , , This one will put Bucky over the edge . . Zimi to Ibi to Obi . . . . . .oops, Obi won't be there to get the alley oop . . . .

...to Jordy, to Jhery, to Jalen...
Posted via Mobile Device

[OSU Flyer]

Enrolling in January, great way to get a jump on next year
Posted via Mobile Device

[OSU Flyer]

Originally Posted by Viperstick While looking up info on Zimi, I found this: https://247sports.com/Player/Mady-Sissoko-46051902/ Moulaye's brother?

Not sure but that’s a common name in Mali
Posted via Mobile Device

[tirebiter]

So Zimi can play next November? I really like what I see in this guy.

Reloading!

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Originally Posted by tirebiter So Zimi can play next November? I really like what I see in this guy. Reloading!

Yes he can play at the beginning of next season. He is leaving a prep school, not a transfer.

[Mich Flyer]

Updated Look at Dayton’s 2020 Recruiting Class

https://www.a10talk.com/updated-look...ruiting-class/

[John C.]

Now that we are a top 25 team, look for our recruits to have their ratings improve......

[TommyGola]

There is one key part to the puzzle missing in 2022 - a point guard.

[TX Flyer]

Originally Posted by TommyGola There is one key part to the puzzle missing in 2022 - a point guard.

AG is building a team of 5 points-forwards

[Flyer 86]

[QUOTE=frisco flyer;604145]Holly molly!
How awesome is this?
Grant is hitting on all cylinders.[/QUOTE

Striking while iron is hot. if im a high school stud I'd be looking at UD NOW!

[TA111]

Originally Posted by TX Flyer AG is building a team of 5 points-forwards

Very true. This staff is recruiting players who can play multiple positions. They can all handle the ball and are long and athletic. Zimi reminds me of a younger Obi.

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by Flyer Al So, that's it, right? Officially we are done? Or is there one more scholarship for '20 based upon the presumption that Obi is leaving early?

glad yu asked that... know I asked it before
a few weeks ago, but easy for me to get confused...

okay, 1 more if Obi leaves... gotcha

go Flyers!

[rollo]

Originally Posted by frisco flyer Holly molly! How awesome is this? Grant is hitting on all cylinders.

Who is Holly?
Who Is Molly?

Holy Moly, are they 4-Star recruits?
Posted via Mobile Device

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by TommyGola There is one key part to the puzzle missing in 2022 - a point guard.

at this point,

I have no doubts, and I mean NONE...

that Coach Grant has this covered,
with a plan A in his head,
and two other plan A alternatives
too!

I trust Coach Grant

Go Flyers!

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by rollo Who is Holly? Who Is Molly? Holy Moly, are they 4-Star recruits? Posted via Mobile Device

Holy Moly,
they don't have to be 4-Star recruits...

they are the recruits Coach Grant wants,
and that deserves a Holy Moly
right there... believe it

[TommyGola]

Originally Posted by steverino015 at this point, I have no doubts, and I mean NONE... that Coach Grant has this covered, with a plan A in his head, and two other plan A alternatives too! I trust Coach Grant Go Flyers!

So do I...that is why I am not worried either.

[CE80]

Originally Posted by rollo Who is Holly? Who Is Molly? Holy Moly, are they 4-Star recruits? Posted via Mobile Device

Not sure what this says of me but when I think of Holly, I think of Holly Sonders.

When I think of Molly, I think of Molly McIntire.

[Bill202]

Originally Posted by TommyGola So do I...that is why I am not worried either.

Changing your handle to ALFRED E NEUMAN?

[frisco flyer]

Originally Posted by rollo Who is Holly? Who Is Molly? Holy Moly, are they 4-Star recruits? Posted via Mobile Device

Haha...good catch.
Are you teaching engllish these days by any chance?

[OSU Flyer]

Originally Posted by TommyGola There is one key part to the puzzle missing in 2022 - a point guard.

Take Obi’s scholarship and hit the transfer market
Posted via Mobile Device

[Medford]

Honestly, a solid PG transfer would be a perfect fit. If they're going to have to sit out next season regardless, they can spend that year developing and learning CAG's system, then have the first stab at taking over the starting spot the following year.

[springborofan]

It’s great that he can play next year.

Can he practice with the team after he has enrolled in school?

Will he be considered a Redshirt Fr? This is important because he would be more “locked in” since any transfer (which I’m assuming would mean a sit out year) would eat up one of five to play four.

[ud2]

First 4 star freshman recruit since Dwayne Cohill iinm.

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Originally Posted by springborofan It’s great that he can play next year. Can he practice with the team after he has enrolled in school? Will he be considered a Redshirt Fr? This is important because he would be more “locked in” since any transfer (which I’m assuming would mean a sit out year) would eat up one of five to play four.

He is being redshirted the rest of this season. So he can practice just as Moulaye does. The only thing he is "eating up" is a vacant scholly this year. Next season he will be considered a RS Freshman. He can play 4 years.

[John C.]

In football there is the gray shirt year you get when you start school in January. This does not start the five year clock ticking. Not sure if this exists in basketball. This is so unusual. My guess since it is in season that opportunity does not exist.

[ud69]

Originally Posted by John C. In football there is the gray shirt year you get when you start school in January. This does not start the five year clock ticking. Not sure if this exists in basketball. This is so unusual. My guess since it is in season that opportunity does not exist.

Grey shirting starts the 5 year clock upon enrollment in January for the new winter semester.. However, since the football season normally finishes up before the start of the winter semester, the clock does not end until after the season is over 5 years later. Doesn't really work in basketball because the season spans both the fall and winter semester.

What would be really interesting would be a grey shirt football player who wants to play in the national championship game - this year on Monday January 13th. By my understanding, if his school started the new winter semester on Monday the 13th (as UD does this year), he would be ineligible to play if it would be beyond the 5 year clock window.

[CvilleFlyer]

Anyone know how to pronounce Zimi's last name? Is the N silent? His first name is Chukwuzimife!
I think he will most probably just be called simply Zim or Zimi!

[Flyer 79]

Great article in Dayton Daily News gives some great insight into Zimi as a "high character" guy. https://www.daytondailynews.com/spor...6FfzffpHI1HrjI

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Originally Posted by CvilleFlyer Anyone know how to pronounce Zimi's last name? Is the N silent? His first name is Chukwuzimife! I think he will most probably just be called simply Zim or Zimi!

Looked it up as soon as he committed.
wo (long o) ka (long a) gee (hard g)

[CvilleFlyer]

Originally Posted by Lifelong Flyer Fan Looked it up as soon as he committed. wo (long o) ka (long a) gee (hard g)

Thanks: wokg

Got it!

[TommyGola]

Originally Posted by Flyer 79 Great article in Dayton Daily News gives some great insight into Zimi as a "high character" guy. https://www.daytondailynews.com/spor...6FfzffpHI1HrjI

Coach Grant is not only recruiting talented players; he is recruiting high character young men who will fit his team's culture.

[EliteEight]

Not sure Zimi is going to be getting immediate minutes like Brantley suggested in the article. I like the kid, but Dwayne was a 4 star recruit and he's not starting after 2 years.

He sounds like he's a worker but I hope Brantley didn't pump him up with expectations during a couple months at SPIRE.

Zimi is one of 4 recruits and one of three 3*s in this class. Koby Brea is a 2* but could be a late bloomer like Obi. I like this kid but PT in College is earned not given

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by EliteEight Not sure Zimi is going to be getting immediate minutes like Brantley suggested in the article. I like the kid, but Dwayne was a 4 star recruit and he's not starting after 2 years. He sounds like he's a worker but I hope Brantley didn't pump him up with expectations during a couple months at SPIRE. Zimi is one of 4 recruits and one of three 3*s in this class. Koby Brea is a 2* but could be a late bloomer like Obi. I like this kid but PT in College is earned not given

There will be minutes available for all frontcourt players, since we’re graduating both starting Forwards, and our top post player will likely opt for the NBA (how cool is it to be able to say that?!), but yes, CAG has proven in his time here that PT isn’t bestowed, it’s earned. Those who earn the right to play, will play; those who don’t, won’t.
Posted via Mobile Device

[steverino015]

in the article, it stated that Coach Grant
and his assistants laid out their plans to him...

do you think, being among 13,000 high energy
fans may of weighed in on his decision? I would
think so...

He knows we are a top team under Coach Grant,
we have a rabid fan base, and wants to be a
part of it...

earning the right to play falls on him, so he
is putting faith in himself... I like that

[TXFlyerFan]

By all accounts, kid is a hard worker. Have every reason to believe he will continue the hard work here and earn minutes. Minutes are available for those who earn them.

[steve]

Originally Posted by EliteEight Not sure Zimi is going to be getting immediate minutes like Brantley suggested in the article. I like the kid, but Dwayne was a 4 star recruit and he's not starting after 2 years. He sounds like he's a worker but I hope Brantley didn't pump him up with expectations during a couple months at SPIRE. Zimi is one of 4 recruits and one of three 3*s in this class. Koby Brea is a 2* but could be a late bloomer like Obi. I like this kid but PT in College is earned not given

This kid is alot longer, a far far better shooter/scorer and more skilled than Dwayne. He's also very mature as he's played in different locations and lived with various families.

He's older than the other incoming recruits, too, and getting here at least 6 months earlier is enormous in getting acclimated to college classes, college life, getting to play/practice with/ against elite college players,getting on a weight-training schedule, etc. He'll have every opportunity to play several minutes next year and if he doesn't it will be because it was his own undoing in some capacity....

[podcast411]

Originally Posted by steve and getting here at least 6 months earlier is enormous in getting acclimated to college classes, college life, getting to play/practice with/ against elite college players,getting on a weight-training schedule, etc. He'll have every opportunity to play several minutes next year and if he doesn't it will be because it was his own undoing in some capacity....

Getting to practice day in / day out with an NBA lottery pick is something that will give him a big advantage vs the other True Freshman next year.

[EliteEight]

I agree with all that's been said about Zimi. Very excited to have him arrive and join the team in January. Let's hope he adds to the team chemistry and jells well with the front court

[TX Flyer]

Saw his coach was behind the bench tonight. Maybe a pipeline we can continue to utilize

[N2663R]

Originally Posted by EliteEight I agree with all that's been said about Zimi. Very excited to have him arrive and join the team in January. Let's hope he adds to the team chemistry and jells well with the front court

Having him face Obi in practice should pay dividends next year, hopefully.

[pmcmullen]

Originally Posted by steve This kid is alot longer, a far far better shooter/scorer and more skilled than Dwayne. He's also very mature as he's played in different locations and lived with various families.

I think maybe you're forgetting Cohill's HS ball resume. Here's a reminder:
https://www.daytondailynews.com/spor...pXQzBvCusVPMP/

It's not that uncommon to see 4-star kids play behind guys rated as 2-star recruits. Some people make the transition well, and others just don't. I agree he sounds like a good get, but it's hard to say before kids play some games as Flyers.

[TXFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by TX Flyer Saw his coach was behind the bench tonight. Maybe a pipeline we can continue to utilize

I think that guys was the Director as Spire, not sure if he was also coach. Also, he just left Spire, and was just named as the Ohio and Midwest recruiting coordinator for All Ohio Basketball.

[jack72]

Originally Posted by TXFlyerFan I think that guys was the Director as Spire, not sure if he was also coach. Also, he just left Spire, and was just named as the Ohio and Midwest recruiting coordinator for All Ohio Basketball.

Even better
Posted via Mobile Device

[lhsgolf19]

Kid has arrived

David Jablonski
@DavidPJablonski
·
7m
Zimife Nwokeji on campus. Newest Flyer will make his debut next season but can practice this season.

https://twitter.com/DavidPJablonski/...295759360?s=20

[OSU Flyer]

great news, a head start I think will be big

/hopefully, rumors he's the best player in practice

[Bigtimeflyersguy]

He looks great physically!

He seems every bit 6’7 when standing next to Obi. Only an inch - maybe two - of a difference.
Posted via Mobile Device

[John C.]

Boy, is he going to get an education in the next few months. So, I would imagine he will be treated like any other red shirt and get to travel with the team. That will be fun.

[Dogdaddy]

He is clearly excellent on defense. Obi is one of the leaders in the nation in FG% and Zimi shut him down. 0-2 FGs

[shocka43]

My brother in law is the head coach for Mcclay. We are getting a pretty darn good player here. Looking forward to him being at UD. No matter they hype, I have never been one to expect immediate impact out of a first year....with that said...this kid has all the tools to develop into a fine player.

[OSU Flyer]

Originally Posted by Dogdaddy He is clearly excellent on defense. Obi is one of the leaders in the nation in FG% and Zimi shut him down. 0-2 FGs

what's this?

[EliteEight]

He looks to be all of 6'7+. Actually looks about Obi's height. School will likely be in session for Zimi on the court starting Day 1

[superfan99]

Originally Posted by Dogdaddy He is clearly excellent on defense. Obi is one of the leaders in the nation in FG% and Zimi shut him down. 0-2 FGs

OSU..he was just making a joke from the Jablonski twitter clip.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by OSU Flyer what's this?

They were just horsing around in the Twitter clip. Obi might have been wearing flip flops. Just a joke.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

What is the NCAA rules on Zimi playing now since he is on campus?

I have been debating even asking this question, as I am sure some are gonna take it and run and say yes he should be playing right now to give us 4 minutes a game to foul people. No, unless he is the second coming of MJ and only going to be here 2 years I do not want him wasting a year of eligibility for spot play.

[THirt]

Originally Posted by ClaytonFlyerFan What is the NCAA rules on Zimi playing now since he is on campus? I have been debating even asking this question, as I am sure some are gonna take it and run and say yes he should be playing right now to give us 4 minutes a game to foul people. No, unless he is the second coming of MJ and only going to be here 2 years I do not want him wasting a year of eligibility for spot play.

He could play today (and the rest of the year) but that would use up an entire year of eligibility - he’d only have 3 1/2 years then, counting this half season.
Posted via Mobile Device

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by THirt He could play today (and the rest of the year) but that would use up an entire year of eligibility - he’d only have 3 1/2 years then, counting this half season. Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks, I assumed so, just such unusual circumstances coming in now I was curious

[springborofan]

I was watching Zimi during warmups today and during the UD introduction. You could tell he was just soaking it all in.

He was standing next to Obi during warmups and seemed just a hair shorter than Obi. Since he had on warmup suit it was impossible to tell if he has any bulk.

[OSU Flyer]

Originally Posted by springborofan I was watching Zimi during warmups today and during the UD introduction. You could tell he was just soaking it all in. He was standing next to Obi during warmups and seemed just a hair shorter than Obi. Since he had on warmup suit it was impossible to tell if he has any bulk.

Was Sissoko dressed?

[flyer016]

Originally Posted by OSU Flyer Was Sissoko dressed?

Sure was. He continues to look very large.

[John C.]

Anybody have any insight as to how Zimi is looking in practice?

[steverino015]

one of the best parts of our recruits,
is: in practices, they will be going
up against one of the very best teams
in the nation... practice after practice...

I like that!

go Flyers!

[Flyer 86]

Originally Posted by John C. Anybody have any insight as to how Zimi is looking in practice?

Ditto

[frisco flyer]

from DDN:

Anthony Grant: Zimife Nwokeji a ‘great fit’ for Dayton Flyers

https://www.daytondailynews.com/spor...oHzY061zQv4GP/

[jack72]

I watched Zimi warm up last Saturday. He mostly shot threes, and appeared to have a nice stroke and a good handle. Slammed home a few dunks and looked comfortable out there. He needs to put on some muscle, but no more than Obi did two years ago.

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Originally Posted by frisco flyer from DDN: Anthony Grant: Zimife Nwokeji a ‘great fit’ for Dayton Flyers https://www.daytondailynews.com/spor...oHzY061zQv4GP/

Zimi also was in the air during Ibi's dunk. Moulaye has his arms out both times. Don't know if that's his celebration stance or if he's been assigned to keep Zimi from landing on the court

[sheg]

https://twitter.com/JustinWBrantley/...74461937487873

The picture they're talking about.

I like this guy already. I love his temperament and I love people that worry about making the team better before their own individual success, knowing that if you're really the best it will come out in time either way.

[Medford]

That video of Mikesell "copying" Obi might be the best clip I've ever seen, just pure joy. Add Zim to the background, who I didn't even notice prior to today and it has the chance to be legendary in a few years.

[BeckysTXA]

Look to the left of Zimi...down the line to Jordy’s facial expression. These guys have seen more Obi dunks than anyone in America and based on his face, it’s always a marvel. Priceless.

[Buckleyma]

Are there any reports on Zimi’s progress? Unless he is the next painfully skinny Reggie Miller, Zimi needs to be working hard in the weight room!
Posted via Mobile Device

[San Diego Flyer]

"Bones" Hyland for VCU would be a decent model for Zimi. The kid is like silk and is a tough cover at 6'3" & barely 165 lbs. Great athlete.

[bcross]

Zimi is listed at 6'7" 227 lbs. Where are you guys coming up with this "painfully skinny" stuff?

[UD62]

Obi 6-9 220 lbs, Zimi 6-7 227 lbs. Zimi seems to be in an OK range to me. Unless the stats are being "adjusted".

[pmcmullen]

Remember a 6'6, 191lb lean guy we had a few years back? Oh, what was his name? That's right... Chris Johnson!

Or VCU's Justin Tillman that was 6'8, 220. Man, we really pushed him around, didn't we?

Definitely too skinny to contribute. :-p

[CJ43]

Durant was 6'10 215 in college and won AP player of the year as a freshman.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by CJ43 Durant was 6'10 215 in college and won AP player of the year as a freshman.

Carbs are the enemy.

[longtimefan67]

I’m slowly coming out of my depression having lost a post-season to this pandemic. There is a lot of similarities between Zimi and Obi. Completely psyched to see Zimi on the court. Wait till he hears the fans cheering him....
Posted via Mobile Device

[rollo]

Back to the Future...

Originally Posted by lhsgolf19 Welcome to the Family! “ It is with great pride that I announce; Zimi Nwokeji has decided to #JoinTheFight and has signed with @DaytonMBB ! Zimi will enroll in January and begin preparing for the 2020 season! Major thanks to @coachASlo & @CoachGrantUD 📸 x @hvdstudios @hvdsports” Awesome, Awesome Get! Posted via Mobile Device

Originally Posted by tirebiter So Zimi can play next November? I really like what I see in this guy. Reloading!

Originally Posted by TA111 Very true. This staff is recruiting players who can play multiple positions. They can all handle the ball and are long and athletic. Zimi reminds me of a younger Obi.

Originally Posted by ud2 First 4 star freshman recruit since Dwayne Cohill iinm.

Originally Posted by TommyGola Coach Grant is not only recruiting talented players; he is recruiting high character young men who will fit his team's culture.

Originally Posted by shocka43 My brother in law is the head coach for Mcclay. We are getting a pretty darn good player here. Looking forward to him being at UD. No matter they hype, I have never been one to expect immediate impact out of a first year....with that said...this kid has all the tools to develop into a fine player.

Originally Posted by frisco flyer from DDN: Anthony Grant: Zimife Nwokeji a ‘great fit’ for Dayton Flyers https://www.daytondailynews.com/spor...oHzY061zQv4GP/

Originally Posted by longtimefan67 I’m slowly coming out of my depression having lost a post-season to this pandemic. There is a lot of similarities between Zimi and Obi. Completely psyched to see Zimi on the court. Wait till he hears the fans cheering him.... Posted via Mobile Device

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by rollo Back to the Future...

Yeah, not sure what happened. I do remember one game where he scored about 30 points; sure seems like decades ago...

[Medford]

Originally Posted by longtimefan67 Yeah, not sure what happened. I do remember one game where he scored about 30 points; sure seems like decades ago...

Decades ago.... Seth Towns calls that a collegiate career Speaking of Seth, it struck me that I first saw him as a player for Northland (?) at Flying to the Hoop prior to a game that Trey Landers and Xerious Williams played in. That seems (and indeed was) forever ago yet Seth is finally wrapping up college ball.


What that has to do with Zimi? Nothing, but the quote above his me about how long it was. I had high hopes for zimi since he was previously an FSU recruit/commit, but for whatever reason he never found his spot on the court. Seems like a nice young man; hopefully he has a bright future ahead of him.

[Jack D]

Back in 2019, someone referred to him as the next Obi. We had high hopes for him.

[springborofan]

You gotta put in the work…

[CoffeeCan]

Originally Posted by springborofan You gotta put in the work…

Just like this insightful post?

[older than u]

I always enjoyed watching Zimi, in the tunnel, on the floor and on the bench. If only he had not thought he had to steal every pass, block every shot, and dunk every time he had the ball in close. He took wide open three's no matter the possession time but I guess the idea of doing so did not apply to him as it did to the others. I wish him well, hope he stays long enough to get his degree and is a credit to UD.

[springborofan]

Originally Posted by CoffeeCan Just like this insightful post?

YEP…like many of yours.

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Zimi will be escorted by his parents at tonight's senior recognition. Probably one of the rare times we will be able to applaud a (Dayton) four year guy graduating.

Congratulations, Zimi! Appreciate your hard work and loyalty.

https://x.com/DavidPJablonski/status...760921232?s=20