NORMAL, Ill. – Four talented incoming freshmen will officially continue their collegiate and basketball careers at Illinois State, as 6-foot guard Keyshawn Evans, 6-foot-7 forward Roland Griffin, 6-foot-3 guard Matt Hein and 6-foot-11 center Daouda "David" Ndiaye each signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) during the NCAA early signing period.
Evans, Griffin, Hein and Ndiaye represent third-year head coach Dan Muller's largest freshman signing class.
"I could not be more excited about the four quality young men and basketball players that we added to our program today," Muller said. "They all bring a little something different on the court along with high character and integrity off the court. Size, speed, athleticism, shooting, toughness and skill – we added some of everything with this class. The future of our program is bright with these four student athletes!"
Below is a detailed look at each signee.
Keyshawn Evans | 6-0 | 170 | Guard | Plantation, Florida | The Sagemont School
Evans averaged 14 points and seven assists per game as a junior last season while helping guide American Heritage-Plantation High School to its first-ever Florida Class 5A state title, with a 28-7 overall record. Evans was named MVP of the championship game, scoring 25 points on 10-for-15 shooting, including five 3-pointers. Now a senior, Evans has transferred to The Sagemont School, which captured the 2013-14 Florida Class 3A championship. Evans is also a member of the E1T1 Elite AAU team.
Muller on Evans:
"Keyshawn is a point guard that can really shoot the ball and has great vision. He is tough, fast, physical and always has high energy. Keyshawn has played for a number of terrific coaches and has always won wherever he has been."
Roland Griffin | 6-7 | 210 | Forward | Aurora, Illinois | West Aurora High School
As a junior last year, Griffin averaged 15.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game for West Aurora High School. He shot 57 percent from the field, 30 percent from beyond the arc and 65 percent at the free throw line while garnering all-DuPage Valley Conference and Pontiac Holiday Tournament second-team accolades. Griffin also added 19 blocks and 33 steals last season and recorded 10 double-doubles, including a 23-point, 13-rebound performance in an IHSA Class 4A regional semifinal game against Oswego.
Muller on Griffin:
"Roland is a high-level athlete who can play multiple positions on the floor. His length on the wing and ability to score the ball a number of different ways is very unique. Roland will be a great addition to our team's physicality and toughness. We are proud that Roland will be representing the state of Illinois here at ISU."
Matt Hein | 6-3 | 180 | Guard | Windermere, Florida | Windermere Preparatory School
Hein averaged 10 points, eight assists, three steals and four rebounds per game last season as a junior at Windermere Preparatory School. He also earned a 4.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. In a game last February versus The First Academy, Hein hit seven-consecutive 3-pointers, finishing 7-for-9 from beyond-the-arc with a team-high 25 points. While playing with his AAU team, the Orlando Venom, Hein averaged 14 points, nine assists, two steals and three rebounds per contest, with a 4.5 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Muller on Hein:
"Matt is a sharp-shooting combo guard who has deep range and a quick release. As Matt continues to grow and add weight, his game will continue to grow. We think Matt's basketball IQ and toughness will be a tremendous asset to our team."
Daouda "David" Ndiaye | 6-11 | 215 | Center | Dakar, Senegal | Windermere Preparatory School (pronounced: DOW-duh IN-jeye)
During his junior season last year at Windermere Preparatory School in Windermere, Florida, Ndiaye averaged 12 points, nine rebounds and eight blocks per game while helping his team to a 20-8 overall mark, including a 7-1 district record. He netted 21 points with six rebounds in a win over Cornerstone Charter Academy last February. While playing with the Orlando Venom AAU program, Ndiaye averaged a double-double, with 16 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks per contest.
Muller on Ndiaye:
"David is a supremely talented big who has a huge upside and a bright future ahead of him. His skillset – including his ability to run the floor, great hands and shot blocking ability – will tremendously increase the depth of our front court."
While Illinois State's four signees prepare for their respective senior seasons of high school, the 2014-15 Redbirds are ready to tip off their season this Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. versus Utah State on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. Tickets are available by visiting or calling the Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000, or by navigating to GoRedbirds.com.
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