17-year-old power forward Aidan Harris Igiehon attracted offers from more than 30 top universities across the United States before eventually committing to three-time NCAA champions the Louisville Cardinals.
Harris’ performances for Abbey Seals Dublin Lions attracted the attention of leading basketball scouts and he was offered a scholarship by Lawrence Woodmere School, in New York, back in 2014. At 6-foot-9, 225lbs and possessing impressive court coverage, ESPN rank him 22nd of all high school players in America, and as the third best centre.
According to ESPN, Igiehon took an unofficial visit to Louisville in June and followed it up with an official visit in September. The Cardinals made him a priority shortly after Chris Mack took over in the spring, and the school tracked him closely in July.
Blessed to say I’ve committed to the University Louisville@CoachChrisMack #GoCards. CARD NATION ARE YOU READY? pic.twitter.com/VoMBDbe0Mc
— Aidan Harris Igiehon (@aidanigiehon) October 19, 2018
Ranked No. 36 in the ESPN 100, Igiehon slots in as the No. 8 power forward in the US.
The Clondalkin native told The Echo that heading to America just shy of his 14th birthday was tough but that having his aunt and uncle living in New York helped him settle.
On Dublin Lions and the role they, and his first coach Mick White, had on him, Harris said:
“I couldn’t dribble the basketball, I couldn’t make a lay-up, I couldn’t do nothing, but they took me under their wing and they’re one of the few clubs that do focus on development so I got better really really quickly.
“Within the next year I grew about a foot. That helped a little bit. But they were a huge influence and they gave me a lot of confidence. They basically taught me the game of basketball, which is really good.”
https://youtu.be/4017yu5u9sQ
