PORTALES, NM -Eastern New Mexico University Men’s Basketball Coach, Tres Segler, released another signing today for the 2018-19 class. He welcomed Chukuka Emili, a 6’7 Skilled Forward, to the Greyhound Family. Emili is a NCAA Division I transfer from Houston Baptist University.
The New City, New York native played junior college at two different colleges. His freshman year was an explosive one with Emili blocking 129 shots at Rockland Community College in Sufforn, NY. “Chu” as he is known, started 29 games his freshman season and averaged 13.0 points per game. He then transferred to one of the toughest JUCO conferences in the nation to attend New Mexico Military Academy in Roswell, NM. Coached by Ralph Davis, Emili blocked 39 shots and averaged 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 points. As the team’s leading shot blocker and second leading rebounder, Emili demonstrated his ability to affect the game defensively in one of the most physical and athletic junior college leagues in the country.
Coach Segler adds, “Chu’s size and athleticism is truly special! His wingspan and leaping ability will give him the ability to play above the rim at all times. We needed someone last season to give us the big lob-dunk plays, and to finish with power and authority from the short corner in our ball screen motion offense. Chu gives us all that and more. His shot blocking ability is a true gift that he will bring to our family here at ENMU, and because we focus so much on physical defensive play, I believe Chu will find himself involved in a ton of action.”
The New York native received interest and offers from many different Division I schools after his tenure at New Mexico Military Academy. Chu originally committed to Cornell University, but de-committed and chose Houston Baptist as his Division I choice. Both of Emili’s junior college coaches influenced him heavily, and helped the Greyhounds in landing the 6’7 explosive athlete.
Coach Segler notes, “Coach Knox and Coach Davis were instrumental in helping us recruit Chu. They both mentored Chukuka at different stages in his career, and Chu took many positive influences from each program and each coach. When we made our push to get Chu to ENMU, both coaches gave their support. That cooperation between coaches really meant a lot to me. I believe that all of his coaches want him to be successful, and I am so excited about what his senior season will be like here with us at Eastern. Chu is special person, and I cannot wait to see how he impacts the Lone Star Conference with his huge athletic abilities and his willingness to outwork his opponents.”
???????Emili has had a diverse career so far in college basketball, and it is clear that he will bring senior leadership and guidance to an ENMU squad that returns some talented and tough players from last year’s team. Greyhound nation is ready and excited for some poster dunks and some awesome blocked shots!
