FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason head basketball coach Paul Hewitt
announced Wednesday the addition of newcomer Erik Copes to the Patriots'
roster. Copes, a 6'8", 220-pound center from Philadelphia (Imhotep Charter
School), joins the team for his freshman campaign in 2011-12. Additionally,
Hewitt announced that 6'8" forward Anali Okoloji has joined the Patriots after
transferring from Seton Hall following his freshman season.
"My staff and I are pleased
to add Erik and Anali to our program," Hewitt said. "These two young men are anxious
to get to work. Erik will have a chance to learn from our veterans and
contribute as a freshman. Anali has the chance to practice and work
with Robert Handerahan in our strength program as he red-shirts this
season."
Copes is ranked the
sixth-best center prospect in the nation and the 55th-rated incoming
freshman player in the country at all positions according to ESPN.com. After signing a National Letter of Intent
with George Washington in fall 2010, Copes was released following a coaching
change and opted to join the Patriots, where he is one of three freshmen coming
into the program. He is the nephew of
Mason assistant coach Roland Houston.
Noted for his defensive and
rebounding skills, Copes helped lead the Panthers this past season to a 31-3
record including an unblemished mars of 10-0 in Public League play. Imhotep
finished the season ranked third in the state of Pennsylvania and won the PIAA
Class AA state title.
"He's gotten really good
at defending the lane and rebounding and, this past year, he's improved
offensively. We're expecting him to average a double-double for us this
year," Imhotep coach Andre Noble said in November. "Erik is a great
winner and has a tremendous motor."
Okoloji played one season
with the Pirates, averaging 1.9 points and 1.0 rebounds after appearing in 16
games. Among his highlights at Seton Hall was a nine-point, two-rebound night
against NJIT on December 19. Prior to his collegiate career, Okoloji was a
standout at Impact Academy in Florida and Brooklyn's Banneker High School. At
Impact, he averaged 25 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
Okoloji will sit out the
upcoming season due to NCAA transfer rules and will take the court with three
years of eligibility remaining in 2012-13.
Copes and Okoloji represent one-half
of the Class of 2015, joined by guard Corey Edwards (Middle Village,
N.Y./Christ the King) and forward Vaughn Gray (Elmwood Park, N.J./St. Benedict's
Prep).
