DENVER - University of Denver men's basketball head coach Rodney Billups announced the signing of incoming freshman David Nzekwesi on Wednesday. The Hague, Netherlands native is joining the Pioneers by way of Fort Worth, Texas for the upcoming season.

The 6-foot-9 big man joins DU after playing for Byron Nelson High School last year. While playing for the Bobcats, Nzekwesi averaged 17.0 points per game and 10.0 rebounds as a senior. He was rewarded for his successful season, being named first-team All-District 5-6A in the state of Texas.

Nzekwesi also was named to the Northwest All-Tournament Team, the Georgetown All-Tournament Team, and the Byron Nelson All-Tournament Team. He was also selected as the North Texas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game Most Valuable Player.

"David comes to us as a young guy for his age," Billups said. "He is a very talented young man with endless possibilities. David has a very high ceiling being that he graduated at such a young age. He has to remain humble like he already is. He is a huge piece to our puzzle going forward, in setting our culture and establishing a program that is highly respected. A program where we bring in skilled players that are serious about basketball. David is truly a testament to that and we all as a staff are very excited about him."

As a junior, Nzekwesi posted averages of 15.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, he was first-team All-District 5-6A selection and made both Northwest and Byron Nelson All-Tournament Teams.

The incoming recruit chose the University of Denver because he wanted to grow his faith even more and play for a good basketball program while receiving an excellent education.

Nzekwesi was also being recruited by Boise State, Mercer, Oral Roberts, Richmond, Fresno State, UC Davis, UT Arlington, North Texas and Stephen F. Austin.

The Byron Nelson High standout will join an already talented incoming class that features Taelyr Gatlin, Jase Townsend, Joseph Lanzi and Alperen Kurnaz.

Denver will return to the hardwood to begin practices in the fall.

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Student-Athlete Alumni Giving Challenge:

In 2017-18, the University of Denver is holding an alumni giving challenge in an effort to increase student-athlete alumni participation in the Denver Athletics Annual Fund. The sport program with the highest percentage of alumni participation will receive an additional $10,000 of support through the generosity of an anonymous donor. Former student-athletes can make a gift online, by calling 303-871-2388 during normal business hours or by sending a check to:

Athletics Development Office
Attn: Kaley Rickert
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Denver, CO 80208

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