Shockwaves

Three Rivers Community College coach Gene Bess says Ehimen Orupke will sign with Wichita State on Wednesday, the first day of the fall signing period. No surprise there. His signature, and receipt of the letter of intent at WSU, will bring closure to a three-year recruiting saga.

I expect Shocker coaches and fans will be relieved when all doubt is removed.

Bess said Orupke, a 7-foot center from Nigeria, didn’t have to fight off any other recruiters. WSU placed Orupke at Three Rivers with the understanding he would return. Bess made sure that happened.

“No one fooled with him,” Bess said. “We had an agreement with Wichita State.”

Orupke’s season at Three Rivers is off to a slow start. He is bothered by tendinitis in a knee. He is knocking off a lot of rust after sitting out last season. He is averaging six points and five rebounds after two games.

Bess also said guard Marquise Carter, who visited WSU this fall, will wait until the spring. Oklahoma State, Illinois State and Mississippi State are some of the schools recruiting him.

WSU coach Gregg Marshall said there is a chance WSU could sign a player in addition to Orupke. If it happens, I’m guessing it will be one of the point guards targeted by coaches.