Panthers welcome California JUCO transfer
UPEI Men's Basketball Head Coach Tim Kendrick is pleased to announce the addition of California Junior College (JUCO) basketball standout Michael Karimu.
In his sophomore year at College of the Desert, Karimu finished in ninth place (15.2 points per game) in overall league scoring and sixth place (6.1 rebounds per game) in league rebounding. He received all-star awards at the Frank Garcia Classic and the Grossmont College Invitational, and also received an honourable mention in the 2013 JUCO Summer Showcase. Karimu was named as one of the top 100 JUCO players in the state of California. Karimu, team captain at the College of the Desert, possesses a 38' vertical jump, and is a versatile six-foot-two guard that shot 46.3 per cent from the floor last season. The Panthers are thrilled that Karimu will be suiting up for the green and white this season.
Karimu is just as excited to be joining the Panthers. 'It is a great pleasure to become a UPEI Panther. What drew me to PEI was the people I have spoken to; they all seem so generous and helpful, and want to make sure my stay on PEI is a time to remember,' said Karimu. 'I have heard nothing but great things about Coach Kendrick and his programs, and cannot wait to get started. I definitely believe that this is the right home for me to excel in, not only in the classroom, but on the court as well. I want to thank Coach Kendrick and his staff, as well as the UPEI athletic department and the University for this great blessing.'
Coach Kendrick is looking forward to having the newest Panther on board. 'Aside from his obvious basketball credentials, Michael's attitude and character is what impressed me the most. He is very team oriented, and seems to have a solid understanding of what it takes to be a successful student athlete,' said Kendrick. 'He has said to me many times, that all he wants to do is help the team win... whether that be defensively, through rebounding, or scoring. He is a hard worker, and plays with passion and intensity. He can play and defend multiple spots, runs the court well, and finishes well around the rim. He clearly understands that we are looking for players that will bring their best attitude and effort forward, on and off the court, and we are very pleased to have him with us for the next three years.'
Karimu will be enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts program at UPEI.
For information:
Ron Annear
UPEI Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca
