Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Christ Essandoko
Class: 2022
Committed to: Providence
What is Providence Getting:
Providence continues to recruit the state of North Carolina and it is paying off in a big way. First getting Quante Berry from WS Christian now landing one of the premier big men in the state in Christ Essandoko. Coming over to America, the 6’11 big quickly learned the game and adjusted well while showing off his incredible skill set for his size. Slimming down and getting his body right, Essandoko has now shown consistently that he has great touch around the basket, knows how to use his body well, and is continuing to expand his offensive game even more. That doesn’t even mention his fantastic hands, his court vision to find teammates out of the post, and his ability to impact the boards. And what is interesting to see with him is that there is still room to grow and develop.
What he said about Providence in a recent interview:
“I went on the visit in June and Coach Cooley is recruiting me hard and I talked a lot with Nate Watson. They already got a plan on how my game can translate with the program.”
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
“I think I’m a very skilled big man,” he told Phenom Hoops. “At 7’0, I have touch from around the rim and further out. I pass very well out of the high post and I am comfortable inside and out. I’m very excited about playing a national schedule and having teammates and coaches that push me every day.” – Essandoko in 2020
“He’s a big, smart, strong, supremely skilled big man with size, soft hands, and incredible offensive polish. Essandoko is a lethal post-up threat with the ability to overwhelm opponents with his deep arsenal of moves, finishing ability, and pristine footwork around the basket. However, he also has the necessary tools to step out and effortlessly assert himself as a floor-spacing presence. Essandoko is an elite two-way rebounder, savvy passer, and quality overall defender with the ability to wall-up and block shots at a solid rate. Coach Baker on Essandoko: “Christ is a great kid and very fun to coach. He enjoys the game, listens and wants to be good. The sky is the limit! He’s unstoppable down low! Christ rebounds and looks for the long pass. He can put it on the floor to start the break and is capable of knocking down three-pointers. He must continue to improve from 15 feet. He has several post moves. Christ needs to become a great free-throw shooter. He’s an excellent passer when taking the ball on out-of-bounds sets.” Essandoko is a special talent and should become one of the most popular recruits in the country over the next calendar year at Winston-Salem Christian.” – NC Top 80 Evaluation
“Christ is one of the most skilled big guys in the country. He has the ability to score over both shoulders in the post. He also has the ability to step out and knock down mid-range face-ups and 3’s. Christ does a tremendous job using his body to gain great post position. He has a high basketball IQ and sees the court really well for his size.”
“A new name to the state of North Carolina but certainly will be regarded as one of the top bigs the more he adjusts to the game. Essandoko brings great size and plays with tremendous fundamentals, learning that from his time in France. He is nimble on his feet, has tremendous hands, and can score on multiple levels with an impressive shooting motion but also passes the ball well as a big.”