Nov. 9, 2011

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University basketball team picked up a highly-touted commitment Wednesday as the Bulldogs' coaching staff received a national letter-of-intent from Blake Hibbitts on the opening day of the early signing period.

Hibbitts, a 6-foot-7 forward from Hudsonville, Mich., averaged 15.2 points and three rebounds per game as a junior at Hudsonville High School where he played under the tutelage of Head Coach Eric Elliott. So far in his prep career, Hibbitts is shooting 37 percent from 3-point range and is knocking down 79 percent of attempts from the free-throw line.

"We are thrilled with Blake's commitment to our program," said Samford head coach Jimmy Tillette. "With John Peterson and Jeffrey Merritt graduating in May, we really wanted another big wing to solidify our roster, and Blake fits our needs perfectly. He's a natural athlete, with great length--he's got a 6-foot-10 wingspan--and he can really shoot the ball."

Hibbitts was named to the 2011 Grand Rapids Press all-area team, and was also named to the 2011 Grand Valley Advance all-area team. As a second-team all-conference performer, he was also a member of the Cornerstone Classic All-Tournament Team.

Along with being the basketball MVP at HHS, Hibbitts has also excelled in the classroom. He is a straight-A student and a member of the National Honor Society.

Hibbitts played AAU basketball for Jason Martin's program, The Grand Rapids Storm, and was also the starting quarterback for Hudsonville High School's football team. Hibbitts is listed as a high-level baseball pitching prospect and will also play baseball at Samford for Head Coach Casey Dunn.

"With his skill level and his high basketball IQ, Blake will play both the No. 3 and No. 4 spots for us," Tillette said. "He is an excellent defender and a competitive kid, and he possesses the ability to elevate and finish around the basket. Blake is a much needed addition to next year's team."

Future Samford forward Hibbitts will join the Bulldogs immediately prior to the 2012-13 school year.

The current Samford University basketball team will begin its 2011-12 campaign Saturday at 7 p.m. (CST) as the Bulldogs welcome the Youngstown State Penguins Birmingham for a season-opening contest to be held at the Pete Hanna Center (4,500).

2012-13 Samford Basketball Signees

Name, Pos., Ht., Wt., Hometown (High School)
Blake Hibbitts, F, 6-7, 190, Hudsonville, Mich. (Hudsonville High School)