April 28, 2008
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Stevy Worah-Ozimo, a 6-10, 220-pound center from TCI College of Technology, has signed a national letter of intent to become a part of the North Carolina Central University men's basketball program.
A native of Gabon, West Africa, Worah-Ozimo ranked fourth in the nation among NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division I programs with an average of 12.7 rebounds per game during his rookie campaign at TCI (Technical Career Institute).
During his two seasons (2006-08) at TCI, located in New York, N.Y., Worah-Ozimo amassed 392 points (7.7 points per game) and 551 rebounds (10.8 rpg), while shooting 57.2 percent (170 of 297) from the field. In 51 games, he collected double-figure rebounds 37 times, including eight contests with 15 boards or more and two outings with 20 or more.
"Stevy is a blue-collar guy and a team player," said NCCU head coach Henry Dickerson. "He's a rebounder and shot blocker that can get out and run on the break. Stevy is the kind of young man that will do whatever he can to help us win. The more he plays, the better he'll get.
"He is a good character kid and a good student," Dickerson added. "Coming from Africa (three years ago) by himself when he spoke very little English, he understands the value of the opportunity he has in front of him."
As a freshman in 2006-07, Worah-Ozimo averaged 9.5 points and 12.7 rebounds per contest, placing him fourth among NJCAA Division I rebounders, while shooting 54.2 percent from the floor.
As a sophomore in 2007-08, he averaged 7.7 points and 10.8 rebounds with a field goal percentage of 57.2 percent.
Worah-Ozimo grabbed a career-high 21 rebounds to go along with 19 points against Monroe College on Nov. 21, 2006. He scored a career-best 20 points with 14 boards versus Hagerstown Community College on Nov. 25, 2006, and 20 points with 12 caroms against Monroe on Jan. 11, 2007. He also posted 18 points and 20 rebounds versus the Community College of Rhode Island on Feb. 10, 2007.
TCI head coach Pernell Hosier called Worah-Ozimo a "glass cleaner" and stated he is deceivingly strong.
"Stevy is a hard worker and goal setter," Hosier said. "Once he sets his mind on something, he is determined to accomplish that goal."
