NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion men's basketball head coach Jeff Jones announced the addition of four new Monarchs as part of the program's 2021 signing class. Imo Essien (Wylie, Texas), Jadin Johnson (Omaha, Neb.), Stephan Morris (Houston, Texas) and D'Angelo Stines (Columbia, Md.) all signed their National Letters of Intent with ODU on Wednesday. Essien, Johnson and Stines will be incoming freshman, while Morris comes to Norfolk from Kilgore College with two years of eligibility remaining.
"We are extremely excited about the four young men that have signed to be a part of the ODU men's basketball program," said jones. "We are getting four high-character young men, quality students and outstanding basketball players that we anticipate making an instant impact."
MEET THE NEWEST MONARCHS
IMO ESSIEN
Height: 6-1
Position: Guard
Hometown: Wylie, Texas
High School: Bishop Lynch
AAU Team: Texas Impact
-Two-time All-State selection
-Eclipsed 1,000 Career Points in Dec. of 2019
-Preseason 2021 Top 10 Player to Watch in Dallas Fort Worth (Dallas Morning News)
-Two-time TAPPS 6A Offensive MVP (2018-2020)
Jones on Essien:
"Imo is an explosive lead guard that has the ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His leadership abilities set him apart from many of his contemporaries."
JADIN JOHNSON
Height: 6-4
Position: Guard
Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
High School: Millard North
AAU Team: Omaha Sports Academy
-247 Sports No. 27 Ranked Point Guard in Class of 2021
-ESPN Top 50 Point Guard
-All-Conference Honoree (2018, 2019, 2020)
-All-State Team (2019, 2020)
-2020 State Runner-Up
Jones on Johnson:
"Jadin is a big, strong guard who is extremely fundamental and makes everyone around him better."
STEPHAN MORRIS
Height: 6-8
Position: Forward
Hometown: Houston, Texas
High School: Furr
Previous School: Kilgore College
Senior Year Accolades at Furr High School:
-First Team All-District
-First Team All-Defense
-Averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and two steals per game
-Scored a career-high 30 points against Yates
Jones on Morris:
"Stephan is a blue-collar player that has been extremely well-coached in junior college and really knows how to grind. Fans will grow to love his workman-like approach."
D'ANGELO STINES
Height: 6-2
Position: Guard
Hometown: Columbia, Md.
High School: Mount St. Joseph
AAU Team: Mid-Atlantic Select
-Baltimore Catholic League (BCL) Runner-Up
-All BCL Tournament Team
-Jr. Orange Bowl Champion
-Jr. Orange Bowl All-Tournament Team
Jones on Stines:
"D'Angelo has shown steady improvement throughout his high school career. We are getting a versatile guard that can really stroke the basketball."
