NORFOLK, Va. (ODUSports.com) – Old Dominion men's basketball head coach, Jeff Jones, announced the addition of Mekhi Long and John Shanu II to the roster on Monday morning. Long (Bryans Road, Md.), a 6-7 wing, will have to sit out next season due to NCAA transfer rules, after playing his freshman year for Rhode Island in 2019-20. Shanu II (Houston, Texas), a 6-10 forward, is an incoming freshman out of Sam Houston High School.
Jones on Long:
"Mekhi is an extremely talented young man. His length and athleticism are apparent, as is his competitive nature. We look forward to Mekhi impacting our program immediately."
Jones on Shanu II:
"John is a young man with tremendous upside. He is just beginning to scratch the surface of his full potential. His size, athleticism and work ethic will allow him to develop quickly and contribute to our team's success next season."
MEET THE NEWEST MONARCHS
MEKHI LONG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 195
Position: Wing
Hometown: Bryans Road, Md.
Previous College: Rhode Island
AAU Teams: Boo Williams, Team Takeover and DC Premier
2019-20 (Long's freshman season at Rhode Island):
-Appeared in all 30 games, making one start
-Averaged 3.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game
-Scored a career-high 13 points to go with three rebounds and two steals at Fordham
Long on Old Dominion:
"I picked Old Dominion University because I have a strong relationship with Coach Jones and the rest of the staff. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to join a winning program."
OHN SHANU II
Height: 6-10
Weight: 220
Position: Forward
Hometown: Houston, Texas
High School: Sam Houston High School
AAU Team: Basketball University
-Played for Coach Ralph Berraras at Sam Houston High School
-First Team All-District and All-Region
-Averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per game as a senior
Shanu II on Old Dominion:
"I can't wait to play for Coach Jones and the rest of the staff; I know I will be in good hands. ODU has a beautiful campus and awesome facilities. I'm excited to get to beautiful Virginia and get to work."
