Chicago, March 11, 2008 –- In its third decade of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in partnership with RISE Magazine, today announced Emmanuel Negedu '08 of Kaduna, Nigeria, and Brewster Academy as its 2007-08 Gatorade New Hampshire Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year.
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court, distinguishes Negedu as New Hampshire's best high school boys’ basketball player.
The 6-foot-7, 230-pound senior power forward averaged 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game this season, leading the Bobcats (31-4) to the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Class A championship and the National Prep Championship semifinals. A 2008 adidas Derby Festival Basketball Classic showcase and 2008 Nike Hoop Summit invitee, Negedu added four blocks, 3.5 steals and two assists per contest this winter. In the NEPSAC Class A final, the native of Nigeria collected 11 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in a 69-65 overtime victory against the Winchendon School, earning Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. In his final game, Negedu totaled 24 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in the National Semifinals.
“Emmanuel’s motor combined with his athleticism is best described as freakish,” said Brewster Academy Head Coach Jason Smith. “His best trait is how hard he competes. “His skill level has improved dramatically over the past few years. He’s been a tremendous ambassador of Brewster Academy for the past four years.”
Negedu has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at the University of Arizona this fall.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field. The selection process is administered by RISE Magazine, which works with the top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.
Among former Gatorade Players of the Year are Emmitt Smith, Lisa Leslie, Peyton Manning, Kerri Walsh, Derek Jeter, and Allyson Felix.