Green Wave Rookie Takes on the World

Her collegiate career on the Tulane court won't start for another six months, but women's basketball signee Adesuwa Ebomwonyi is already bringing her Green Wave team some international recognition. She has been named to the Under-19 Nigerian National Team.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ebomwonyi moved with her family to Texas in 1996 and starred for the Pflugerville High School Panthers the last three seasons. Selected by a panel of Nigerian coaches, Ebomwonyi and the Nigerian team will participate in the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women from July 21–31 in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, Chile. FIBA is an international basketball federation.

“This is a tremendous honor for Adesuwa and speaks volumes to her ability level as she begins her freshman season here at Tulane,” said Green Wave head women's basketball coach Lisa Stockton. “We look forward to seeing her perform at the U19 World Championship, and that will no doubt provide her with a tremendous amount of experience that will help her transition into the college game.”

Ebomwonyi will join 11 other U.S.-based student-athletes with Nigerian ties who will fly to France to play warm-up contests against Brazil, China, France and other teams between June 17–26.

Team Nigeria's participation in the world championship is a first for the country.

During her prep career, Ebomwonyi helped lead Pflugerville High to a combined 91-19 overall record. She scored 996 points there and recorded 881 rebounds, 60 assists, 281 steals and 62 blocked shots. She was a McDonald's All-American nominee as a senior.

Ebomwonyi is one of four incoming first-year players to the Green Wave women's basketball program for the 2011-12 season, joining fellow signees Danielle Blagg from San Antonio, Texas; Tiffany Dale from Lavon, Texas; and Jamie Kaplan from Sebastian, Fla.

Richie Weaver is assistant director of athletic communications.