By Chris Garvin
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Texas native has two years of eligibility remaining |
DAYTON – Wright State head men’s basketball coach Clint Sargent has announced the addition of transfer Michael Imariagbe to join the Raider program.
Imariagbe (pronounced eh-mar-ee-bay), a 6-7 forward from Houston, Texas, joins the Raiders after spending last season at Houston Christian and has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
“We are very excited to add Mike to our program,” Sargent said. “His desire to not only contribute, but to also develop in a winning culture, was very refreshing to hear during the recruiting process. His mindset to play the game with life and energy will be a great addition to our locker room. We know his physicality and ability to rebound for our basketball team will go a long way in competing for championships.”
Imariagbe played in 29 games with 26 starts last season for Houston Christian, averaging 11.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game with a 28.3 minutes per game average. He had 18 double digit scoring games and 13 double digit rebound contests, tallying 11 double-doubles. Imariagbe had a season-best 26 points and 21 rebounds against Champion Christian in December, adding a pair of 19-point performances in Southland Conference action (on the road at New Orleans and at Southeastern Louisiana) in addition to two 18-point outputs in conference play (at Nicholls and against UIW). Six of his double-doubles came against Southland opponents, while he also had double-doubles on the road at Texas (11 points, 12 rebounds) and at SMU (12 points, 12 rebounds).
Imariagbe began his career at McMurry University, where he was a two-time American Southwest All-Defensive selection and averaged 13.4 points, 8. 2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals over two seasons. He averaged 15 points and nine rebounds as a sophomore on the way to All-ASC team recognition after being named the 2021-22 ASC Freshman of the Year following an 11-point, seven-rebound average his first season. Imariagbe was a two-time Academic All-ASC selection at McMurry as well.
He prepped at Alief Elsik High School, where he was named the Offensive MVP and First Team All-District after averaging 15 points as a senior and leading his team to the district championship. He also named First Team All-District honors as a junior.
COURTESY WRIGHT STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS