JONESBORO, Ark. (11/15/12) –  The Arkansas State University men’s basketball program has secured another solid addition to the recruiting class of 2013 as prep standout forward Xavier Dupree (Houston, Texas/Trent International) signed his national letter-of-intent this Thursday (Nov. 15) to attend and play men’s basketball at ASU, starting with the 2013-14 season.

The 6-8, 200-pound Dupree will embark on his senior year this 2012-13 season at Trent International High School in Houston, Texas.

“One of our needs was a long, athletic shot blocker and Xavier brings that to our team,” said ASU head coach John Brady.  “He’s one of the most athletic players I watched this past summer.  His length will pay immediate dividends for us and he also has the ability to step out and be an effective 15-foot jump shooter as well.”

Dupree was recognized as one of the top 35 players in the state of Texas by Texas Basketball along with being listed among the RCS Sports’ top 15 players in the City of Houston metropolitan area.  RCS Sports is regarded as the top source of Greater Houston Boys Basketball.  A first-team all-district performer as a junior at Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Dupree averaged 17.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.0 blocked shots per game in the 2011-12 season.

Dupree also was a solid contributor in AAU basketball as a member of the Rytes Warriors this past 2012 summer in which he totaled per game averages of 15.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocked shots. 

Dupree joins guards Sean Gardner (Collierville, Tenn./Motlow College) and Jammar “Mookie” Sturdivant (Lapanto/East Poinsett County) as current A-State early signees.

Arkansas State will travel to Martin, Tenn., this Friday (Nov. 16) to face the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in a 7 p.m. (CT) non-conference matchup.  The Red Wolves are currently 1-1 overall this season after registering a 76-47 home-opening victory over Arkansas-Monticello on Tuesday (Nov. 13) in Jonesboro.

2012-13 A-State Men's Basketball Signees

Sean Gardner  - Guard  6-4   185   Collierville, Tenn. (Motlow JC)

Jammar "Mookie" Sturdivant - Guard  6-1   190   Lapanto, Ark./East Poinsett County

Xavier Dupree - Forward  6-8   200   Houston, Texas/Trent International