Quinnipiac gets 2nd New England product in Azotam

September 22, 2009 New England Hoop News Staff

The Quinnipiac University Mens Basketball team scored another coup in New England by landing Ike Azotam.  This is the 2nd signing for the Bobcats in as many months, landing Dominque Langston out of Kolbe-Cathedral in Bridgeport, Connecticut in August. It was already becoming obvious that Coach Tom Moore and his staff wanted to look no further than their backyard to focus their recruiring efforts.  In 2009,they nabbed highly touted Tevin Baskin out of Trinity Catholic in  Stamford, Connecticut.  Signing Azotam helped to solidify their presence in the six New England states. 

Azotam, who graduated from O'Bryant Tech last June, is an athletic power forward who had a very strong summer period.  He currently is attending Marianapolis Prep School as a post-graduate, playing for Dave Vitale.  Traveling with Mo Vasquez' Metro Boston club throughout the summer, Azotam developed a reputation as a very active player on the glass and running the floor.  He played extremely well at BasketBull's National Ivitational and also down in Orlando at the Super Showcase and Nationals.  Quinnipiac followed almost everyone of his games. 

The Bobcats beat out in-state rivals Hartford and Sacred Heart as well as conference rivals Robert Morris, Long Island, and others.  Standing about 6'6, Azotam plays well above the rim and should fit in nicely with the style of play that Coach Moore has brought over from UConn.  They will look to get up and down the court, pressure defense, and use athleticism on both ends, which will play perfectly into what Azotam brings to the table.  He is extremely active on the boards, on both ends, and finishes well around the rim.  He'll need to work on developing a consistent shot from 15-17 feet to expand his game for the next level.  Azotam was one of 24 players selected in the inaugural New England All-Star Challenge held in March, finishing with 14 points and 6 rebounds.

"I think he can play there.  It's a good fit and he seemed happy, said Coach Vasquez.  "I always tell the kids, it's their choice.  He seemed really excited about Quinnipiac." 

Azotam was not heavily recruited out of O'Bryant this year, but playing with Metro helped boost his stock this summer.  Many college coaches flocked to watch the talented squad, featuring Azotam, Shabazz Napier, Mario Monroe, and Allen Harris.  Metro came with a few points of beating national power, Team STAT of Florida, in the quarter-finals. 

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