Chukwuemeka Iroegbu is an all-around player who is the No. 25 ranked prospect in the NorCalPreps.com 2011 boys basketball rankings. Iroegbu, whose name means "God has done something great" in the Igbo Nigerian dialect, started playing organized basketball since fourth grade and has been the starting shooting guard since his sophomore year at Franklin High of the Delta Valley League.
As a junior, Iroegbu was a key part of the Wildcats' season that had a 26-6 record, appearance in the section finals, and a season ending 72-62 loss to Oakland in the NorCal playoffs. Iroegbu averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.
At 6-foot-3 and 196 pounds, Iroegbu considers himself to be a wing slasher, who likes to use his in and out dribble to blow by defenders to finish. Due to his ability to take the ball to the basket, his teammates nicknamed him "C-Money." Iroegbu models his game after Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade who is also a slasher and can get to the basket with ease.
Over the summer, Iroegbu has been working out and playing in tournaments with both his high school team and the Oakland Soldiers club, both of which include his rising sophomore brother, Ikenna Iroegbu.
Franklin High participated in the University of Pacific, UC Santa Barbara team camps and Dougherty Valley (San Ramon), Cosumnes River (Sacramento) summer tournaments. When asked about Iroegbu's strengths, Franklin Head Coach Jesse Formaker said, "Two of Chuks' greatest strengths are his natural athleticism and also his individual drive and willingness to work on improving his game. He possesses great natural athletic ability that allows him to rise to great moments in the biggest of games at the biggest of moments. His leaping ability and physical strength make him a formidable rebounder on both ends of the floor, and he has a knack for getting to the basket and finishing."
Iroegbu works on his jump shot because he realizes at the next level that he will not be able to get to the basket as easily since all the players will be bigger and stronger. A consistent jumper will allow him to stretch out the defense. For his senior season, his goal is to achieve All-Metro League status and win a section title as the Wildcats have lost to Folsom and Sheldon respectively in the past two finals.
When asked about the Las Vegas and Anaheim tournaments with the Soldiers, Iroegbu said, "Both events were a great experience because we knew we had to come and win at least one tournament after we lost at the Nike Peach Jam. We were disappointed with our loss and that energized us to come and win both tournaments." Playing with the Soldiers has improved his recruiting as it has shown his ability to play with and against talented players.
Iroegbu's strong high school and summer play has generated serious recruiting interest. Colorado (Tom Abatemarco) and UC Santa Barbara (Matt Stock) have contacted him while Chico State has extended an offer.
When asked what he thinks of Iroegbu at the NCAA level, Formaker says, "I know that Chuks will have opportunities to play basketball after high school. Many of his best opportunities will probably materialize toward the end of the high school season. Whatever school is fortunate enough to land [him] will be pleasantly surprised as he brings more to any team, both on and off the court, than one first sees looking at him." Hence, something great should be happening in Chukwuemeka Iroegbu's senior season.
C-Money wants to attend a school that would help him round out the areas that he needs to work on to be the most complete basketball player that he can be. Academically, he has a 3.0 GPA and is taking the SAT during the fall. He would like to be a Pharmacist as his favorite subjects are Biology and Math.
During this past basketball season, Iroegbu suffered a scoring drought. As a result, he put too much pressure on himself until his coach told him to relax. Afterwards, he focused on winning and the numbers resurfaced. Off the court, Formaker says, "Chuks is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He is generally quiet with a good sense of humor, and other kids are drawn to his easy going personality."
Iroegbu does have a calming presence that would fit nicely in any team environment.
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