Morakinyo Williams, who played in five games at Kentucky as a true freshman in 2007-08, will sit out the 2008-09 season due to NCAA transfer rules. He will have three seasons of eligibility at Duquesne.
“Mike adds much-needed size to our roster,” said Everhart. “He is a great addition because of his experience in the Washington, D.C. Catholic league, his one year at Kentucky and the experience he will gain as a member of the Great Britain Under 20 team this summer. Mike is a great kid who works extremely hard. I’m thrilled to have him as part of our basketball program.”
Williams, who was recruited to Kentucky by former Wildcats head coach Tubby Smith, averaged 0.8 points and 1.0 rebounds in five games last season. He scored all four of his points and pulled down all five of his rebounds in a career-high 19 minutes in the season opening 67-40 win over Central Arkansas. He did not see action in UK’s final 19 games.
Williams, who was born just outside of Birmingham, England, has only been in the United States for four years. He attended Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Va. where he averaged 14.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game in 2006-07. He finished his senior year ranked as a Top 100 recruit by Bob Gibbons.
Williams will receive the eighth and final scholarship Duquesne had available.
Everhart also announced that Ali Djim (Chad, Central Africa / Hampton (Va.) Bethel Christian School), who was extended a scholarship offer last fall, will not be enrolling at Duquesne.