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New Texas Longhorns head coach Chris Beard has another spot to fill on his roster after Raleigh (N.C.) Grace Christian School forward Keeyan Itejere announced on Wednesday that he’ll follow Shaka Smart and play for the Marquette Golden Eagles instead of the Longhorns.
I decided to change my commitment from Texas to Marquette Golden Eagles. I'm excited to continue my basketball development with @CoachShakaSmart!
— Keeyan Itejere (@KItejere) April 14, 2021
Ready to work @Marquettembb @jamieshaw5 @chosen_coac @paulbiarcardi pic.twitter.com/dvX2doGmCE
A strong early evaluation by Smart and his staff, Itejere committed to Texas in June before his stock had a chance to take off, eventually signing with the Longhorns in November as the No. 156 prospect nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
“Keeyan is a terrific mover for a player of his size,” Smart said when Itejere signed. “His ability to sprint the floor, finish above the rim, block shots and defend players at various positions make him a very unique prospect.”
The 6’9, 190-pounder is the third signee from the 2021 recruiting class to join Smart in Wisconsin — Iowa guard Emarion Ellis announced his decision to attend Marquette on Tuesday and news of Wisconsin forward David Joplin heading to Milwaukee broke on Wednesday. Guard Tamar Bates previously requested his release from his National Letter of Intent, but has not announced his new destination.
Former Texas Tech signee Jaylon Tyson, a talented wing player, is now the lone member of the 2021 recruiting class for Texas.