Tulsa’s Frank Haith Adds Chicago Prep Standout Christian Shumate to Signing Class
4/17/2020 4:10:00 PM | Men's Basketball
TULSA, Okla. –– University of Tulsa Head Basketball Coach Frank Haith added explosive Chicago high school senior Christian Shumate to the Golden Hurricane incoming class, it was announced today.
Shumate joins his Bloom High School teammate Keshawn Williams, who signed with Tulsa in November. They are two of the five Bloom starters to each sign a Division I collegiate basketball scholarship. Shumate played his senior season at Bloom after playing at Plainfield East High School before that.
"Christian adds elite athleticism and explosiveness to this class. He is coming off a terrific high school career and finished on a great team at Bloom, where he played alongside Keshawn (Williams)," said Haith.
The 6'6" forward averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and 7 blocked shots per game in helping Bloom post a 28-6 record. Shumate earned all-state and all-conference recognition, while also being named the Defensive Player of the Year for the south suburban area.
"Christian really improved his overall game from year to year. He has that ability to make the highlight-reel play and can get to the rim and finish. His size, strength and explosiveness will help him be a terrific defender as well. I am excited about the versatility he brings to our program," Haith added.
Shumate was named to the Chicago Heights Thanksgiving Classic all-tournament team after registering a triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks in the championship game against Marian Catholic. He also earned all-tournament team honors at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Shumate had a 19-point performance in the state's #1 vs. #2 game, pitting Bloom and Curie High Schools.
"Christian will be a fan favorite with Tulsans. He's a highlight show," said Bloom High School Head Coach Dante Maddox, Sr. "Christian is an elite athlete. He has a high motor and the combination of his athleticism and aggressiveness makes him a very exciting player. He's very confident in his ability to block shots. He has great defensive instincts which gives him the ability to lock down an opponent. Christian is a great offensive rebounder and is very aggressive to the basket.
"The combination of Christian and Keshawn gives Tulsa two very quick, fast and athletic players. Seeing them develop together under coach Haith will be exciting for Tulsa fans," said Maddox.
APRIL SIGNEES
Rey Idowu F 6-9 240 Jr-TR Melbourne, Fla. / Illinois State
Austin Richie G/F 6-6 225 Jr-JC Glenwood, Ill. / Triton College
Christian Shumate F 6-6 185 Fr-HS Chicago Height, Ill. / Bloom HS
Peyton Urbancic G 6-6 185 Fr-HS Naples, Fla. / First Baptist Academy
NOVEMBER SIGNEE
Keshawn Williams G 6-3 175 Fr-HS Chicago, Ill. / Bloom HS
-#ForOurCity-
Shumate joins his Bloom High School teammate Keshawn Williams, who signed with Tulsa in November. They are two of the five Bloom starters to each sign a Division I collegiate basketball scholarship. Shumate played his senior season at Bloom after playing at Plainfield East High School before that.
"Christian adds elite athleticism and explosiveness to this class. He is coming off a terrific high school career and finished on a great team at Bloom, where he played alongside Keshawn (Williams)," said Haith.
The 6'6" forward averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and 7 blocked shots per game in helping Bloom post a 28-6 record. Shumate earned all-state and all-conference recognition, while also being named the Defensive Player of the Year for the south suburban area.
"Christian really improved his overall game from year to year. He has that ability to make the highlight-reel play and can get to the rim and finish. His size, strength and explosiveness will help him be a terrific defender as well. I am excited about the versatility he brings to our program," Haith added.
Shumate was named to the Chicago Heights Thanksgiving Classic all-tournament team after registering a triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks in the championship game against Marian Catholic. He also earned all-tournament team honors at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Shumate had a 19-point performance in the state's #1 vs. #2 game, pitting Bloom and Curie High Schools.
"Christian will be a fan favorite with Tulsans. He's a highlight show," said Bloom High School Head Coach Dante Maddox, Sr. "Christian is an elite athlete. He has a high motor and the combination of his athleticism and aggressiveness makes him a very exciting player. He's very confident in his ability to block shots. He has great defensive instincts which gives him the ability to lock down an opponent. Christian is a great offensive rebounder and is very aggressive to the basket.
"The combination of Christian and Keshawn gives Tulsa two very quick, fast and athletic players. Seeing them develop together under coach Haith will be exciting for Tulsa fans," said Maddox.
APRIL SIGNEES
Rey Idowu F 6-9 240 Jr-TR Melbourne, Fla. / Illinois State
Austin Richie G/F 6-6 225 Jr-JC Glenwood, Ill. / Triton College
Christian Shumate F 6-6 185 Fr-HS Chicago Height, Ill. / Bloom HS
Peyton Urbancic G 6-6 185 Fr-HS Naples, Fla. / First Baptist Academy
NOVEMBER SIGNEE
Keshawn Williams G 6-3 175 Fr-HS Chicago, Ill. / Bloom HS
-#ForOurCity-
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