Valentine Izundu verbals to the Houston Cougars

UPDATED: September 28 -- 1:39 p.m. CDT

POSTED: September 28, 2011 -- 11:42 a.m. CDT

For the third time this month, the Houston Cougars have received a verbal commitment from a talented Houston area basketball player from the Class of 2012.

Valentine Izundu, 6'10", 200 pounds, from Lamar Consolidated High School, announced his commitment to the Coogs today.

Izundu, who doesn't turn 17 until February 2012, joins Danuel House and Danrad "Chicken" Knowles as commitments to the Cougars this month. House and Knowles announced their decision on September 11.

Izundu's height is listed ranging from 6'9" to 6'11" in various outlets; however, there is one thing the sources agree: Izundu is a legit shot blocker. Izundu's offensive skills are raw; and, he's a work in progress.

Izundu plays for the Houston Preps on the AAU circuit; and, he's probably best described as unknown on the national scene. ESPN.com's rankings list Izundu as the #37 center in the United States. However, Izundu is the proverbial diamond in the rough.

After the Fab 48 tournament in Las Vegas earlier this year, Izundu received a scholarship offer from the University of Houston. Izundu also had looks from Tulsa, North Texas, SMU; and, he received heavy interest from Colorado State, Marquette, Arkansas, Arkansas Little Rock, and a host of other schools.

The National Letter of Intent's Fall signing period begins Wednesday, November 9.

Here's some video footage of Izundu in action (courtesty of Houston Preps):

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