Staff Report
Tony Danridge averaged 29.6 points and nine rebounds a game last season and three steals and 2.3 blocks.
UNM men's head basketball coach Ritchie McKay announced Wednesday that Danridge signed a national letter of intent to attend UNM in the fall. He will receive the last basketball scholarship for the 2004-05 season.
Danridge, a 6-foot-5 guard from San Bernardino, Calif., is the recipient of the 2004 John Wooden Award, following his senior season at Cahon High School. The award is reserved for the best high school basketball player in Southern California.
Danridge was a three-year starter and led his team to the third round of the state playoffs last season. He was named Most Valuable Player and was the slam-dunk champion of the high school all-star game for San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
Danridge said he is interested in studying business.
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McKay said in a news release he and his staff are excited about Danridge's potential.
"We were fortunate to sign him because of how hidden he was in San Bernardino," McKay said. "As Tony received more recognition during his senior year, the competition for his services became fierce."
McKay noted Danridge is a strong, athletic wing, who can score from anywhere on the floor, and said Danridge would compete immediately for playing time.
Completing the 2004-05 roster is Bambale Osby, a 6-foot-7 forward from Richmond, Va. Osby averaged 16.5 points, 16.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks last year at Benedictine Catholic High School, which finished with a 25-6 record and the Virginia State Catholic League Championship.
McKay said Osby, whose nickname is Boom, will easily fit in on the Lobo team.
"We knew about 10 minutes into his visit that he is our type of person - very humble, friendly, unselfish, all characteristics that we look to attract to add to the guys we already have in our program," he said.
But McKay said as mild-mannered and unassuming as Osby is off the floor, he has another personality when he steps on the court.
"Boom has a warrior-like mentality when he plays," McKay said. "He is a great rebounder, a good shot blocker and an excellent offensive player around the basket."
McKay said Osby reminds him of a young Malik Rose of the San Antonio Spurs.
